Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation launches successful “Off-Grid” theatre project to rural schools in North Yorkshire Moors and Yorkshire Dales

We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to access the arts and grow vital life skills. Given that rural schools often lack easy access to theatres and cultural venues, “Off-Grid” has been specially designed for small rural primary schools to stage fun and creative Shakespeare productions in their community and embed Drama into the curriculum. Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation are searching to work with four rural primary schools in North Yorkshire Moors and Yorkshire Dales to take part in this two-year project.

The Off-Grid project includes twilight CPD sessions with staff; introducing the project, Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation’s methodology and a toolkit for exercises that can be used in the classroom. Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation will conduct regular workshops throughout the year exploring a Shakespeare story with every pupil in the school led by its professional team. This knowledge will then transition into an end of term, interactive, bold, and fun performance, facilitated by the Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation team in the local community. Schools will receive Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation’s award-winning curriculum resources and training to embed its pedagogy in the classroom.

A number of rural schools in Cumbria and Somerset are now in their second year of the project and have spoken of the benefits for children. One teacher at a Cumbria rural school said: “Rarely have I seen such noticeable improvements throughout the curriculum following an intervention or project”. Another teacher taking part in Somerset said: “It is fantastic to see students who were withdrawn when they start their Festival journey, blossom with confidence and self-esteem”.

As a cultural education charity, Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation has been supported in bringing this project to life by The Esmee Fairburn Foundation. The support allows eligible schools to take part in this two-year project at a highly discounted rate, having only to make a small contribution of £400. If you are based in North Yorkshire Moors or Yorkshire Dales, are a small rural primary school, please contact Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation at hello@coramshakespeareschools.org.uk or 020 7601 1800 to see if your school is eligible to take part. The deadline for applications is the end of January 2022.