What We Do

IIf you want to get more involved in the performing arts then you’re in the right place.
Our Learning and Participation creates opportunities for the people of Wakefield and District to participate in, and be audiences for a range of performing arts throughout their lives!

Our mission is:

“Theatre Royal Wakefield creates and presents work that provides opportunities for the people of Wakefield and beyond to consume and participate in performing arts of the highest quality. The programme encourages the exploration of artistically-led productions which will secure a reputation for nationally significant theatre with a regional flavour. It is a fountainhead from which a myriad of theatrical experiences can spring, resulting in a unique producing theatre which has deep reach into its local community”.

Here is what people have said about our Learning and Participation work:
“I am pleased that our involvement in education and outreach is now a centrepiece of our work and this, together with a growing number of in-house productions, helps us to provide something unique for Wakefield.” Sir Rodney Walker, Life President

“Wow, this place has come so far in the last ten years. It’s a highly motivated and inspirational place to be.”
Louise Denison, Professional Choreographer

“Singing everyday has helped me to improve my vocal range and use my voice correctly. I also feel more comfortable singing in front of an audience and I’m better at including my character in my singing voice.” Les Miserables School Edition Participant

“Thanks for giving my daughter the opportunity to take part in your show, I have never seen her quite so alive; and on her days off she wanted to be there and not at home! I do actually believe that it has helped with the transition to high school as she was so full of beans, nothing seemed to faze her during her first week.”
Les Miserables School Edition Parent

“professional, outstanding and thoroughly enjoyable…..I was blown away by the standard of the cast” Les Miserables School Edition, The Wakefield Express

“It makes me feel good, it makes me feel proud, because I have performed”
RAISE participant aged 15

“…an evening of high octane excitement, drama, comedy and raw emotion as we looked on as these magnificent young people lifted Wakefield’s Youth Theatre into world class.”
Audience member, West Side Story

“[Our child] is usually very timid…her confidence and self-esteem have greatly improved.”
Participant’s parent, Performing for Success

“There should be more events like this around West Yorkshire. Inspiring work and chance to talk to the artist. Thank you for the opportunity.”
Art Walk participant

Other achievements:

The theatre won the Community Enterprise Award at Wakefield District Business Awards 2011.
Performance Academy: 72 regular weekly attendees for three hours training in singing, acting and dancing. All students felt that their skills in performing have improved.
Les Miserables School Edition: 10 sell-out performances at Theatre Royal Wakefield with 63 young performers and 5 young people in the Community Technical Team.
Over 95% of Les Miserable participants feel that they know more about what they are going to do in the future for a job. Over 70% felt more positive about school/ college because of this project.
Supporting professional development of district-wide teachers
Better communication with schools
Improved skills among young people
Introducing people to career opportunities in the arts

Click here to tell us what you think about our Learning and Community Engagement work.

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