2011 Pantomime "Cinderella" written and directed at Barmby Moor - for information, headteacher comments and to book a similar service at your school click here

"Richard immediately takes on board what schools want to achieve, but is also able to challenge them as well.  He delivers excellent quality participatory arts for children and young people, and adapts delivery to suit needs.  He effectively managed coordination of the project, and is excellent not only in delivery, but also adminstratively."

Jane Gray - Creative Agent, Beverley and Priory Woods Move-Motion project

I have over ten years experience as a freelance Drama facilitator. In this time I have worked for various theatre-in-education companies including Stagecoach, Bigfoot, York Theatre Royal and Stagecentre; from interactive storytelling shows and play-for-a-day formats to out of school drama clubs and voice/singing coaching. I have written and directed plays and pantomimes and have project planned and delivered a national series of theatre workshops for  the charity Crossroads.

I have devised and delivered many bespoke projects for schools both from direct request and through the Government's Creative Partnerships program. For more details on specific jobs and projects in education please click here

"All children within the group have progressed (within a variety of ways) and this is due to the careful planning of Richard. Richard built up a brilliant working relationship with all children and staff involved within the project. Quickly he assessed the children's needs and planned appropriately to move them forward."

Emma Beech - Teacher, St. Mary's, Selby

I bring to my facilitation work in depth experience and knowledge of professional theatre, both as a performer and in stage management, and particular specialism in pantomime, singing and children's theatre. My work as a facilitator often incorporates storytelling, play and developing communication skills as well as singing and rhythm work. Other performance skills I use include African drumming (djembe), mask work, juggling and simple card/magic tricks.

"I have learnt all about team work and that it is really good to join in"

"I like acting now - I was shy before"

"Richard always talks to us and asks us what we think"

"I am always the first in from play now"

Pupils from St. Mary's Primary, Selby

I aim to establish a strong and immediate rapport with children and stress the element of fun so that they then learn without realising it! A strong emphasis on games and the process rather than putting pressure on the final end product make for a less prescriptive and more creative way of working that is pupil led. With this emphasis on structured play, my work with young people helps to build trust, self confidence and teamwork as well as improving communication and focus skills and nurturing imaginations. These ultimately lead to a greater level of engagement and attainment in the classroom, with a particular benefit to literacy.

Reflection and evaluation are very important aspects of my work and I try to ensure that staff, students, practitioner(s) and (where applicable) parents all have their input to encourage sustainability of the creative practice beyond my work in schools.

"Nathan has come out of his shell so much, his confidence is growing and says what he feels....Richard puts so much into his storytelling that it feels like he's on stage and you're his audience."

Andy - Parent, McMillan Children's Centre, Hull

In terms of CPD I have run various training days in primary and special schools. These have primarily been aimed at offering teachers alternative creative approaches to aid the teaching of other subjects. I have concentrated on enjoyment and teambuilding and have been keen to show the accessibility of drama while challenging the concept of what constitutes "theatre". In 2011 I ran a training session for external Early Years Practitioners through McMillan Children's Centre in Hull concentrating on "Bringing Books to Life" while exploring the use of outdoor areas and St. Paul's nursery in York are looking to bring me in for a similar session.

I would be delighted to discuss any drama requirements you may have for your school/organisation and whilst I prefer to design bespoke projects and sessions to suit your needs I would happily send out an example of a workshop plan and evaluation on request.

"Richard left a confident group of thespians, a relaxed staff, and a funny, bright and sparkly performance....please come again next year"

John Neilsen, Headteacher, Barmby Moor Primary

Why consider me for facilitation work?

- I offer bespoke projects and workshops to organisations in York, Harrogate, Leeds, Hull and surrounding areas.

- I am CRB checked and I have my own public liability insurance.

- My workshops can be tailored to individual wishes rather than following a set format determined by a theatre in education company.

- I am freelance and the fact that I am booked directly means that my fees are far more reasonable than those of a company who take bookings and sub-contract work out to their practitioners.

- My professional background as a performer and stage manager gives me a unique slant on drama in education rather than simply having worked in schools.

For more information or to discuss availability please contact me at richard@richardkay.net

I can also be found on the workshops in schools website