For the first time ever Verdala IB Theatre students had the opportunity to participate in ISTA TAPS at the University of Salford in Manchester. This was a fantastic opportunity for them to meet other IB Theatre students from around the world and spend 3 days creating theatre together. Led by George Fearnehough this experience gave the 8 participating students the possibility to immerse themselves fully into drama workshops. They explored Lecoq’s seven levels of tension, played around with Status and developed their performing skills by experimenting with texts and movements. TAPS is a special event as it also gives students the opportunity to participate in two masterclasses that give them more skills that are useful for their IB portfolios. They found and worked with their inner puppet with Louise clark and explored the director’s craft with Will Kearley.
It was also a great opportunity for Mr. Crichton and myself to chat with other teachers and try our hand at creating our own sponge puppet!
The evenings were also filled with two hugely contrasting performances that we got to experience together. ‘Macbeth’ at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester and the highly entertaining ‘ & Juliet’ at the Manchester Opera House. Both of these performances kept us talking, discussing or singing and dancing all night.
As a Theatre teacher, I look forward to putting TAPS onto our annual calendar as it is definitely an experience every Theatre student should have!
Ms Daphne Said - Art Department
IB Theatre - TAPS Experience In Manchester