Learn with Theatre
All of our workshops can be delivered in your school or at Polka Theatre, and are led by our expert team of actors, directors, storytellers and puppeteers.
Browse our selection of theatre workshops for schools or fill in the form to make a booking.
Workshop Costs
From £250 for 1 workshop
From £360 for a half day (up to 3 workshops)
– From £480 for full day (up to 4/5 workshops)
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In a Sensory Story session, one of Polka’s expert storytellers will invite your students to travel with them through the world of a story, using a range of dramatic and sensory techniques to bring a book or classic tale of your choosing to life.
Every workshop will begin with a warm up and end with a cool down and reflection.
Techniques Used:
- Sensory Play
- Puppetry
- Movement
- Roleplay
- Group/Pair Games
- Call & Response
- Songs
- Music
Children will…
- be immersed in the world of the story, developing their comprehension through imaginative play.
- practice using both gross and fine motor skills through sensory play and drama games.
- develop communication, language and reasoning skills through roleplay and group work.
Recommended Workshop Length: 30 to 45 minutes per group
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A Show-Related Workshop is the perfect way to complement a trip to Polka. In these workshops, pupils will work with a Polka Practitioner to explore the key themes, characters and settings of the Polka production they have seen.
Performance Elements Explored:
- Character
- Setting
- Key Themes
Children will…
- develop their understanding and recognition of the plot, characters and settings featured in the performance.
- engage in sensory play themed to the production to immerse them into the world of the story.
Recommended Workshop Length: 45 minutes to 1 hour per group
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In a Puppetry Workshop, your pupils will learn about a range of different types of puppets and how they are operated. One of Polka’s experienced puppeteers will then guide each child to decorate their very own puppet. Workshops can be themed to a book or topic of your choosing.
Every workshop will begin with a warm up and end with a chance for pupils to practice operating their puppets.
Types of Puppets:
- Paper Bag Puppets
- Stick and Rod Puppets
- Moving Mouth Puppets
- Shadow Puppets
Children will…
- design and decorate their own puppet.
- Learn how to manipulate their puppet and practice moving and talking with it.
Recommended Workshop Length: 1 hour to 90 minutes per class
Puppetry workshops incur an additional fee of £1 per child to cover materials.
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In our Confidence Workshop, children will be guided through an interactive sensory story designed to help them identify and celebrate their own strengths and those of their peers.
Every workshop will begin with a warm up and end with a cool down and reflection.
Techniques Used:
- Process Drama
- Storytelling
- Still Image
Children will…
- be immersed in the world of a story.
- work together to problem solve.
- identify their own strengths and those of others.
- practice using both gross and fine motor skills through sensory play and drama games.
Recommended Workshop Length: 45 minutes to 1 hour per group
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In our Emotions Workshops, children will be guided through an interactive sensory story designed to grow their emotional regulation skills, exploring how to recognise and manage strong feelings. Workshops can be themed to a specific emotion, such as worry, anger or sadness.
Every workshop will begin with a warm up and end with a cool down and reflection.
Techniques Used:
- Process Drama
- Storytelling
- Still Image
- Breathwork
Children will…
- be immersed in the world of a story.
- practice recognising different emotions.
- learn techniques for managing big feelings.
- practice using both gross and fine motor skills through sensory play and drama games.
Recommended Workshop Length: 45 minutes to 1 hour per group
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Polka also provides workshops bespoke-designed for your school or setting.
A bespoke workshop may combine two or more different types of workshop, run over multiple days, or use drama and theatre to explore something completely original.
Examples of Past Bespoke Workshops:
- Combined Puppetry and Sensory Story workshops
- Weekly Drama Lessons and Clubs
- Mask-Making Workshops
- Playmaking and Devising workshops run over multiple days
Please note that bespoke workshops incur a small additional fee, which will be discussed when booking. To book a bespoke workshop, simply fill in the Schools Workshop Booking Form and our Schools Manager, Lizzie, will get in touch to discuss your ideas.
Access
Polka Theatre is for everyone. We are committed to ensuring Schools Workshops in our venue and in schools are both accessible and inclusive. All of our workshops are tailor-made to suit your group’s learning style and requirements. We collaborate with your school to always ensure the best experience for your class or year group.
There is plenty of information and resources on Access at Polka, including an Access Information Pack and video. Both can act as a social story for the building and will tell you more about your visit to Polka.
Find out more
Explore how Polka supports Early Years Foundation Stage.
