Discovery for children using games, physical theatre, mime, improvisation and image theatre.

The AIR project was launched to fulfil the need for greater drama provision in primary schools and enhance links between the University English and Drama Department, Charnwood Arts and local schools. Shelthorpe and Rosebery Primary School children were shown playful ways of discovery through games, physical theatre, mime, improvisation and image theatre and to use these methods to tell stories and express feelings. At Rosebery, the central theme was Lewis Caroll's `The Jabberwocky'. Together with project co-ordinator Jessica Naish, the children developed their own characters and script, drawing on the techniques they had learned. The resulting performance was highly successful in demonstrating the children's creativity and their ability to make and take ownership of their own work. Future plans include staff training, parents' workshops and links with Theatre in Education students. Both schools have been incredibly supportive and teachers are working with Jessica to develop the project further.