STEM theatre in a box
STEM Theatre in a Box provides resources and workshops to children aged 4–7 and their families – bringing STEM subjects to life through puppets, dance and theatre.
By Louise Hodgson
The project centres around resources, workshops and performances for schools and communities, highlighting women and Global Majority scientists and their work.
Our aim is to give young children, particularly those in challenging circumstances or from areas of high social deprivation, the opportunity and resources to build science capital and an understanding of how science is relevant to them in every day, real life issues and challenges. We want to inspire young children from underrepresented groups, to see people like themselves in careers in STEM, and experience science in a creative and accessible way.
The funding we received from the RSC Outreach Fund was the first medium sized funding we have received to support this project and the success of our application kick-started the whole project, giving us confidence to apply for further funding.
Before the launch and development of the initial box, featuring Dr Jane Goodall, we felt it was very important to obtain Dr Jane’s permission to use her story. I contacted The Jane Goodall Institute UK to inform them all about the project. They were very enthusiastic and loved the whole idea of presenting Jane’s story in this new way, for young children. Dr Jane even recorded us a personalised message, which is included in every STEM Theatre in a Box DVD.
Once the boxes started arriving in schools, we received some wonderful feedback.
That was the best show about chimpanzees I've ever seen!...
The show was amazing. Interactive, engaging, fun and educational. You got the message of Dr Goodall's work across so effectively.
My niece really adored the show, and it was obvious all the children watching enjoyed the chance to participate and engage with the story of Jane Goodall.
We all laughed out loud, joined in and absolutely loved it! Thank you STEM Theatre in a Box. I would love to see these shows go into schools.
The RSC Outreach funding was just the start of our journey with STEM Theatre in a Box. After the initial box featuring Dr Goodall was completed and started arriving in schools, we were invited by The National Science and Media Museum, Bradford, to take part in British Science week in March 2021. Along with the RSC funding, this really did kick-start STEM Theatre in a Box. Over two online workshops, we reached over 100 schools, families and community groups. And from there, we received many more schools signing up for more information.
Further funding from Bradford Council, IVE, and The Ogden Trust, has meant we have been able to produce more resources, and develop the live theatre workshop version of both Dr Goodall and Dr Patricia Bath’s stories.
In September 2021, we took part in Keighley Arts and Film festival, and in October, 2021, we took part in Bradford Science Festival.
In the last few weeks, we have been successful in receiving further funding from The Royal Academy of Engineering to develop STEM Theatre in a Box even further. Working with engineers to present their stories, our way!
In addition, all ten of Bradford Council’s regional libraries have booked shows with us of their summer programme.
It is no exaggeration to say that we are going from strength to strength, and we simply would not have even begun without our initial funding from The RSC Outreach Fund.
We’d like to thank: (in no particular order)
The Royal Society of Chemistry, The Jane Goodall Institute UK, Dr Jane Goodall DBE, Bradford Council, The Ogden Trust, IVE, Bradford Producing Hub, The National Science and Media Museum, British Science Week, Bradford Libraries, Jasmina Georgovska (JGIUK), Kala Sangam (Bradford), The Bath family, Soma Wellness (Otley), Our Lady of Victories Primary School (Keighley), Cecil Green Arts, YPO, Dr Sheila Kanani MBE.
Press office
- Tel:
- +44 (0) 20 7440 3351
- Email:
- Send us an email