The Merlin Theatre works with schools and educational centres in a number of ways: Theatre productions chosen to appeal to school audiences Companies who produce work for children and young people are usually able to offer additional workshops and Education Resource Packs to accompany the show. A venue for school productions and film screenings The Merlin's 240 seat auditorium is available to hire. DVD projector and other AV equipment is also available (see Technical page for more details).

Newsletter A termly newsletter highlighting areas of the Merlin's work which may be of interest to teachers. Professional Development for teachers We co-ordinate professional development opportunities for teachers, mainly in dance and drama. Arts Awards The Merlin has three registered arts award advisors and is always interested to hear from local schools interested in running this award.
Participation... Recent projects include: Arts and Kids The Merlin Theatre was selected to be one of the Prince of Wales' Foundation for Children and the Arts partner arts organisations in 2006. Over the past two years the Merlin has been working with First schools in the Frome area to give children the opportunity to take part in activities in their local cultural centres. Children's theatre company Theatre Rites performed to 450 children in 2007 and pupils then went on to create artwork inspired by the show which was displayed in the Black Swan Gallery. In 2008 the project expanded to include over 500 children who visited the Merlin to see Tall Stories performing Does a Monster Live Next Door?, and the Nuffield Theatre's show Hercules the Monster Slayer. Artwork created as a response to the shows was displayed in Frome Library over April 2008. For 2009, the Merlin is teaming up with Rook Lane Arts, so pupils will visit the gallery to see a light installation by artist Bruce Munro before coming to the theatre to see Stuff and Nonsense's new show Cross the Deep Blue Sea. We are very pleased that the Ernest Cook Trust is co-founding the project in 2009. Frome Elders The Merlin has been working with Bennett Gardens and Beckington day centres for older people, providing a series of art and movement activities for groups who meet there once a week. These included Pilates, chair dancing, stained glass and animation. We are hoping that this project will be expanded in 2009.
Moving on with Music Funded by Youth Music, Joanna Harvey is the new musician-in-residence at the Key Centre, Bishop Henderson nursery and the Link Children's Centre. Working in consultation with staff at the centres, Joanna will be delivering a plan of creative music activity for children aged 0-5. The aim is to encourage and develop confidence in and enjoyment of music, and the programme aims to have a lasting impact on everyone involved. Families in Tune In collaboration with SPAEDA, the Merlin took a leading role in a new case study commissioned by Somerset County Council involving parental support advisors (PSAs) in Frome and Shepton Mallet. Families recommended by the PSAs took part in a series of activities aimed at building confidence, communication and self esteem. Activities included drumming, circus skills and VJing, and culminated in a finale performance at the theatre for all participants. 5x5x5 The Merlin is pleased to be a partner in the 5x5x5=creativity project, which involves groups of artists, educators and cultural centres working in partnership to support young children in their exploration and expression of ideas. 5x5x5 is inspired by the celebrated Reggio Emilia education approach that respects children as strong, capable protagonists in their own learning. This child-informed approach is distinguished by a unique commitment to the role of documentation and research in learning and teaching – and by the participating adults' role as companions, not leaders, of the children. The Merlin has been working since 2006 with artist Annabelle Macfadyen and Bishop Henderson nursery. See www.5x5x5creativity.org.uk for further information.
JUMPS The Merlin is pleased to be involved with the JUMPS project – Joined up Music for People in Somerset. JUMPS is a not for profit organisation dedicated to helping people in the South West get more from music. It's made up of a group of like-minded partners including music educators, charities and youth organisations, and also has strong links to other music orientated bodies, venues, companies and private individuals. See www.jumps.org.uk for more information. The Merlin will be taking part in the JUMPS Year Of Music 2009, so watch this space for further information...

We also run weekly theatre and dance classes for 5-19 year olds – please visit the Youth Activities page for further information.

To find out more about the Merlin’s Education and Participation programme contact Nell Farrally or Helen Dorritt, Education and Participation Managers, on 01373 461360 or helen@merlintheatre.co.uk