update report - Spring 2025
There’s nothing quite like the moment when a child experiences live theatre for the first time. That’s why we never tire of sharing their reactions. Here’s what pupils from Inglehurst Junior School in Leicester had to say after seeing Wicked:
“This trip was the best! It wasn’t just about seeing a show – it made us dream about what we could do when we grow up.”
“Just because you have a different skin tone doesn’t mean you can’t do anything. You should never feel bad about being yourself”
“The story inspired me to be brave because the actors weren’t scared in front of all those people.”
At theatre works!, these responses remind us that access to theatre can open young hearts and minds. But we also know that to make a lasting difference, we need to go further.
That’s why I’m delighted to share that next month, we’ll launch our brand-new UK Education Hub—with our first teaching modules going live in May. These resources are designed to help teachers deepen the experience of live performance for their students. We’ll be introducing the programme during an online webinar, open to teachers and anyone interested in using theatre to enrich young people’s learning.
As a sampler, one of the new modules—Be a Detective—guides primary-aged children in what to look out for before they attend a play. It’s all about building curiosity and confidence.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the amazing support we’ve received. Thanks to our successful UK and US Arts for Impact campaign, made possible through the UK Big Give grant and Ann & Don Morrison in the US, we’re rolling out this new programme in UK schools starting in May—with US schools following later this year.
Finally, Graham and I attended a ‘Miami Vice’ Gala in Miami this winter for a theatre the charity supports, GableStage. Even if you are too young to have caught the Miami Vice tv series, you probably get the vibe. Here’s an image of Graham and me having a bit of fun.
Thank you for your support.
With gratitude,
Sharon
Chair & Co-founder
Education, Education, Education: Our First Teaching Modules Have Arrived
Theatre can spark something powerful—but when paired with thoughtful preparation and follow-up, that spark becomes a lasting flame. That’s the thinking behind our new Education Hub, launching in May with a set of free, flexible digital resources for schools and theatres.
Developed by Lucy Bellingham, our part-time Education Coordinator and founder of We Teach Drama, these first modules have already been piloted with positive feedback from teachers and students alike. From helping children explore a play’s themes to encouraging debate after the curtain falls, the materials are designed to be used before and after a performance.
Starting next month, they’ll be made freely available to participating schools across the UK. If you’re a teacher and want to attend the 15th May webinar launch, contact Lucy here.
The Education Hub is supported by our three-year Education Fund, which aims to raise £30,000 to ensure these materials reach as many young people as possible. So far, we’ve raised around £20,000 ($25,000) through grants and early gifts.
Arts For Impact: UK & US Results – And What Comes Next
A huge thank-you to everyone who contributed to our recent Big Give campaigns!
Thanks to your generosity—and matching funds from Big Give and a generous pledge from our new trustee Ann Morrison and her husband Don—we raised over £8,000 in the UK and $7,300 in the US, surpassing both targets. These funds were raised primarily to help build out our educational materials, but some part of every grant…and any amount over our target…provides theatre tickets to children.
But the need is still great. In the UK alone, 4.3 million children live in poverty. In the US, it’s 11.4 million. For many, a ticket to the theatre remains completely out of reach. We’re committed to changing that—with your help.
First US Trustee Appointed
We are delighted to welcome Ann Morrison as our first US trustee for theatre works! Ann brings a wealth of experience from her distinguished career as editor at AsiaWeek magazine in Hong Kong and as co-editor of Time Magazine Europe, based in London. As reporter, writer and editor, she has covered global affairs, culture and the arts. Ann has a deep appreciation for theatre’s power to inspire and transform and supports theatre companies where she and her husband Don now spend most of their time – Miami, Florida, and the Massachusetts Berkshires. Her commitment to expanding access to the arts is already making an impact, as demonstrated with a $3,500 donation she and Don generously pledged to the recent US campaign. With her expertise in media and her passion for theatre, Ann will play a key role in helping theatre works! reach more young people and amplify the importance of theatre education.
Seeking Grants Administrator
theatre works! is growing fast—and so is our need for terrific people to help us keep up! We’re currently looking for a part-time Administrator. This role is ideal for someone who is organised, detail-oriented, and comfortable working with spreadsheets. We’re looking for a warm, engaging person who enjoys working collaboratively and will be a supportive presence within our small team. As the charity continues to grow, we’re looking for someone who can grow with us. All work is done remotely, £25 per hour, about 25 hours a month.
Looking for more theatre works! news? Click the link below to join our mailing list
