Visit the National Theatre to explore theatre from the inside out
Make Theatre Days are a great opportunity to give children in years 4-6 an active and exciting introduction to theatre-making and the backstage world of the National Theatre. Select from a choice of four exciting days linked to different aspects of theatre-making: Puppetry, Performance, Design or Sound and Lighting.
Perfect for a Christmas trip, end-of-school-year treat or to help prepare your class for a school performance. Alternatively, let us know what relevant topics your class are studying and we will tailor the workshops to suit your class.
The Make Theatre Day programme allowed the children to learn effectively and be engaged. It is trips like this that really inspire the children and I have no doubt that the memories will stay with them for many years. Year 6 Teacher
Cost per class: £180 for state funded schools
Due to limited capacity we do not offer Make Theatre Days to independent schools. Alternatively, independent schools can book backstage tours directly with our Tours department or visit the National Theatre’s Archive.
To register your interest for Make Theatre Days please contact Rio Fry on 020 7452 3071 or rfry@nationaltheatre.org.uk
To make a booking request click here
Please note: Due to increased popularity it may not be possible to book Make Theatre Days for more than two years running.
Bursary Support
The National Theatre wants to ensure that a wide range of schools can take part in the NT Learning Primary programme including those for which the programme costs present a significant barrier to participation. We offer a limited number of bursaries providing a significant reduction in cost. Should you be interested in applying for a bursary and would like to find out more about whether your school would be eligible, please contact Rio Fry on the number or email above.
Click here to find out how Make Theatre Days can support Artsmark
What happens on a Make Theatre Day?
In the morning your class will discover some of the mystery behind theatre with:
- A visit to one of the NT's three theatres
- A backstage tour of where sets and props for NT productions are made
- An opportunity to see and handle some of the props, puppets or costumes from past NT productions
After lunch your class will work with a professional theatre artist and take part in one of these four exciting workshops, choose from:
Puppetry Skills
Your class will work with a professional puppeteer to create their own pet dog puppet out of simple materials. They will learn how to bring it to life and teach it tricks before bringing it home to impress their friends and family with their new skills!
Performance Skills
Your class will meet a professional actor and participate in a workshop introducing key performance skills such as voice and physicality. The children will create a short performance to be shared at the end of the workshop.
Design Skills
Your class will participate in a hands-on design and making workshop. Working from a theatre director's brief they will design and make a set model or prop relating to an NT production.
Sound and Lighting Skills
Your class will participate in a technical workshop, to learn how different aspects of both lighting and sound work in theatre with practical demonstrations and a task working to a brief to create their own designs.
Relaxed Make Theatre Days
Perfect for groups that would benefit from a more relaxed tour and workshop environment – including those with an autism spectrum condition or learning disability. Your class will visit one of the three NT auditoriums, try on costumes, handle some props & puppets and visit the backstage workshops. In the afternoon your class will participate in a performance or puppetry workshop led by a NT drama practitioner. All staff leading the day are specially trained in working with children with a variety of needs. Relaxed Make Theatre Days have a reduced cost of £100 per visit/class for up to 12 pupils. For more information, please contact Rio Fry.
Make Theatre Days is supported by the Span Trust and The Maurice Hatter Foundation.
