Building Confidence and Curiosity Through Theatre
- Lucy Bellingham
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
How the theatre works! Education Hub helps teachers turn live performances into lasting learning experiences.
theatre works! has launched a free Education Hub for UK teachers, packed with drama and theatre resources that can be used before and after theatre visits. The Hub offers ready-to-use lesson plans for both primary and secondary levels, designed to prepare students for their first encounter with live theatre and help them reflect afterwards.
Why Theatre Matters
Live theatre is more than a treat—it can be transformative. For many children, a first theatre visit sparks joy, and imagination. It can provoke new ideas, foster empathy, and even raise aspirations. The Education Hub builds on these moments, ensuring they are not just one-off experiences but powerful opportunities for learning.
The Education Hub
theatre works! has developed two hubs of resources tailored to UK schools:
The Secondary Hub – launched in May 2025, this hub is now live and offers a suite of resources for secondary teachers.
The Primary Hub – launching in November 2025, this hub will provide resources designed specifically for primary teachers.
Both hubs are free to access and have been created to be flexible, practical, and easy to use across drama, English, citizenship, and PSHE.
Be the Detective
A pre-visit resource encouraging students to approach theatre like detectives. They learn what to look for and listen out for—helping them enter the theatre with curiosity and confidence.
Be the Reviewer
A post-visit resource that encourages reflection and evaluation. Students practise forming critical responses and articulating what moved or challenged them.
Let’s Debate
This resource uses theatre as a springboard for discussion. Structured debates build skills in listening, respectful disagreement, and clear communication.
Backstage Roles in Practice
Connecting to the award-winning resources from Get into Theatre, this secondary resource introduces Year 9 students to backstage professions and broadens awareness of career opportunities in the arts, beyond acting & performance.
A Call to UK Teachers and Schools
The charity provides theatre tickets and transport support to UK schools where at least 40% of pupils are eligible for Pupil Premium and/or 25% of pupils have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). With 24,000 tickets already provided, theatre works! is opening the door to live performance for thousands of children—and there are many more opportunities ahead.