HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE

The schools have broken up and we are taking a brief well earned rest. March bookings were getting back to normal after the hit we all took from Covid last year. I suppose we should be grateful to have survived when so many didn't. I don't want to get all political, but I do believe when we have the inevitable change of government at the next election, education will move

a few places up the ladder of importance. Heaven knows this government pays it sparse attention. We are in the process of making some changes to our website that will enable our followers to participate more easily. In particular, there will be a regular NEWSLETTER. Teachers often mention they would like to communicate more directly online and this will afford them that opportunity. We recognise the need to remain in close contact, especially as education is moving into new areas and we want to be certain we are keeping abreast of change. Perhaps one of the most topical issues at present is the environment and climate change. If your school is heavily into this, do take a look at our play"ROBIN HOOD RESCUES THE FOREST". It has all the ingredients to push home the messages and enlighten the children about ecology. I will leave you now with some pictures from that production. Next time I will talk about another prominent issue that is important for the nursery and infant children. Until then, farewell from Albert......

Ringing in the Changes

Since my last communication of only a day or so ago, I have been thinking it is time to move in a different direction. Instead of bleating on about the inadequacies of the education system, I am going to spend a moment or two looking at the positives.

ANTICIPATING GOOD TIMES

At A.T.T.C. we are never at a loss for something new to offer. In the past few days we have been inundated with requests for INTERACTIVE WORKSHOPS. Subjects as diverse as "The History of Music" to "Life in the Rain Forest" We love challenges and always rise to the occasion. Ever decreasing school budgets mean that what little there is has to be spent to the best possible advantage and this is where we come in. We create Drama Workshops that not only give an in depth participative involvement with the subject, but also serve as a medium for social intercourse. For children to develop into adults they must have the ability to communicate with their peers. Heaven knows how much damage was inflicted during the Covid lockdowns. Perhaps time will tell or, most likely it will become fudged like many of the other disastrous decisions taken by those who should have known better. I could say more but I would rather focus on how we are playing our part on the journey back to normality. Teachers, you have your curriculum, now think on about the most productive way to embrace the subjects. Let's not simply drone on to an uninterested class, but bring vim and vigour to spark attention. We are proud to announce we have never "lost" a student. Nobody sleeps while we are on stage, whether it be performing a play or conducting a workshop. Either way, the children are enraptured. Give us a trwy and see what I mean. Enough for now: just a few more pictures, and I will be back ere long.... Albert....

NOT THERE YET, BUT LOOKING MUCH BETTER

Looking back through the diary and the wall calendar I sometimes wonder how we survived it. I mean did this country really grind to a halt for two years or so, and did so many businesses really perish through ill conceived plans and dreadfull advice from those in esteemed positions of power? I certainly know of Theatre in Education companies that did not have the resources to continue. How does one when the schools are closed! We were fortunate, or just plain lucky, because we are still here and business is picking up, albeit not at the rate we would like to see. And now, as if the pandemic was not enough to finish us off, we have strikes to contend with. We all sympathise with teachers including, alledgedly, our Prime Minister, but how can they expect justice when education figures so low down the list of priorities.Perhaps we are due a change of government. It surely cannot be any worse than the present one. Enough doom and gloom. I said things are looking up and we are now taking many bookings for the Spring and Summer terms. The Tudors are back in fashion as witnessed by the demand for our production "HENRY VIII". Also, protecting the environment is in vogue and we have the perfect play "ROBIN HOOD RESCUES THE FOREST". You will find a good deal of information on both these on our web pages, together with many commendations. I shall leave you now with some pictures. Until next time Albert.....

from the two plays.

AFTER HALF TERM

Where has the year gone? It seems like only yesterday we were basking in the sun and it is now November. Fortunately, the mild weather has not deserted us, although the warning signs for a cold winter are clearly visible: lots of acorns for the squirrels and red berries for the birds. Here at ATTC there is no reason to panic. Our snow shoes are at the ready and our winter tyres are on standby. We have lots of exciting shows on offer for Christmas so the schools need to start spending the money they have accumulated before they are assessed in the next budget review. Do any of you require assistance with your own Christmas production? Remember, we specialise in creating new shows so look no further if you would like some fresh ideas, or you wish to update your stock of plays. I am off now to help a local school that is struggling for new ideas but, fear not, I shall return ere long. Albert......

Just remembered I have to prepare the chicken for supper!

NOT LONG NOW

If the shops and stores are anything to go by, Christmas is already upon us. We have been hearing "shop early for Xmas" since we were babes in arms, but every year the message comes sooner. Of course, the retail trade like just about avery other is suffering, but I somehow cannot believe reminding everyone that Christmas is just around the corner will help during the current financial crisis. There is a glimpse of hope on the horizon for Theatre in Education though. Since schools are desperate for teachers, and they make up the highest percentage of cost, there is money in the kitty to be spent elsewhere. And, what better than having live educational theatre at the school. It is just pure common sense. Save on trips to the theatre. After all, the coaches alone cost more than a visit by a touring theatre company. And then there is the hassle of organising supervision for the students. The days of one teacher at each end of the "crocodile" are long gone. Health and safety requires more supervisers, and don't think they will get in free. Those days are gone too. So, it all comes back to common sense. Invite us to help educate and entertain the kids at a fraction of the cost you would spend going out and be relaxed in the knowledge they are learning in a safe environment and enjoying it. What more is there to say!!! Well, you can look at some more pictures and, until next time, farewell, Albert......

COMING SOON

We always try to stay ahead of the market and meet new requirements. Whilst we conduct Drama Workshops on just about any subject, we realise thst quite often more impetus is required to press home important messages, and this is best achieved by a live stage production. Folowing the unfortunate handling of the Covid crisis and the lessons learned from mistakenly closing schools, many school children have and are suffering stress from the breakdown in socialising. Some have even suffered mental illness. We have decided that whilst our P.H.S.E. Drama Workshops go some way in helping, more is needed and, for that reason, we are shortly to introduce a new play for the primary age range to help build resilience and combat feelings of anxiety and inadequacy. When ready, it will be launched through our website so, watch this space. That's all for now. Enjoy some pictures.

Albert......