“Janie’s inclusive approach to engaging her students in the development of performances gives them a much needed sense of ownership over the work and stimulates new branches of creative thinking which have the capacity to enhance cross curricular collaborations and nurture our next generation of entertainment industry professionals.” 

Renee Berger, Head Teacher rel. Drama/Visual Arts, HSPA
Workshops For Students

Acting Shakespeare

Students encounter the wild and passionate world of Shakespeare in this dynamic workshop led by professional artists from Whale Chorus. The workshop facilitates specialised exercises designed for English and/or Drama students to access and engage with Shakespeare. Students gain industry-led experience to:

  • Understand the functioning of language
  • Generate and analyse meaning
  • Develop acting and performance skills
  • Enrich actor-audience relationships
  • Workshop monologues and/or scenes
Workshops For Students

Devised Theatre

Students creatively experiment with concepts and ideas for devising group performances in this impactful workshop led by professional artists from Whale Chorus. The workshop equips Drama students with the skills, tools and confidence to collaborate and devise group performances. Students will learn:

  • How to create original performances
  • Strategies for improvising to generate original theatre performances
  • Ensemble theatre techniques
  • Building confidence in acting through creative play

Our workshops and residencies create spaces for play, embodied learning, and courageous acting. Our unique pedagogical approach involves such methods as feeding-in text, dictionary work, directing by asking questions, and reinforcements. This approach breaks down barriers to accessing and appreciating Shakespeare.

In-School Residencies

Performing Shakespeare

Industry directors, actors and teaching artists from Whale Chorus work in residence at your school to stage a Shakespeare performance with students. Students collaborate with professional artists to learn about Shakespeare in active, imaginative, and meaningful ways.

Students gain experience in:

  • Acting Shakespeare
  • The Elizabethan world picture
  • Working as a theatre company
  • Stage combat, clown and play
  • Collaboration and teamwork
  • Behind the scenes production and design

“Shakespeare was an incredible experience with friendly people who made the program real”

Highschool Student