About
What is Merton Youth Drama Workshop?
Drama classes in the Wimbledon area, that combine great fun with performance and social skills, for anyone from 4 to 18 years old.
Why was it started?
Schools attempt to provide drama as part of the curriculum however often in primary school it is not possible to learn with a drama specialist and in secondary school the curriculum can be geared towards assessment rather than creativity and social development. The classes were started to provide local children with an after school activity that would be stimulating, motivational and a place to be imaginative and grow in confidence. The classes are designed to enable children of all abilities to be challenged, acquire performance skills and to increase their confidence in all areas of their lives.
When and Where?
The classes take place on Monday evenings after school during term time at Merton Park Primary School, Merton Park. New students are given a free class as a trial session.
What do they do?
Improvisation, mime, speech, movement, storytelling, drama games, devised plays, mask work, introductions to Shakespeare's plays, script work and accredited Trinity Guildhall drama exams once a year.
What do they learn?
Confidence, imaginative expression, self discipline, cooperation, courage, empathy, voice projection, coordination, physical expression, listening and fun!
Who teaches it?
Nancy McClean worked as a professional actress for fifteen years and during that time led drama workshops with many youth and community groups as well as both primary and secondary schools. She also taught as part of the education team at Polka Theatre for several years as well as teaching adults drama at Goldsmiths University. She is a qualified drama teacher currently Head of Drama at secondary school level. She was recently awarded an MA in Shakespeare and Education from Birmingham University.