Edinburgh Playhouse celebrates Creative Learning initiatives this World Theatre Day
To marks World Theatre Day, Edinburgh Playhouse is highlighting the wonderful Creative Learning projects and initiatives that they have launched since Katie Mitchell was appointed in September 2023.
Article Source: ATG
Last Updated: 27 March 2024 10:42
Wednesday 27th March 2024 marks World Theatre Day and, this year, the Edinburgh Playhouse is highlighting the wonderful Creative Learning projects and initiatives that they have launched since their Creative Learning producer, Katie Mitchell, was appointed in September 2023. From tours, to creative classes, to bringing the next generation into the theatre, the past 6 months have been an incredibly important and rewarding time for the Edinburgh Playhouse.
Creative Learning is all about connecting the community to the theatre, and Tours of the captivating Edinburgh Playhouse building have allowed the community to get a special glimpse at the inner workings of the theatre, what it takes to put on a show and explore the history of such an iconic entertainment venue. Since launching earlier this year, over 200 people have attended these tours which sold out in a matter of days. A chance for audience members to set foot on a stage which has been graced by legends such as Sir Elton John, Dame Judi Dench, Diana Ross and Tina Turner, has been described by participants as “an experience that they'll never forget.”
Not only can audiences set foot on the Edinburgh Playhouse stage, the new Musical Makers classes mean participants over the age of 18 can also perform on the stage. Classes boast an hour of singing and an hour of dancing hosted by Hannah Ferrier-Baker and Jo Richards who aim to inspire, embrace individuality, and invite the community to get creative with them. Over 4 weeks, 150 people have engaged with these classes and again, these sold out in a matter of days, with there being nothing else like this in the city.
In December 2023, a partnership was formed with Sing In The City, creating the in-house community choir, Sing In The Playhouse. This choir brings together 40 members of all abilities to sing and socialise with likeminded people. The choir had their very first performance at St James Quarter Mother’s Day celebration on Saturday 9th March, joined by some of the professional Sing In The City choir members.
A fundamental part of the Creative Learning initiatives run by the Edinburgh Playhouse is dedicated to bringing the next generation into the world of theatre. The Edinburgh Playhouse Teachers’ Theatre Club was set up in October 2023 and has a staggering 400 members. This club offers CPD events for teachers, creative consultations, tours, and special offers for school groups. These opportunities have the potential of impacting approximately 12,000 children through its members. This impact has been extended further through funding from Developing The Young Workforce Forth Valley, which has enabled 20 children to join the theatre for Work In Theatre Week for workshops from set designers, directors, costume designers, theatre staff and the production team from Pretty Woman The Musical, giving them a fascinating and well-rounded insight into the world of working in the arts. Work in Theatre Week is an ATG-wide partnership with Get Into Theatre.
Students studying theatre have also benefit from the introduction of Creative Learning at the Edinburgh Playhouse through a partnership with Edinburgh College in which technical theatre placements were offered. Furthermore, the Creative Learning Producer has facilitated guest lectures at Queen Margaret University, helping students explore the pathways into working in the arts and opening up creative opportunities for them.
Finally, the Edinburgh Playhouse have created a Freelance Artist Network with 50 members from across Scotland. For the launch of the network, members came together in October 2023 for a consultation night where freelancers shared their thoughts on what is needed for the theatre sector in Scotland and, as a result, a series of workshops, talks from industry professionals and networking opportunities for artists are soon to be announced under the new Play Days programme. Members of the Freelance Artist Network have said, “This network helps reducing the barriers to venues and big organisations, it’s often hard to network as an artist so it’s great that these opportunities are happening”.
Katie Mitchell, Creative Learning Producer at the Edinburgh Playhouse, says, “As Scotland’s largest theatre and as an iconic venue, I’m so excited to be launching a brand new Creative Learning programme for Edinburgh Playhouse. Having met teachers, community, young people, audiences and artists in my short time here, I can see the love people have for the Playhouse and the need to connect further. Creative Learning is the grass roots of theatre. It’s why artists, staff and theatre makers are all in the roles that they are in and why audiences keep coming back. Someone or something championed them and they understood the magic that theatre can offer and I’m so happy to be bringing this to more people across Edinburgh and Scotland.”
Gordon Millar, Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre Director, says, “It is integral to us that Edinburgh is a city in which the creativity of all is appreciated and given a chance to flourish. Edinburgh Playhouse Creative Learning opportunities are transformative for participants. They bring people together, excite, inspire, and enrich us with happier and healthier lives.”
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Rare female cheetah arrives at Edinburgh Zoo
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has welcomed four-year-old female cheetah Domino to Edinburgh Zoo from Zoo de Cerza, France.
READ MORE
Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal
Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December
READ MORE
Festive days out to make the most of the season
From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.
READ MORE
November and December at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
From Christmas to Artist in Residence, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events taking place in this festive season!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Small Businesses shine as part of small business roadshow
Independent businesses in Edinburgh celebrated as part of Small Business Saturday’s Tour highlighting the nation’s favourite businesses
READ MORE
SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu
Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.
READ MORE
Beyond Monet and Beyond Van Gogh open in Edinburgh this month
Two immersive experiences which bring the work of a pair of iconic artists to life in mesmerising and moving fashion are set to open in Edinburgh this month.
READ MORE
The many worlds of Stephen King return to Vue this autumn
As the The Long Walk wraps up in cinemas, fans of Stephen King can look forward to seven classic re-releases heading to the big screen this autumn.
READ MORE
First ever Letters Live cinema events comes to the Big Screen in Edinburgh this week
A very special cinema event is coming to Edinburgh this week, comprising a preview of a brand-new film, a world-renowned literary event and an appearance from a BAFTA-winning actor.
READ MORE
Flight Club Edinburgh launches limited edition Winter Menu and Festive Brunch
Flight Club Edinburgh kicks off Christmas party season with the unveiling of its specially curated limited-edition menu and festive celebration-worthy bottomless brunch.
READ MORE
Deer Park unwraps a festive calendar of fun for December
Deer Park Golf & Country Club is set to bring a touch of Christmas magic this December, with a month-long programme of festive events for families, friends and colleagues to enjoy.
READ MORE
Vue Ocean Terminal set to welcome luxurious new seating option
Film fans in Edinburgh will soon be able to enjoy the latest releases in the ultimate comfort with the arrival of Vue’s signature Ultra Lux seat at its Ocean Terminal venue.
READ MORE
Decade of teaching Scotland to swim capped In Edinburgh
A PROGRAMME that has created a legacy of confident swimmers across Scotland has reached a major milestone, celebrating ten years of transforming lives through the power of swimming.
READ MORE
Call for homeowners in Edinburgh and Lothians to check eligibility for Energy Saving Home Improvements
With energy bills remaining high and winter approaching, thousands of families in Edinburgh and the Lothians could be missing out on free home energy improvements worth £10,000 or more.
READ MORE
Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes
A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.
READ MORE
RZSS continues call for national ban on public sale of fireworks
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is renewing its call for a national ban on the public sale of fireworks, one year after the tragic death of baby red panda Roxie at Edinburgh Zoo.
READ MORE
Edinburgh to welcome globally renowned DJs to perform at The Johnnie Walker Experience
FREE Tickets for ‘Keep Walking Live with NTS Radio, presented by The Johnnie Walker Experience’ are available now on Resident Advisor.
READ MORE
Magical Winter Village to light up Fort Kinnaird for the first time this Christmas
This Christmas, Fort Kinnaird will be transformed into a festive wonderland filled with seasonal street food, artisan gifts, fairground rides and spectacular circus shows for all to enjoy.
READ MORE
First Footin Trail returns to Kick Start
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay organisers today announce the first events at this year’s First Footin’ programme on New Year’s Day.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Book Festival makes 60 new flagship events available worldwide
Edinburgh International Book Festival is releasing 60 more events from its August 2025 programme for global audiences this week on a Donate What You Can basis.
READ MORE
Heroes call on Scottish rugby fans to vote for the greatest Murrayfield rugby moment
SCOTTISH rugby fans have been called upon to cast their vote for the greatest ever Murrayfield rugby moment as part of celebrations marking the national stadium’s centenary.
READ MORE
Make a difference to East Lothian during Trustees Week
Volunteer Centre East Lothian urges people to lend their support to local charities by becoming a trustee.
READ MORE
The Christmas tradition of the year is back...
Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!
READ MORE
Customers queue for 18 hours at Popeyes Fort Kinnaird
Today, Popeyes® UK, home of the famous Louisiana Chicken, opened its Fort Kinnaird restaurant in Newcraighall, with over 100 people in the queue for launch day.
READ MORE
Midlothian primary school set to celebrate centenary with a week of music and memories
Exactly 100 years since Newtongrange Primary School first opened its doors, teachers and pupils are set to celebrate its centenary in style.
READ MORE
National Roadshow to Shine a Spotlight on Edinburgh Small Businesses
Edinburgh’s small businesses are set to take centre stage this week as the Small Business Saturday nationwide roadshow rolls into town on Wednesday, 5th November.
READ MORE
St Andrews Day ticket offer for Castle of Light
Edinburgh Castle ignites excitement for Castle of Light: Fire and Ice with special St Andrew’s Day ticket offer.
READ MORE
Shuttle Bus Route Launched at Lost Shore Surf Resort
Lost Shore Surf Resort is teaming up with Scottish sustainable travel pioneer Ember to launch a new all-electric shuttle bus service from Edinburgh City Centre to the resort.
READ MORE
Michelin success for top new restaurant of the year in Edinburgh
Barry Fish, one of Edinburgh’s most celebrated new restaurants of 2025, has earned its place in the prestigious Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland, just 8 months after its launch.
READ MORE
Deer Park Golf and Country Club Tees Up Championship Quality Golf All Year Round
Deer Park is offering golfers the chance to enjoy superb playing conditions 365 days a year, ensuring the course remains in peak form, whatever the weather.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links