In Jan and Feb of each year, Doorstep teams up with the University of Exeter to run a secondary schools outreach programme across South Devon: The Devising Discovery Series. This is a grant-funded outreach offer for schools, which means it is FREE.
This programme is an ongoing collaboration between the University of Exeter Widening Participation programme and Doorstep Arts’ Arts Council-funded Open Doors outreach.
Students in Years 8 and up can receive two visiting workshops at their school from professional devising specialists (Lead Artists). These workshops are supported by Applied Theatre students from the university. In 2020, the workshops focused on physical theatre techniques and live music in performance, with a central theme of What Are You Fighting For?
This programme is hugely popular with a waiting list of schools interested in taking part.
Students who have participated in the outreach workshops come together to showcase their work at the Exeter Northcott Theatre in February in a shared platform event. Read more about last year’s platform here.
The programme is being adapted for 2021 with a likely change in its usual delivery timings due to social distancing measures. If you are interested in your secondary school taking part next year or you would like to find out more about what it may look like during these Covid-19 adjustments, email erin@doorsteparts.co.uk.