our work

performing for success

Performing for Success

Eastside was commissioned by Rex Hall Associates to undertake a national consultation with arts and cultural organisations throughout England and to develop a model for Performing for Success (PFS) based on the highly successful and effective Playing for Success, which puts classrooms at the heart of major sporting venues. PFS will establish study support centres, out of school hours, at a number of major arts and cultural institutions using the 'wow factor' of professional venues to engage under-achieving students. Eastside has devised and delivered a number of pilot projects as part of Find Your Talent in Tower Hamlets and in partnership with major arts venues, including Rich Mix Cinema, Royal Albert Hall, Sadler's Wells Theatre, Ambassador Theatre Group, Phoenix Cinema, Really Useful Theatre Group, London College of Fashion, Ritzy Cinema and the Institute of International Visual Arts (INIVA). PFS is designed to raise standards in literacy and numeracy through the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and aims to provide innovative and challenging learning experiences for young people at primary and secondary schools who are under-achieving. The programme takes place for two hours a week, over a ten week period. Young people begin by meeting members of staff from the host organisation - from front of house to backstage crew - which provides young people with the opportunity to develop a greater understanding of the different roles and careers available within the creative industries. Students then participate in a film screening, watch a performance (or rehearsal) or tour an exhibition and then write a review expressing how they feel about what they have seen. Through this experience, students will also learn about the creative process from producing, directing and casting, to the technical aspects of stage management, wardrobe, lighting, sound and set design, right through to marketing and budgeting. The pilot projects will be used to develop a national programme that can be rolled out more widely in England and Wales. 

Performing for Success Evaluation Report