Scene & Heard
Introducing disadvantaged children to the joy of theatre and playwriting
For children growing up in disadvantaged and marginalised communities, theatre and the arts can transform their social and educational prospects, boost self-esteem, raise aspirations, and improve literacy, social and communication skills. While the education system is uniform, pressurised and often restrictive, theatre offers children a liberating and empowering experience.
Established in 1999, Scene and Heard uses theatre to address the disadvantage experienced by children in Somers Town, Camden – a diverse neighbourhood in the heart of London where 40% of children live in poverty. By harnessing the specialist skills of volunteer theatre professionals, the charity helps children and young people write and produce high-quality plays and shows, developing their authentic voice through one-to-one mentoring.
The charity works closely with local primary schools to identify children in greatest need of its programme. Reasons for referrals include special educational needs, refugee status, English as a second language and chaotic home lives.
Every year, the charity delivers five playwriting courses, up to four professional productions, two theatre trips, creative outreach programmes, work experience and a young ambassadors programme. Since inception, the charity has partnered with schools and families to reach 449 young people, staging 900 plays with the support of over 500 actors and other volunteer theatre professionals. Following the performance of their play, each child steps onto the stage to take a playwright’s bow alongside their actors.
The charity manages to achieve all this with only four members of staff and an annual budget of just £380,000. It has also produced a teachers’ pack, allowing school staff to replicate its work, and is providing advice and guidance to other organisations across the country.
To mark the 25th anniversary of service delivery, Scene and Heard commissioned an academic study to evaluate the long-term impact of its work. The report collected over two decades worth of quantitative and quantitative education and impact data of participants. The study found that 92% of children improved literacy, according to teacher reports; 92% of children showed increased self-confidence; and 73% of children achieved education Level 3 or above.
Perhaps most importantly, 100% of the children think their play was a success.
Awards judge Karin Woodley, chief executive of Cambridge House, praised the charity’s focus on playwriting, which tends to be closely guarded by the major central London theatres, and the strong partnerships with schools, families and the local community. She said the wellbeing and educational outcomes were well articulated, but importantly the artistic foundation of the project was also valued for its own sake.
CC Reg. no. 1077836