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Bamboozle is keen to share its methodology and working practices as widely as possible.  We run trainings and masterclasses in areas that include:

• how to structure a workshop – from a one hour introduction to a week-long residency
• how to create a safe, non-judgemental space to work in
• how to build partnerships with teachers so you work as a team
• how to match your workshop to the level of learning difficulty of the group
• ways to motivate students to join in
• strategies to manage different and challenging behaviours
• ways  to remove the fear of failure from learning
• how to use questions that open up possibilities
• ways of using a role to intrigue, challenge or wonder
• a quick way to build deep rapport with students
• ways to create a story that the students have ownership of
• ways to incorporate physical, emotional and intellectual challenges into your workshops
• and much, much more

CASE STUDY

Artist Training - “How to lead workshops with students who have learning difficulties and special needs.”

This 4 day training was a National Theatre / Bamboozle collaboration designed for performers, directors, choreographers, technicians and workshop leaders who already worked, or who wanted to work, with students who have learning difficulties.  Most participants had worked with the NT as actors and workshop leaders and some had already worked with Bamboozle.

Participants

16 artists attended all 4 days
11 others attended between 1 and 3 days.
The artists were recruited from

• those who have worked with the NT as actors and workshop leaders
• other companies – e.g. Polka theatre, Chicken Shed
• those who have worked with Bamboozle.  See Appendix 3 for full list.

Course leaders

Training Programme Content

Seminars

• The non-judgemental framework
• Starting Points for dramatic activity
• Questions that elicit responses
• What is Learning Difficulty – led by Sarah Jackson headteacher Parayhouse School
• Working with teachers as a team – before, during, after workshop
• Structuring a workshop
• Belief Systems
• Building a Narrative

Practical workshops

• The non-judgemental framework
• Starting points for dramatic activity
• Integrating making activities into drama session
• Multi-Sensory Approach
• Plan and deliver structured workshop on given theme

Demonstration sessions

1.  With SLD students from Parayhouse School – interactive puppetry session led by Christopher
     Davies and Sue Pyecroft (Artistic directors Bamboozle)
2.  With MLD students from Whitefield Schools & Centre – led by Christopher Davies and Dawn 
     Ingleson – NT education tours producer

Demonstration sessions are a key part of Bamboozle trainings.  This enables participants to see some of the strategies Bamboozle has developed for working with students who have learning difficulties and to be able to discuss commonly witnessed work.

This has re-educated me along a new train of thought.  It has confirmed my belief that there is a real and honest way of educating all of us.  This is a fresh and exciting way to understand and free up children’s talent and imagination. Chris has a particular way of talking to everyone which is engaging and passionate.
James Barriscale – actor and director

for more artist comments on the training click here