Inspire your students in Key Stages 3 to 5 with new workshops, resources and more.
Designed to support learning at secondary school level, we’ve created a series of online and in-person opportunities exploring how we make theatre for children. Mix and match from the options below to build the perfect experience for your students – whether you want to inspire their devised work, or signpost them to future careers.
Each of the below opportunities are available on their own, or can be combined at a reduced price. From free resources to day trips, there’s something for every budget.
Read on to explore what’s on offer, fill in the form to book your experience, or take a look at our free resources for KS3-5.
Workshops
Work with a Polka Practitioners to learn some of the key skills required to make excellent theatre for children. From sensory theatre to object puppetry, we can tailor your session to complement the work you’re doing in class.
We can take up to 30 students in a session, and workshops can take place either in your school or at Polka Theatre (subject to availability). The length of your session can also be tailored to suit your needs, with pricing as follows:
From £230 for up to 1 hour
From £330 for up to 3 hours
From £460 for a full day
Discounts are available when booked alongside theatre tickets and/or a venue tour.
Venue Tour
Go behind the scenes at the UK’s first dedicated theatre for children.
On our venue tour, students will learn about:
- Our two theatres, the Y C Chan Theatre and the Adventure Theatre, including their lighting, sound and staging capabilities.
- The history of Polka
- How we create a welcoming environment for children and families of all ages
- Our dedication to accessibility
- Some of the roles and careers in our building
Each tour will finish with a short Q&A session.
Please note that venue tours are subject to availability. As a working venue, certain areas of the building may be off-limits at any time due to health and safety requirements.
Venue tours are priced at £120 for a 30-minute tour, or £70 when booked alongside a workshop or theatre tickets.
Theatre Tickets
A visit to the theatre is the perfect way to inspire your students.
Here at Polka, we create world-class theatre for children aged 0-12, so whether you’re studying Polka at A-Level or looking for the perfect performance for your new Year 7s, we have something for you.
You can see our full list of productions here
Tickets Start From £9, with every 11th ticket free.
Secondary School Resources
The below five slide decks give an overview of each working department at Polka Theatre, offering students at KS3-5 a valuable insight into the tangible careers available in a venue like Polka.
To begin your booking, fill in form below or contact our Schools Manager, Lizzie.
Work Experience
Polka runs a dedicated Work Experience Week once a year for students in years 11 and 12.
Students who are selected will spend time with all departments at Polka including production, marketing, fundraising, creative learning and visitor services. They will learn about how we make theatre for children, and experience how an arts organisation is run.
As part of the week all students will get to see our current productions, take part in practical workshops and present a production pitch to the Polka team.
“I’ve learnt about so many roles in theatre I didn’t know even existed before this!”
Work Experience Student, 2024
Access
We are committed to making Polka accessible to everyone. We are proud to offer:
- Step-free access to all levels
- Accessible, gender-specific and gender-neutral toilets
- Dedicated access performances to schools
- Quiet spaces
- Social stories sent out before the performance
We offer a complimentary ticket for any 1-to-1 adults attending with a student with access needs. Please advise this at the time to booking and we will include this in your order.
Make a Day of It
Show-related Workshops
Workshops on site or in your school are available for a reduced rate when booked alongside a performance. More information here.
Lunch Spaces
Lunch spaces are available for a small fee, and must be requested in advance.
Ice Creams
Ice creams are just £2 each (with a dairy free option available) and available to pre-order.
Resource Pack and Activity Sheets
Free resource packs with information and activities related to the show will be emailed to you after the performance. Activity sheets are available online here.