Solomon's school performances run for 55 minutes and the workshops also run for 55 minutes, they are intended to fit within a standard 60 minute lesson. We are flexible to handle shorter or longer lesson times, it is straightforward and you will just need to let us know this with beforehand.
The standard format is for the whole of the year group to see the performance in period 1 and then smaller groups from that year are taken out of timetable throughout the day to see the workshops.
A typical example:
08.15 Arrive and set up
09.10 - 10.10 Performance 1 - 210 Students(in main Hall)
10.10 - 11.10 Workshop 1 - 70 Students (in main Hall)
11.40 - 12.40 Workshop 2 - 70 Students (in main Hall)
12.40 - 13.40 Workshop 3 - 70 Students (in main Hall)
Popular variations (we are VERY flexible)!
· Some schools have larger numbers in the workshops due to larger year groups or less time available (we have managed 300+) however larger groups are less effective for the students and 60-90 is optimum.
· Some schools have two performances and two workshops in a day because their halls are smaller, they want to maximise the impact for their students or because they want to reach two year groups.
08.15 Arrive and set up
09.10 - 10.10 Performance 1 - 105 Students(in main Hall)
10.10 - 11.10 Workshop 1 - 105 Students (in main Hall)
11.40 - 12.40 Performance 2 - 105 Students (in main Hall)
12.40 - 13.40 Workshop 2 - 105 Students (in main Hall)
· Some schools bring in external agencies to run additional, parallel workshops. This way students do not return to timetable until the program is complete. We can advise on whom to involve and adapt our material to complement the overall program. See the Dorset Police "Project Blitz" award winning theatre & workshop for multiagency ideas video link.
The hall is best but we also use drama halls, dance floors and sports halls. Consider the following:
· A stage is good as it gives better sight lines and we would use one if available. If not available large groups (over 200) are better sat on the floor. NB the set is 5m wide by 4m deep and 2m high.
· Likewise lighting helps students to engage more and if available a general wash with no state changes is preferred.
· For good acoustics Sports halls are not the first choice but we do use them. In addition bear in mind audio distractions, favourites being music lessons, corridors running through the hall and dinner ladies setting up. We minimize the distraction of these very effectively when we know they are likely to happen!
Last Orders targets year 9 but years 10/11 work well too. Gemma's Wardrobe and Energised (Einstein's Pants) primarily years 8/9 but sometimes we do Y7 or Y10. The Power of Love is aimed for Y10 but also works for Y9 and Y11. Skin Deep is year 10 and 11. We will always adapt the workshop material and emphasis to suit accordingly.
We design the content to support the national curriculum and you can contact us to receive a copy of this.
Where funding is from an agency related to one of the issues covered in the show, we would develop this theme more (often with their input) and this is clearly stated in the booking confirmation.
You will need to telephone us for current prices and available days. We can also advise you if we have funding for your area or whom you can approach for funding.
Once you book we send a clear, booking confirmation by post (service specification) detailing the plan for the day. This allows you to see what we're delivering and to make amendments as necessary.