Volcano are passionate about their role in the education of future generations. We don’t think we have a duty to teach children and educators how to perform but more importantly believe that we can learn from the way in which children observe, interact and play in the world. The ideas of play and improvisation are key developmental features of a healthy childhood. These ideas may also be beneficial to us adults but are certainly key to our sense of what a successful performative process may look like. Play, pleasure and improvisation are the foundations, upon which we build when we are teaching or devising a piece of theatre or performance.
Volcano’s educational work is delivered by either the artistic director, Paul Davies or creative engagement lead, Catherine Bennett. Paul presents work that focuses on theatre and Catherine on movement although in practice there is, as one can imagine, considerable cross-over.
Recent work young people’s works includes: Our Heritages (with The Mighty New and St Joseph’s Cathedral Primary School); GardensoftheFuture (Brazilian digital project); Looking Sideways | From the Future (film); The Clockwork Crow; Ordered Chaos and Micropolis.
Over the years, we have worked with a host of schools and colleges and have also created a series on online MOOCS as part of the PolArt Circle project.
Please contact us to discuss working together with your school or educational establishment.
Forest,_sea,_city,_rock
This film, Our most recent project is made in collaboration with Yr5 Primary school students from St Joseph Catholic School Swansea – A school of Sanctuar
Our most recent and inspiring film project! This unique creation was born out of a heartfelt collaboration with the talented Year 5 primary school students from St. Joseph Catholic School in Swansea, proudly recognised as a School of Sanctuary. At its core, this film celebrates the boundless power of creativity, imagination, and community, bringing together young minds and artistic vision in a truly magical way.
The Heart of the Project
In this film, we delve into themes of nature, adventure, and urban exploration, symbolised by the evocative elements of Forest,_sea,_city,_rock. These motifs serve as metaphors for the diverse landscapes of the imagination, where children can roam freely, discovering stories and emotions hidden in every corner. Our goal was to create something more than just a movie – it’s a testament to how education and art can intersect to foster growth, empathy, and joy.
This project stands as an example of community-driven storytelling. By partnering with St. Joseph Catholic School, we aimed to provide a safe space for young creators to express themselves without boundaries. The students’ enthusiasm and fresh perspectives infused the film with authenticity and wonder, making it a reflection of their own dreams and experiences.
Catherine Bennett
“My starting point was to encourage the children to explore their imaginations through the immediacy of movement – to be spontaneous and unique and collaborative in all that they did.” Catherine Bennett
Join us for our weekly classes
What: Arts Award Discover – Theatre Arts
When: Tuesdays 10.30am-12.30pm during term-times, starting Tuesday April 14th
Where: Volcano Theatre, 27-29 High Street, Swansea SA1 1LG
Age: 8+. Under 16s to be accompanied by a parent/guardian
Spaces limited and booking essential
What is Arts Award?
Arts Award takes children and young people on a creative journey, exploring the arts world, discovering their potential as artists, developing leadership skills – and gaining a recognised qualification along the way. Open to anyone aged 25 or under, this unique set of arts qualifications builds skills essential for success in the 21st century: Creativity and communication, along with problem-solving, reflective-thinking and confidence.
Arts Award Discover
Arts Award Discover is the start of the Arts Award adventure. It takes children and young people on an artistic journey as they explore the arts all around them, investigate different art forms, research an artist, and then share their discoveries with others.
For more information on Arts Award visit www.artsaward.org.uk
