The Bristol Hippodrome is thrilled to announce its nomination for the prestigious UK Theatre Awards for Excellence in Arts Education, recognising the outstanding work of its Creative Learning Department.
This nomination celebrates the department’s commitment to engaging communities, inspiring young minds, and making theatre accessible to all through innovative educational programmes.
As a result of the Bristol Hippodrome’s School Partnership Programme, students from Venturers Academy were able to bring a large number of students to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat earlier this year, kindly supported by Rolls-Royce.
Previous to the partnership, pupils were able to attend a special educational production of the hit musical, Hamilton, in 2024.
Venturers Academy staff saw the positive impact that the workshops and visits to the Bristol Hippodrome were having. Their students, inspired by their participation in the Schools Partnership and the efforts of the Creative Learning department, fed back on their school's minimal options for this career path and requested something to change. This contributed to Venturers Academy hiring its first Performing Arts Lead and updating its curriculum to include a performing arts program.
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‘Exposure to live performances can enhance their mental health by offering an immersive escape, reducing anxiety, and fostering emotional expression. It also broadens their career horizons by inspiring interest in the creative arts, whether as performers, designers, or behind-the-scenes professionals. Recognising these benefits, Venturers' Academy has adapted its curriculum to include a dedicated performing arts program, allowing pupils to engage with music, drama, and technical roles such as lighting and staging. This change not only nurtures talent but also provides a structured outlet for self-expression, further reinforcing the positive impact of theatre accessibility’ – Previous Deputy Head of Venturers Academy.
“We’re absolutely thrilled that our Creative Learning department has been nominated for Excellence in Arts Education by the UK Theatre Awards. This recognition is a testament to the passion and dedication of our team, who work tirelessly to inspire and engage people of all ages through the transformative power of theatre.” – Bristol Hippodrome Theatre Director, Ben Phillips.
This unique collaboration between school, theatre and local business has resulted in active change and the promotion of arts education. What started with an invitation to see Hamilton will ultimately affect generations to come and hopefully see the next generation of theatre-makers come from Venturers' Academy.
Kyle Pryke, Creative Learning Officer at the Bristol Hippodrome, said: “We are honoured and so pleased to have received this nomination. For all the hard work our teams have put in to achieve the high standard, impactful local work, to then have that recognised in this way is beyond our wildest expectations. We are in some amazing company with the other nominees, and this shows just how much impact creative venues can have in their communities.”
The winners will be announced at the UK Theatre Awards ceremony on Sunday 12 October, held at 8 Northumberland Avenue, London, and hosted by Faye Tozer. The event will bring together theatre professionals from across the UK to celebrate excellence in performance, production, and outreach.
For more information about the Bristol Hippodrome’s Creative Learning initiatives, visit www.atgtickets.com/bristol.
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