Our Beginners Please project invites local schools to share the experience of performing live in a professional theatre environment – building confidence, resilience and oracy skills.

Between 14 June and 17 July this year we welcomed over 200 children from 9 different schools to Salisbury Playhouse. With support from our Education Officer and technical team, pupils had one day to rehearse and perform on the Salberg Studio stage to an audience of friends and family members.

We also offered support with planning and resources during the academic year, before the performance date. Schools also had options for additional in-school workshops and backstage tours.

So, why do schools do it?

It gives teachers an opportunity to be creative, adventurous and build something with the whole class as the school year comes to an end. And children get to make memories through a potentially life-changing first experience of live performance. But don’t just take our word for it; here’s what some of this year’s participants had to say:

“All children grew in confidence throughout the whole project ... They worked well as a team and are inspired to carry on with drama.” St Peter's CE Primary Academy

“Children who previously felt like they couldn't act on stage were able to do so and felt more confident to do so” Downton Primary School

“Participants feel more confident about performing and speaking in front of an audience... Children have worked closely with children they may not usually worked with which has helped to widen social connections.” Woodlands Primary School