Schools, libraries & museums
AsOne has developed a strong educational arm running in parallel with all of its theatre productions; visiting schools with a full touring stage production and offering optional drama workshops, designed to fit the theme of the play. The Company has been touring plays out of Dorset since 2004 and is experienced in engaging students of all ages.
Most of the theatre productions are suitable for schools performance – either junior or senior schools and visits are accompanied by workshops, adapted to the theme of the play. Specifically tailored workshops can be arranged at any time; independent of production, and our Victorian themed “Mummers Play” schools workshop, has proved popular with Dorset schools for the past 4 years.
Our ‘Libraries Live’ initiative is directly aimed at education & learning and combines live theatre in both libraries and schools which includes a repertory catalogue of 40 minute plays :
Mary Anning’s Fossil Depot
The Fisherman’s Daughter
Jess’s Odyssey
Well respected in both secondary and primary schools; they have all praised AsOne Theatre Company’s educational work.
Availability for Spring 2023 – Mary Anning’s Fossil Depot
Following its very successful tour of schools and libraries in 2018 bookings are now considered for an extended tour in libraries, schools, and arts centres.
“Can I just say how blown away I was by the event. I have to say I went with little expectation and was well…. totally amazed. The children were totally drawn into the event and the life of Mary. There was so much information on Mary’s life and what she achieved in such a short space of time. The audience interaction along with the story telling was a perfect match. I would not hesitate to recommend a performance by your company. Well done to both Jane and EltJo a truly amazing show. Thank you.”
“I have been a teacher for 30 years and seen many visiting theatre company’s – but this is the best production I have ever seen”
Call 01305 835541
Play synopsis
It is said that Mary Anning, born in Lyme Regis in 1799, was a placid baby; then struck by lightning she became bright and talkative. Not only did little Mary survive, but at 11 years old she & her brother Joseph found the first complete Ichthyosaur fossil. Self-taught, Mary went on to be an inspiration, shaking the 19th Century world of science. ‘Mary Anning Fossil Depot’ is an, entertaining performance, packed-full of interactive fun, facts, & adventure on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset. Mary, aided & abetted by her brother Joseph, looks back at an inspiring life led with a passion for hunting & understanding fossils; struggles with poverty & self-education. This special story is interwoven by a string of ‘Curios’ – small fossils which Mary & Joseph introduce for the children to handle: ‘Snakestones’, ‘Devil’s Toenails’, ‘Ladies Fingers’ – each sold for a penny by the Anning’s to put food on the table. Mary Anning went on to prove with desire and determination, whoever you are, you can achieve great things.
Libraries & Schools Live Tour is grant funded and free to children
The Fisherman’s Daughter
touring Dorset’s libraries, primary schools, village halls and festivals
Play by: Peter John Cooper; Song and Music by Joe Butcher
Play synopsis
Waiting for her fisherman father‘s return one stormy night, young Jess faces her fears dreaming of shipwrecks, sea-monsters, treasure, & survival. Through a chance meeting with retired librarian, Moira & a hilarious one-legged seagull, Harold – Jess discovers the healing magic of books; heart-warming, intimate, family theatre with a creative dusting of AsOne magic.’
What the School Say!
“The children in my class loved the visit from AsOne Theatre. They had the workshop before seeing the performance which prepared them for the performance. I feel they got more from the performance having done the workshop before it. The workshop was fantastic – it really encouraged the children to be creative and work together, I was very impressed with what my class achieved in the time. My class also loved the performance – they were really in awe of some of the effects used and understood everything in the play, even the bits that I thought were a bit less obvious. We had great discussions after the play about the acting and effects.” Burton Bradstock Primary School (Tinderbox 2015)
“In the Autumn term, KS2 were lucky to be visited by As One Theatre and their production of Tinderbox. The children and staff were blown away with how the company transformed the school hall. Visually, the performance was stunning. The children really appreciated the attention to detail, from the costumes and props to the way each character/dog had its own physicality and style of movement. The live, original music and song was captivating; the tunes stuck with the children (and adults!) for days. KS2 worked with some of the songs and lyrics in music lessons to inspire their own compostions and lyrics.” St Michael’s C of E Primary School, Lyme Regis, West Dorset
Springboard or stand-alone workshops:
1. Playing Physical Theatre Key stage 2/3 – This workshop is aimed at participants, ages 7 – 11. In this workshop: we look briefly at the history of storytelling – inviting children to recognise new ways of bringing stories and characters to life, and the magical power of the performer/or ensemble using nothing but their bodies, voices and basic props to tell a story. If you want a tailor made workshop to suit your curriculum we are more than willing to discuss this with you, and create a workshop just for you. The workshop begins with a warm up of voice and body; progressing through games appropriate to the workshop theme; works on group and solo physical ensemble work adding soundscapes to create within a small group a short, self-devised group using the skills, structures and ideas experienced and discussed. The class will show and review each others pieces to end.
Fees vary as to funding and subsidy available.