The Edinburgh Playhouse Creative Learning initiative ‘Project Any Dream 2024’ has been shortlisted in the category of Inspiring Partnerships at the forthcoming Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.
Project Any Dream was a fully funded multi-arts partnership project between the Edinburgh Playhouse & theatre works! serving primary schools and additional support needs schools in Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife. Over 400 children from a total of 13 classes across 8 schools took part in the project, which was a completely free of charge experience for the young people taking part in it.
Katie Mitchell, Creative Learning Producer at the Edinburgh Playhouse said, “We are so grateful to theatre works! for this funding, without which these children would probably never get to experience live theatre. It is vital that multi-arts projects like this exist as they can open young people’s eyes to the industry and to the magic of theatre. We now require new funding to expand the reach of this project across Scotland, so that children, no matter where they live, can come to the Edinburgh Playhouse and experience our world-class offering.”
The project included in-school musical workshops, tickets to see a performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and a bespoke behind the scenes tour of the iconic theatre, learning keys skills around all aspects of the theatre.
Gordon Millar, Theatre Director at the Edinburgh Playhouse, “Project Any Dream has given youngsters in our community the opportunity to experience live theatre in all its wonderful glory here at the Playhouse, from behind the scenes to on stage to watching a performance. This wouldn’t have happened without funding from theatre works! and has helped to create memories and a learning opportunity that will stay with the participants for a long time to come.”
Sharon Studer, Co-Founder and Chair of theatre works! added, “We are proud to help bring the magic of live theatre to children from underserved backgrounds, opening the door to creativity, inspiration, and new possibilities.”
The Creative Learning programme at the Edinburgh Playhouse provides multi-art opportunities and workshops for people of all ages. The programme offers a range of initiatives from behind the scenes tours, tailored educational projects including bespoke Work in Theatre & Musical Makers projects to singing in the Playhouse Choir.
Project Any Dream video credit: Rob McDougall
