Participate

A programme of training created specifically for schools, colleges and conservatoires in the performing arts. Designed to help both students and staff address a range of topics in relation to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Training created specifically for performing arts colleges and conservatoires

  • Helping staff and students cultivate a safer and more inclusive training environment
  • Addressing a range of topics in relation to equality and diversity
  • Providing practical advice and tools to take away, and a supportive and structured space to work through difficult topics
  • For performing arts schools, colleges and conservatoires across the country

Photo: P Fysh

Training sessions

young performers holding scrips during a rehearsal
National Youth Theatre. Photo by Nick Flintoff.

For Students

Designed to support vocational learning, these sessions make space for students to think beyond the technical skills of their craft and explore the industry (and their role within it) on a deeper level. Students will come away empowered with the awareness and confidence they need to navigate the industry as individuals, whilst also understanding how they can become a force for positive change in an inclusive, collaborative space.

Based on up-to-date research and collaboration with a number of drama schools and conservatoires, these one-off sessions are most effective when integrated into the timetabled modules of performing arts training.

While most of our sessions are available all year round, here are our recommendations for how to map the training journey of your students.

These sessions are designed to help students put their best foot forward when thinking about how they will work together as a cohort. We particularly recommend these sessions towards the start of their training, either in induction week or as part of their early timetable.

Designed for the middle stage of their learning, these sessions integrate particularly well into modules such as contextual studies or professional development. In these sessions, students will explore key issues within the world of the performing arts and learn the skills they need to contribute to positive change within the industry. 

These sessions equip students with the skills and confidence required to navigate challenging industry dynamics. We recommend booking in these sessions towards the end of their training, providing a final opportunity to support and empower them as they prepare to step forward in their careers.

workshop participants in a group discussion
Tonic Advance Network workshop. Photo by Tom Lovatt.

For Staff

These sessions are designed to raise awareness of teaching staff in performing arts schools, colleges and conservatoires to ensure they best serve their students and the industry. From what unconscious bias is to what we really mean by creating an inclusive environment. These sessions give staff the tools they need to embed equality, diversity and inclusion across all aspects of their work.

sessions

“After the sessions, I feel I have gained the tools to navigate my way through difficult situations in the industry. Being able to communicate assertively and stand by my morals is absolutely necessary practice not just for work, but life.”

Third Year Acting Student

“I think this was really useful for us all to take stock and look at the way we teach and how that can affect the students not only whilst in our lessons but also for the rest of their lives.”

Faculty Member

About Participate

Participate is Tonic’s programme of training created specifically for schools, colleges and conservatoires in the performing arts. It’s designed to help both students and staff address a range of topics in relation to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Through a series of workshop-style sessions, we support students to develop resilience, judgement, empathy and respect for one another. Our staff sessions enable faculty to reflect on and respond to the values and behaviours that are increasingly shaping students’ expectations of training and careers.

Since 2018 Tonic have delivered Participate around the country. The popularity of the sessions has demonstrated the great need for them. Read more on Participate’s impact and reach.

Booking and further info

Get in touch or contact our team at info@tonictheatre.co.uk for further information or to discuss bringing Participate to your students and colleagues.

performers on stage during a theatre rehaersal
Photo by Hamish Kale

Tailored to your needs

Participate training sessions are bookable individually or as part of a longer-term package of support. Looking for something specific? Get in touch to discuss.

Future plans include developing further sessions that respond to the nuance of teaching ballet and music. If you or your institution would be interested in working on this with us, please get in contact.

Make an enquiry

All enquiries welcome! If you are interested in booking Participate sessions, or just need some more information, please complete the form below and one of our team will be in touch. Or email us direct at info@tonictheatre.co.uk.

Tonic – For greater equality, diversity and inclusion in the arts