Our Core Principles

- About us -

Our Core Principles

We always strive to create an environment where children can let themselves go and follow where their imaginations lead them

A place where all ideas are valid and there are no right or wrong answers, just ideas to be explored. We promote an environment of creativity from the moment the children enter the drama space. Nothing is more exciting than what exists in children’s imaginations and if you trust that then the possibilities for creativity are boundless. Through developing their theatre skills, we see children grow in confidence, find their voices and express themselves and we feel genuinely blessed to do the work that we do.

Emily Plumtree, Founder/Director of The Arts Place

Our Core Principles

Drama that’s Inclusive for All

All children are different. For some, the thought of standing up in front of others is a nerve-wrecking prospect, others would think nothing of jumping up and performing a one-woman show to the rest of the group unprompted. At The Arts Place we recognise this and tailor-make our programmes to support and nurture everyone.

Express Yourself

Connecting to the emotions of the character you are playing in the play or with the characters in the story you are reading is key to the actor’s process. We help children to identify with the emotions of characters in the stories or plays we are looking at and to express them in performance.

Imagination is Key

Your imagination is limitless and it can take you anywhere. There is nothing more exciting than what exists in children’s imaginations so we always strive to engage imaginatively with the work, whether it’s taking the younger children on an imagination adventure or developing the imagined world of a play with our older students.

Creative Expression

Think creatively. Be bold and express yourself.

Dance to Your Own Tune

We are always encouraging children to embrace who they are. Their thoughts and ideas will differ from the thoughts and ideas of others, that’s what makes us unique and that’s what makes working as part of a team and collaborating through drama so exciting.

Find Your Voice

Say it loud and say it proud! We build children’s confidence and encourage them to speak aloud. Developing their voice for performance using exercises that we as actors use in the rehearsal room.

All Ideas are Valid

We encourage children to take risks and share their ideas with the group in a safe and supportive learning environment.

Get Carried Away

Lose yourself in the creativity of it all! We want our young performers to let their imaginations and ideas run free. Go for it! you can always dial it down a bit when it comes to the performance.

Be Silly... Seriously

We give children permission to be silly. Laughter fills our drama spaces. Children grow in confidence in a relaxed environment where they feel able to be silly and experiment with their ideas.