Wrexham Glyndŵr University theatre students perform educational safari play for youngsters

A group of theatre students from Wrexham Glyndwr University have helped entertain an audience of toddlers as part of their Theatre in Education work.

The performance, held in the Techniquest Glyndŵr science theatre at the University, was part of the Drama in the Community module on the University’s BA (Hons) Theatre, Television and Performance degree.

Senior Lecturer in Theatre, Television and Performance, Elen Mai Nefydd, explained: “Each year, a group of our students works together with the Little Scholars Nursery – which is also based on our university site – to put on a play. 

“They speak to the nursery, work out a list of themes, and develop and tailor a play based on these themes. This year’s play, Ocean Safari Ahoy!, was very well received by its audience – and it gave the students a chance to perform in a community setting. 

“Community and education work is just one of a wide range of ways our students can apply their studies once they graduate.

“During their course, the same students who performed in front of the nursery pupils today will be asked to test their skills in all sorts of ways, from applied theatre in a medical setting to one-man shows. 

“Giving students that breadth of experience not only helps sharpen their skills – it can open up whole new avenues for them to apply those skills to once they graduate. 

“This performance is  a great opportunity for students to work to a professional brief and for a professional client – and they can expect more opportunities like this throughout their time with us.” 

The science theatre at Techniquest Glyndŵr, which hosts demonstrations, talks and more, was made available to the students for the performance. 

The play was centred on a shop on an ocean safari, with its crew looking for treasure – and the animals they met throughout their journey. 

Manager at Little Scholars, Catrin Davies, said: “This has been another successful performance by the Theatre, Television and Performance students and we were very pleased with the resulting performance – I know all the children who came along had a great time.” 

To find out more about the University’s BA (Hons) Theatre, Television and Performance degree, please visit: https://www.glyndwr.ac.uk/en/undergraduatecourses/theatretelevisionandperformance/

Notes

Founded in 2008, Wrexham Glyndwr University is a young, bold and vibrant university based in north-east Wales. The university has two campuses in Wrexham, Plas Coch and Regent Street plus campuses in Northop and St Asaph. In 2017 the university was awarded the silver award in the Teaching Excellence Framework for the quality of teaching.

The university is driving academic excellence through a wide range of innovative and industry-relevant courses, such as Applied Science, Computing, Engineering, Creative Arts, Criminology and Psychology. Wrexham Glyndwr is now a Top 100 University, rising 24 places in the Guardian league tables – one of the top 10 risers in the UK.  The Campus 2025 strategy encompasses plans for new student accommodation, car parking and upgraded facilities in the next eight years.