Open Doors for Schools

Delivered by experienced creative professionals, these free sessions cover drama, music, storytelling, and visual arts. 

We have different activities for pre-school, primary, and secondary school-aged classes, so learners of all ages can benefit. 

Activities are delivered at your school or the Palace Theatre, Newark. Each full-day, half-day, or single-lesson session supports classroom learning and can be tailored to the curriculum.

Through inspirational teaching, our schools programme boosts young people’s confidence, encourages teamwork, and enables all learning skills to thrive! 

Three children dancing together on stage

What we offer

Children singing in a supervised group

Preschool – Palace players

Enjoy an hour of music and movement in these sessions for children under four.

Join the fun
A group of children sitting and listening to a story being read aloud

Primary school programme

Our primary school programme includes full and half-day sessions for key stages one and two.

Learn more
Two teenage girls in masks and casual clothing standing on a dark stage

Secondary school programme

Delivered by creative professionals, these sessions are for key stages three, four, and five.

Find out more

Frequently asked questions

Have a question about our school programme? 

Take a look at our FAQs

Theatre learning week

Monday 24 to Friday 28 May 2027

Join us at the Palace Theatre, Newark, for a full or half-day session, featuring:

  • theatre tours
  • on-stage drama workshops
  • lessons in lighting design
  • a chance to meet the Palace Theatre crew

Book your place as soon as possible—with only five days of theatre access per year, these sessions are sure to fill up fast!

To book, email: milly.lawson@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk

Facade of the Palace Theatre, Newark

Meet our theatre learning facilitators

This talented group of creative professionals help lead our schools’ sessions!

Made up of artists, writers, musicians, and performers, our theatre learning facilitators are experienced in working with students of all ages. 

Meet our theatre learning facilitators
Five people sitting on a bench in front of a brick wall and smiling

Continuing professional development for teachers

Need help embedding music into school life? Or want to learn more about teaching singing and music? Sign up for our continuing professional development sessions for teachers and teaching assistants.

Our Creative Arts Officer can improve your existing skills, show you how music can support other subjects, and support you with a specific part of the music curriculum. 

Our CPD sessions include pre-school, key stage one, and key stage two.

Interested? Email milly.lawson@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk.

How do I book?

If you’re interested in bringing the arts to your classroom, or want to know more information about our school programmes, contact our Creative Arts Officer Milly Lawson. 

Email her at milly.lawson@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk and she’ll get back to you as soon as possible.