Doorstep Theatre Festival

Making high-quality arts activities accessible to schools by lessening the restraints of rural isolation and the financial implications that come with visiting an arts venue.

Doorstep Theatre Festival is back at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds for summer 2026.

As one of our Creative Learning Team’s flagship programmes, Doorstep Theatre Festival provides schools with the opportunity to host a performance from leading theatre companies in their own setting, eliminating the need for travel and transport.

Following the performance, schools will have the option to take part in enrichment workshops led by Theatre Royal’s Creative Learning Team. We offer this programme at a heavily subsidised rate to schools. Teachers will also be invited to a CPD session to explore how the themes within the performances and workshops can be carried into the classroom.

In 2025, Doorstep Theatre Festival visited 17 schools, engaged with 2,485 young people and delivered CPD sessions to 136 teachers.

‘A truly fantastic performance, the children were captivated and fully engaged. We were thrilled with the performance and with your team. From booking, to arrival, to delivery, to performance, to leaving, they have all been wonderful. Very pleasant to work with, thank you so much.’

– Teacher, Crawfords Primary School, Stowmarket.

What’s Included In The Package?

In each package, you’ll receive:

1 performance of your choice from the info below.
1 enrichment workshop of your choice delivered in school by our team of theatre practitioners. These will for up to 35 participants and are 1 hour long and will take place on the same day as your performance, either pre- or post-show. Additional workshops can be booked for an additional small fee.
CPD session.
A teacher resource pack to continue learning after the performance.
Total cost: £190.

Email us about this workshop

Doorstep Theatre Festival Workshops

Introduction to Public Speaking

Help your pupils find their voice. This confidence-building session uses fun, accessible activities to explore body language, vocal expression and simple speech structure. Students will practise speaking in front of others in a supportive environment, developing clear communication skills and growing their self-belief. A lively and empowering addition to your literacy or PSHE curriculum.
Introduction to Playwriting

This fun and engaging session guides pupils through the basics of crafting characters, setting scenes and building simple stories for the stage. Through imaginative activities and collaborative storytelling, students will gain confidence in their creative writing while discovering the joy of theatre-making. A lively, accessible way to enrich literacy, drama and creative expression in your classroom.
Introduction to Physical Theatre

Bring storytelling to life. This high-energy session invites pupils to explore how movement, expression and imagination can communicate ideas without words. Through playful ensemble exercises and creative movement tasks, students build confidence, teamwork and body awareness while discovering new ways to tell stories. A dynamic and engaging addition to drama, PE or creative curriculum time.
Introduction to Storytelling

This playful session focuses on building original tales through character creation, imaginative settings and collaborative story-building. Students will experiment with expressive voices and physicality as they bring their stories to life, stepping into roles and exploring narrative from the inside out. A joyful, creativity-first workshop that enriches literacy while celebrating the art of make-believe.
Introduction to Shakespeare

Introduce your pupils to the magic of the Bard. This lively session breaks down Shakespeare’s stories, characters and language in a fun, accessible way. Through interactive drama activities and creative exploration, students discover timeless themes and gain confidence engaging with classic texts. A brilliant way to enrich literacy, drama and cultural understanding.