In this issue

At the heart of the performing arts is often the written word – be it an adapted novel or original play script – so it is imperative to encourage and develop a love of reading from an early age. Building on this literacy theme, the YOTO Carnegies shortlist of children’s literature for 2024 has just been announced and there are opportunities for schools to get involved in the shadowing scheme. Applications will be open from 22 – 28 March with packs to be sent out immediately afterwards to the selected schools (see the news story in this issue’s Inbox for details).
The Big Interview in this issue is with prolific author Linda Newbery, giving us an insight into her writing process and we highlight the excellent work of Theatre Works!, ensuring more disadvantaged young people can get to experience live theatre, plus there is an inspiring interview with Zach Opere-Onguende, a young actor and facilitator with cerebral palsy, grateful for the support from Chickenshed.

Joel Kern

Still only, 31, Joel Kern started Make Believe 16 years ago. The company provides drama, dance and singing training for children and now has 50 franchised branches. He chatted to Susan Elkin.

3 mins

Free At Last!

Fourth Monkey Actor Training company announces accredited BA (Hons) Acting course and the introduction of audition fee wavers for all.

3 mins

Looking Closely

Two contrasting exhibitions caught the eye of our graham Hooper

6 mins

Composed Comfort

Paul Fincham is a composer whose carol Ring The Bells will be sung in concerts all over the country this christmas and whose opera The Happy Princess got good reviews last summer. Susan Elkin meets him.

5 mins

What Makes A Good Pantomime?

An annual tradition or perhaps the fi rst visit to the theatre, going to a christmas show should be a truly memorable experience. Susan Elkin has some pointers.

4 mins

A Rye Gem

Susan Elkin met with Theatre Peckham AD Suzann Mclean, discovering this hub has much to offer

4 mins

Playing Shakespeare With Deutsche Bank

Proving an unmitigated success, the annual Playing Shakespeare season at The Globe promises to enthral, engage and entertain thousands more teenagers this spring. Susan Elkin is a huge, well wrapped up fan.

3 mins

Dancers Wellbeing

As the Head of Dance at READ College, I am passionate about ensuring that my young students have the very best start to their professional dance training and consequently their future careers. This means educating our young people about how to look after themselves both physically and psychologically.

3 mins

Supporting Students Through Design

Hot on the heels of the new digital Theatre+ platform release featured in last month’s Inkpellet (see bit.ly/Ip112Nov16), we asked matthew Nichols (director of drama, manchester Grammar school and chief Examiner of GcsE drama, aQa) to take us through his ideal playlist on dT+, as a guide for drama teachers looking to use digital resources to support the teaching of design skills in the classroom.

3 mins

Careers In Theatre

Susan Elkin Pays a Visit to Half Moon Theatre to Learn How They Are Enthusing Pupils to Look at Possible Careers in the Theatre.

4 mins

Rigorous Professional

Annemarie Lewis Thomas, composer, musical director and founder principal of Musical Theatre Academy chats to Susan Elkin.

6 mins

Robert Rauschenberg

Eager Not to Miss the Rauschenberg Retrospective at the Tate Modern, Graham Hooper Guides us Through This Extraordinary Show.

6 mins

Turned Around

Ben Ofoedu chats with Susan Elkin about his life and career, from global singing star to scene-stealing genie and beyond.

6 mins

School Of The Year

Susan Elkin meets the ArtsEd’s Chris Hocking to find out why the school continues to be so successful and is in such high demand.

3 mins

Read all stories from Ink Pellet

Ink Pellet Magazine Description:

Ink Pellet - the arts magazine for teachers. Published (since 1998) six times a year to coincide with the start of each new school term, Ink Pellet aims to keep English and Drama teachers updated on the latest news and views from the worlds of theatre, arts, dance and literature. Informative features assist in organising theatre and gallery trips, lesson planning, advice for school drama productions and for students looking to further their studies in the arts. Ink Pellet brings together interviews with the very best authors, producers, performers and educators, showcasing the most talked about exhibitions and includes a comprehensive What’s On section, plus theatre and book reviews, written by our growing band of teacher-reviewers.