6 sets of free Drama resources students can use from home right now (and 1 just for teachers)

Students in New York City take part in a Prospero online devising workshop.

As the UK head back into full lockdown, Drama Teachers have been given very little time to find ready-to-go resources that can get students motivated and engaged right now. Fortunately world-leading online theatre education company C&T have interactive resources young people of all ages can use independently, now and for free.

C&T have been working using digital tech for over twenty years and have created their very own web platform for streaming Online Distance Learning. Just to clarify, Prospero is not about sharing recordings of (once) live performances: its about interactive, participatory learning. Think of it being a hybrid of process drama, video games and performance skills workshops. We’re really proud that Prospero last year was named ‘Global Education Innovation’ by Helsinki Think Tank HundrED.

Anyone can make their own interactive resources in Prospero and lots of people have. We’d love to tell you more about how you can do this yourself, but today your priority is probably finding stuff for students to do. Fortunately Prospero’s Library has lots of ready-to-go lessons and workshops anyone can use safely from home. You just need a computer (in some cases just a phone) and an internet connection. Here’s some simple, accessible Prospero workshops you and your young people can use for free, right now.

Devising Through Physical Theatre: created so students can get active and physical alone at home, this workshop is perfect for helping students hone their devising skills.

Romeo and Juliet: Explore Shakespeare’s classic in the capable hands of theatre company China Plate. Including scenes from the play and loads of practical tasks and resources. The Friar is your interactive guide!

Exploring Ancient Egypt: created as part of C&T’s ground-breaking project with Fort Royal Special School, these simple process drama workshops are perfect to help younger students and those with Special Educational Needs.

Drama School: Led by recent graduates of Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, here are no fewer than seven workshops teaching the theatre skills three years you’ll learn at a top drama school. Voice, text work, warm-ups, physicality are all covered. Hugely popular workshops!

Write Your Own Play: Work with award-winning RSC playwright Phil Porter, as he guides you step-by-step through the process of writing a scene for two characters.

Make A Lip Sync: Musical Theatre meets Tik Tok!

Creating a Lip Sync drama about racial stereotyping through Prospero.

These are just for starters. The Prospero Library is full of other drama materials, projects and digital plays, many created by young people themselves. And if you feel you need a bit of professional development, why not try world-leading Educational Drama expert Patrice Baldwin’s ‘Drama Strategies for The Classroom?’ Perfect if you want to take time to find out about Process Drama methods and how theatre can enrich the whole curriculum (this one costs a fiver).

We’ll be adding more materials soon, as well the chance to take part in a new online collaboration, Enquire Within!