Welcome to StoryWorks Education

StoryWorks Education began as a multimedia performing arts in Education Company working with children and young people in schools across Cornwall to create dynamic cross-curricular projects based on a theatrical journey beginning with an original story, and ending in a site-specific or landscape theatre performance by the pupils.

This is still a MAJOR part of our work . . . but we have diversified.  Following the very successful 'Rehearsal for Reality' (R4R) project, we now also offer series of workshops and sessions using drama to consider individual and whole group issues and dilemmas such as self-esteem; confidence; peer pressure; bullying; challenging family and relationship situations; etc

'it is possible to recognise and understand unhelpful past events; to identify and learn new behaviours; to re-negotiate perceptions of self and society.’ Sue Jennings (1992) 'to allow re-working of experience that has not been dealt with;’  leading to 'greater clarity in self-perception as well as enhanced relationships with other people.’

Langley (2006) 'a deliberate application in order to alter attitudes, change behaviour and help with confronting and dealing with . . . emotional or behavioural enlightenment.’ Barham (1992) 'the intentional use of drama and theatre processes and related techniques in order to achieve the therapeutic goals of . . . emotional and physical integration, and personal growth.’

Benson (2010) believes that working with groups in a creative way creates ‘commonality, collaboration, and community’; to which Jennings adds in order ‘to achieve skills in communication, confidence and social interaction, self-presentation.’ (1992)

Using a multi-disciplinary approach incorporating Storytelling, Drama, Improvisation, Dance and Movement, Music Composition and Arrangement, Puppet Design and Creation, Mask-Making, Set/Prop Design and Construction, our aim is to develop a project that supports class-based work across the National Curriculum and/or is based around an issue important to your school and pupils.  Beginning with original tales, or taking existing myths or stories from around the world, explored from different perspectives and through different mediums, this approach lends itself to the consideration of many aspects of the curriculum such as History, Geography, English, Science, Religious Education, Drama, Dance, Music, and Citizenship Education. 

In consultation with your school we can create a project based on topics the class or year group is studying or you can choose from our current list of cross-curricular arts-based workshops.  We are happy to work on a daily basis (one-off workshops, with a variety of funding options available) or for longer (for cross-curricular projects perhaps over a whole academic year) on projects leading to a performance.  We are able to provide references for our work upon request.