Drama
See Shows for details of my own performances. For my books on practical drama for teachers, see Publications. I still offer vocal coaching, delivery and presentation skills, mainly to those in the church. I was for some years the vocal coach to the Eastern Region Ministry Committee, and remain an occasional coach at Westminster College, Cambridge.
For twenty six years I was an associate lecturer in Drama at the Faculty of Education in Cambridge, and prior to my retirement I ran relaxed, non-threatening drama Inset sessions in schools for both staff who loved drama and staff who dreaded it, offering a balance of practical ideas and exploring the reasons behind them. I see drama as a learning tool rather than as a slot in the timetable. My sessions aim to show the immense value of drama as a learning medium to approach different areas of the curriculum; how to begin; how to plan; a wide range of exciting, manageable, tried and tested ideas; dealing with difficulties.
‘Many thanks for the drama Inset....Everyone felt that they had gained a better understanding of how drama can be used as a teaching medium and that you provided helpful, practical ideas that really do transfer across the age range.’
Headteacher, Primary School, Herts.
When teaching drama I address the following areas:
· the Mantle of the Expert technique and drama as a learning medium to approach different areas of the curriculum; for example, to bring a historical period alive for children, to explore a painting or story from within, to guide children to solve practical or emotional problems through teamwork and experience
· introducing drama throughout the school and using it to address the curriculum
· performance techniques, confidence building, good use of the voice and presentation skills
· ideas for performance pieces for school events, assemblies and presentations
· building a play with children for their own performance
For twenty six years I was an associate lecturer in Drama at the Faculty of Education in Cambridge, and prior to my retirement I ran relaxed, non-threatening drama Inset sessions in schools for both staff who loved drama and staff who dreaded it, offering a balance of practical ideas and exploring the reasons behind them. I see drama as a learning tool rather than as a slot in the timetable. My sessions aim to show the immense value of drama as a learning medium to approach different areas of the curriculum; how to begin; how to plan; a wide range of exciting, manageable, tried and tested ideas; dealing with difficulties.
‘Many thanks for the drama Inset....Everyone felt that they had gained a better understanding of how drama can be used as a teaching medium and that you provided helpful, practical ideas that really do transfer across the age range.’
Headteacher, Primary School, Herts.
When teaching drama I address the following areas:
· the Mantle of the Expert technique and drama as a learning medium to approach different areas of the curriculum; for example, to bring a historical period alive for children, to explore a painting or story from within, to guide children to solve practical or emotional problems through teamwork and experience
· introducing drama throughout the school and using it to address the curriculum
· performance techniques, confidence building, good use of the voice and presentation skills
· ideas for performance pieces for school events, assemblies and presentations
· building a play with children for their own performance