Schools Programme

 

SCHOOLS TECHNICAL THEATRE INSIGHT WORKSHOPS

Stratford East is pleased to offer Technical Theatre Insight Workshops to East London secondary schools. 

The 90-minute sessions are designed to develop GCSE and A-Level Drama students' understanding of lighting, sound and set design. The workshops will expand technical vocabulary and shed light on how backstage elements contribute to creating meaning and core themes in a mainstage production. 

This offer includes one 90 minute workshop plus free tickets to see a Stratford East production.   

*The maximum group size we can accommodate for a technical insight workshop is 30 students.* 

Applications are now open for two technical insight workshops Fri 25 September around the upcoming production of BLOODSPORT: After Helen of Troy. Please click here to apply. Applications close Wed 06 May 2026 

WHERE? Stratford East, E15 1BN 
WHO? Secondary schools in East London 
WHEN? Fri 25 September 2026 
HOW MUCH? Free to attend  


TEACHERS' NIGHT

We are offering FREE tickets for Newham, Tower Hamlets, and Hackney teachers for a Teachers' Night at Stratford East on Wed 09 Sep for BLOODSPORT: After Helen of Troy. The show starts at 7.30pm, you will be welcome to join us from 6.30pm. Come and enjoy the show with other East London teachers, grab a free drink, and mingle! Please let us know by Fri 19 Jun if you'll be joining us by emailing getinvolved@stratfordeast.com 

 

SCHOOLS’ PROGRAMME: FOURTH WALL 

FOURTH WALL is an exciting drama programme designed exclusively for Newham secondary schools.    

This programme will give students an opportunity to explore devising in response to a stimulus, and to engage with a live performance; culminating in a sharing of a devised piece.  

The programme will be led by experienced theatre professionals and will include a trip to the theatre to see Stratford East's upcoming production BLOODSPORT: After Helen of Troy and a Technical Insight Workshop on the set of the show.  

Please note that BLOODSPORT: After Helen of Troy is recommended 14+ and includes the use of weapons and violence on stage, as well as explicit language and depictions of and discussions about violence against women. We are recommending A-Level classes for this programme, we are happy to discuss the right GCSE group taking part.   

As per the GCSE and A-Level Drama curriculums, participating in the FOURTH WALL project will support your students in assessing and exploring a live theatre production, and in developing and performing a devised, original, sharing. They will also enhance their technical theatre knowledge and vocabulary. 
 
WHERE? At your school & Stratford East  
WHEN? Between September and October, with workshops running weekly for 6 weeks from W/C 14 Sep 
TIMINGS? Weekly sessions should run either during class time or after school, for 1.5 hours (90 minutes). The students will also be invited to watch BLOODSPORT: After Helen of Troy on the 08 September, 7:30pm and to a Technical Insight Workshop on the set of the show on the 02 Oct at 10.30-12:00 or 13.30-15:00. 
WHO? For between 12-20 Drama students in Years 10-13 
HOW MUCH? Completely free to attend! 

We have created a preliminary schedule below with all the required dates. Please ensure that you can commit to this before applying to take part in this project: 

FOURTH WALL Schedule 

Tue 08 Sep 

Watching BLOODSPORT at Stratford East     

7:30pm 

W/C 14 Sep 

Session 1 at School 

tbc 

W/C 21 Sep 

Session 2 at School 

tbc 

W/C 28 Sep 

Session 3 at School 

tbc 

Fri 02 Oct 

Technical Insight Workshop 

10:30am-12:00pm  

OR  

1:30pm-3:00pm 

W/C 05 Oct 

Session 4 at School 

tbc 

W/C 12 Oct 

Session 5 at School 

tbc 

W/C 19 Oct  

Sharing  

tbc 

 
PLEASE NOTE: 

  • Weekly workshops must run for 1.5 hours (90 minutes) each 
  • Schools must have an appropriate space to host the workshops (approx. 10m x 10m in size, warm, with space for students to move around without obstruction, and preferably not carpeted) 
  • A teacher must be present for the duration of each workshop 

 

To Apply 

Please complete the application form here, demonstrating how the project would benefit your students.  

Applications close on Fri 19 Jun 2026, midday. We will be in touch by Fri 26 Jun to confirm the outcome of your application. 
 
If you have any questions, please contact us at getinvolved@stratfordeast.com. 

 

TICKET PRICES FOR SCHOOLS
Call our Box Office on 020 8534 0310 to secure the best deal, or email getinvolved@stratfordeast.com for more information.

WORKSHOPS
We are committed to supporting local Newham schools in enriching their curriculum and widening students’ experience and understanding of theatre. Please contact us if you have any questions. 

RESOURCES FOR YOU AND YOUR STUDENTS
We've created a series of resource packs designed to support the teaching of drama in secondary schools. You can download these free educational resources below.

Understanding The Creative Team
Designed to support students understanding of the creatives that are involved in making a production beyond those on stage. This resource looks at the Sound Designer, Lighting Designer, Stage Manager and Assistant Director. Download here or click the image below.
Understanding the Creative Team

Performing Monologues 
Designed to help students to prepare, rehearse and perform a monologue. Download here or click the image below.
Performing Monologues

Designing Monologues 
These exercises will support students in exploring the early stages of the design process. Download here or click the image below.
Designing Monologues

TECHNICAL THEATRE RESOURCE PACK
Designed to develop teachers understanding of technical theatre, with practical exercises to use in the drama studio.
Download here

SHOW RESOURCE PACKS
Insights into the significance of and creation of shows to share with your students:
Cinderella
Red Riding Hood

ANTI-RACISM RESOURCE PACK FOR DRAMA EDUCATORS
Designed for drama teachers seeking to further their understanding of race, racism and anti-racist practice in the classroom. 
Download here 

ARTS MARK AND ARTS AWARD
Stratford East is an Arts Award supporter. We can provide support for young people with their Arts Award qualifications.

Our offer supports schools at any stage of their Artsmark journey to support and complement their drama provision.

 

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