Designing School Theatres
26 April 2010 The Venue, Leeds College of Music 9:00 – 17:15
27 April 2010 Royal Armouries, Leeds 10:00 – 13:00
Securing the best theatres for the nation’s schools
Read Conference10: Designing School Theatres Report (PDF)
Conference 10: Designing School Theatres looked at the design of theatres located within secondary schools, academies and independent schools. It considered the challenges associated with creating theatres that feel and work like theatres whilst also serving a range of educational, learning and community needs, their relationship to other theatres in their cities and towns, and the role they play in shaping the next generation of theatre activists, artists, and audiences.
Day one of the conference looked at how to work within the Building Schools for the Future framework to successfully define a design brief for theatre and drama facilities that meet the needs of the school, other stakeholders and provide a welcoming environment for the public.
It looked at the tools needed by schools to get the best out of architects, consultants and contractors who may not be experienced in designing and building theatres and how to ensure staff and students within educational institutions are meaningfully involved in the process. It also looked at how to design school theatre and drama facilities so they can be managed successfully for multiple users.
Day two took place at the Royal Armouries, Leeds. It developed the debate and considered the design principles that deliver good school theatres and performing arts facilities. Delegates were also invited to visit the Plasa Focus show, meet with Exhibitors and discuss their needs.
Maev Kennedy, arts and archaelogy journalist for The Guardian is our Conference Chair.
Session chairs: Maev Kennedy, Ric Green, Pamela Lea and Rosellen Mates
Contributors include
• Imelda Staunton, Actress
• Peter Rabbett, Education Consultant
• Sid Higgins, Executive Director, National Youth Theatre of Great Britain
• Alistair Boag, Theatre Director Stahl Theatre, Oundle School
• Anthony Ruck, Arts and Cultural Adviser to BSF West Midlands, MADE
• Mark Foley, Principal, Burrell Foley Fischer LLP
• Geoff Halliwell, Director, Bond Bryan Architects
• Nicoline Harrington, Assistant Head Teacher and Director of Specialism, Rodillian School Leeds
• Oliver Haden, Vice Principal, The Langley Academy
• Rosellen Mates, Development Director, Frensham Heights School
• Natasha Coccia-Clark, Head of Drama, The Bridge Academy, Hackney
• Andrew Perry, Assistant Head (Arts), Townley Grammar School for Girls
• Paul Durose, Chairman, School Theatre Support Group
• Dan Aldridge, Head of Operations, Stage Electrics
• Richard Jones, National Specialism Coordinator Music and Performing Arts, Specialist Schools and Academies Trust
• Mhora Samuel, Director, The Theatres Trust
Day one of Conference 10: Designing School Theatres was followed by a reception which provided an opportunity to relax, and unwind amongst fellow delegates and exhibitors from the Plasa Focus Leeds 2010 show and informally discuss issues arising from the day.
Designing School Theatres was produced by The Theatres Trust
Conference Reporter: Susan Elkin
Production Manager: Petrus Bertschinger
Production Manager: Andy Shewan
Development Consultant: Caz Williamson
Go to Conference10 Programme
