SUMMER SCHOOL: Theatre Makersat Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds

From blank page to original performance in just one week. Theatre Makers is for young people who have ever wondered what happens before a play reaches the stage.

 Instead of performing a script written by someone else, participants become the writers, creators, designers, directors and performers behind an entirely new piece of theatre.

In just five action-packed days, you’ll join other brilliant young minds to imagine, create, and perform a brand-new piece of theatre, from the very first spark of an idea to the final curtain call.  Every story, character, scene, and creative choice is developed collaboratively throughout the week, culminating in a showcase to friends and family.

Our Theatre Makers Summer School is run by professional theatre artists – Playwright, Director, Producer, Sound Engineer, Lighting Designer and Stage Management – to give you high-quality, hands-on experience that will help you to build confidence, skills and friendships (and maybe even help shape your career).

Spend your summer holiday diving into an exciting summer school experience where creativity takes centre stage!

FAQS

What does “create a brand-new piece of theatre” mean?  

It means participants begin Monday with nothing more than a collection of ideas and possibilities. 
By Friday, they have created and performed an original theatrical production that did not exist before the week began.

The story, characters, themes, staging and creative direction all emerge through collaborative workshops and guided creative processes.

Are they working with a writer?  

Rather than working from a finished script, participants generate the material themselves with support from experienced theatre practitioners. Facilitators guide the process, provide creative tools and techniques, and help shape ideas into a coherent performance.

How does the week unfold? 

 Monday: Inspiration and Ideas 
Participants explore themes, stories, images, questions and creative prompts. The group begins discussing what kind of theatre they want to create.

Tuesday: Characters and Story 
The group develops characters, relationships, settings and dramatic situations. Storylines begin to emerge and creative decisions are made collectively.

Wednesday: Creating Scenes 
Ideas are transformed into performance material. Participants devise scenes, movement sequences, dialogue and theatrical moments.

Thursday: Rehearsal and Production 
The piece is refined and shaped into a complete performance. Staging, pacing, transitions, and performance details are developed.

Friday: Final Performance 
Families are invited to see the finished work and celebrate the creativity and achievement of the participants.

How do they choose the story?  

The group works together to identify themes and ideas that excite them.

This could involve: Mystery, Comedy, Fantasy, Contemporary issues, Adventure, Science fiction, Historical inspiration.

Facilitators help participants combine ideas and find common ground so everyone contributes to the final production.

 Participants have opportunities to explore:

Character development

Story creation

Dialogue and scene-making

Movement

Set and prop ideas

Performance and staging

 The exact balance depends on the interests and strengths of the group.

 Is it writing or performing?  

Both. Participants experience the creative process from concept to performance. Some children discover they love generating ideas and shaping stories. Others thrive when performing those ideas on stage. Theatre Makers allows them to experience both sides of theatre creation.

What does the final performance look like?  

The outcome is typically an original theatrical production made up of connected scenes, characters, and storytelling elements created throughout the week 
 
Family Showcase  

Families are invited to watch the finished piece on Friday and see first-hand what can happen when young people’s creativity is given the space to flourish.

Is this right for my child?  

This programme is ideal for:

Creative thinkers and storytellers

Children who enjoy drama and theatre

Young people who love inventing characters and ideas

Aspiring writers, directors, designers and performers

It’s especially valuable for children who enjoy being creative but don’t necessarily want to be the centre of attention. Because there are many ways to contribute, participants can find roles that suit their confidence level while still being part of the final performance.

Dates and times:

Monday 17th August – Friday 21st August

10am – 4pm

Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle, snacks and lunch.