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Let's Play

Embed drama and creativity in your school across the curriculum with support from the National Theatre.

Let's Play

What is Let's Play?

  • Let’s Play is a series of creative learning projects, resources and teacher CPD opportunities for UK primary schools which place drama and creativity at the heart of the curriculum and teaching practice. Whether you are an NQT or an experienced teacher or senior leader who has been responsible for the school play for years, Let’s Play has something to offer you.


What will my school get as a Let’s Play member?

Let’s Play is perfectly placed to support your school to gain Arts Award. Find out how. 


Support with Drama and Performance

Let’s Play will support you and your staff to create outstanding theatre performances in your school - whether for an end of term school production, a shorter topic-based performance for assembly or simply to support learning in the classroom. You will get unlimited access to:

  • Playscripts (with songs and music) for KS1 and KS2 children to perform
  • Cross-curricular creative learning schemes of work linked to each playscript
  • CPD training opportunities in every aspect of creating performance in school
  • Clear and simple toolkits providing guidance on using drama across the curriculum.


Professional Development for Teaching staff

Let’s Play will support staff professional development with access to CPD sessions and courses, both online and in person, with a focus on:

  • Developing a creative approach to learning across the curriculum
  • Different aspects of theatre-making within a primary school context
  • Planning, preparing and rehearsing your school production
  • Personal impact for teachers


Digital Resources

  • Educational films for pupils on different aspects of theatre and theatre making and jobs in theatre.
  • Films for teachers demonstrating creative learning techniques.
  • Films supporting teachers with the common challenges of creating theatre with children.

 

What impact will Let’s Play have in my school?


For Teahcers:

  • Teachers learn simple and effective ways to create high-quality performances and use drama as a tool for learning.
  • Teachers develop a deep understanding of creative learning, and how to apply those skills in their teaching practice across the curriculum
  • Teachers discover tools to maximise their personal impact in the classroom.


For Pupils:

  • The creative learning approach allows pupils with a range of learning styles and abilities an opportunity to succeed and to enjoy learning.
  • Pupils gain confidence, self-esteem and core skills such as empathy, team work and leadership.
  • Pupils learn to be creative problem solvers.
  • Pupils have an opportunity to gain an Arts Award


If you have any questions about Let’s Play, please email us [email protected]

How do I join Let's Play?
 

  • Access to the whole programme costs just £250 per academic year.
  • Significantly discounted places are available for schools who meet certain criteria – please email us on the address below for more information. 
  • To sign up for Let’s Play please email [email protected]

 

Teacher Testimonials

'I had no confidence or experience prior to the course. I'm leaving with ideas that form a framework or what I want to achieve and how I'll achieve it.' 

‘I was really excited about putting my new knowledge of theatre-making into practice after the CPD. I felt much more confident about approaching the rehearsal process as a result of it.’  

‘Having a class novel which turned into a topic, which then led to a production worked brilliantly for the children. It was truly inclusive, with a role for all abilities in the process.’  

‘The children have learned to work together as a team with a real consideration for each other. They have been very focused and have become notably better at problem-solving within the group.’  

 

Let’s Play is based on an original idea by Katie Mitchell.

 

The National Theatre's Partner for Learning is Bank of America

Let’s Play is supported by The Mohn Westlake Foundation, Buffini Chao Foundation, The Hearn Foundation, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, The Goldsmiths' Company Charity, Charlotte and Simon Warshaw, Susan Miller and Byron Grote, Mave Turner and David Dutton, The Derrill Allatt Foundation and The Casey Trust.



Buffini Chao Foundation


Arts Mark logo

Click here to find out how Let's Play can support Artsmark

Let's Play: Trailer

Create an exciting production in your school with support from the National Theatre. Watch this trailer to find out how you can get involved.

More info

Welcome to the National Theatre

Take a look behind the scenes at the National Theatre, and find out who and what it takes to make a production for one of our three stages.

More info

Let's Play - Parkfield Primary School