The Theatre as a Learning Space: How Venue-based Live Theatre Influences Generalist Primary School Teachers' Drama Pedagogy

This ethnographic study investigates how professional theatre company venue-based live theatre and associated education resources transform the theatre into an authentic learning space for generalist primary school teachers. Analysis of findings present teachers’ and company members’ practice and the conditions before, during, and after the theatre visit, particularly effective pre-show communication, which cumulatively influenced teachers’ drama pedagogy. Conditions shaping teachers’ and company members’ individual and collective non-venue- and venue-based practice informed the development of an interactive online creative partnerships model, the Creative Partnerships Circle. The model initiates and sustains partnerships between schools and theatre companies, inclusive of live theatre.