We aim for artistic excellence and learning opportunities of the highest quality.  We are able to draw on our years of experience and long term evaluation, research and development to use the techniques in a variety of settings with a wide range of children, young people and adults.  These methods are accessible and work equally well with the most vulnerable and disengaged, as they do with working professionals.

The principle of our work is based on the origins of theatre.  From the beginning of time, people have been acting things out to help them understand the world, their behaviour and that of other people.  It is this human instinct that makes the use of theatre so appropriate for exploring social concerns and the factors involved in health and well-being. 

Observing a piece of theatre, or participating in an interactive workshop, audience or participants are provided with an imaginative context that can give them new insights or perspectives on aspects of their lives that may be difficult or challenging. Through the process they are able to step beyond the confines of their world, promoting an awareness of choice and a possibility of change.  By using character and scenario we facilitate the sharing of experience and expertise to identify solutions for improved outcomes.

Working in partnership with organisations from the health, education or social sectors, we are able to provide sustained and targeted projects that benefit from shared knowledge and skill. Key organisations that have recently commissioned or funded our work include:

National
National Children's Bureau, DfE, British Association of Adoption and Fostering, Arts Council England, Creative Partnerships, OFSTED, Royal College of Psychiatrists, TDA, Arts & Business, Young Minds.

Regional
Government Office for the South West, Government Office for East Midlands, Government Office for the West Midlands, Barnardo's South West, South West Healthy Care Partnership, South West Public Health, Arts Council England (South West), Youth Opportunities Fund.

Local
Bristol Teenage Pregnancy Partnership, Gateshead Council, Wiltshire County Council, Southend Borough Council, North Somerset PCT,  Safer South Gloucestershire, University of Hull, University of the West of England, Bath Spa University, Bristol Directorate for Public Health, Bristol Children & Young People's Services, South Gloucestershire Department for Children & Young People, South East Essex PCT, Neighbourhood Renewal, Bristol Community Safety & Drugs Partnership, Bristol Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS).

Click here to see Examples of Our Work

Evaluation

Evaluation of Project Jump (2006)
View PDF here

City of One: Evaluating the impact on children and young people in care of participating in a theatre and music initiative (2008)
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In addition, Myrtle Theatre Company has been invited to talk about their work and the evaluations at a number of regional and national conferences.

The Institute of Education – “Creative activities and social pedagogy: Lessons from Europe and the UK” – London 2010

The National Children’s Bureau – “Participation with a Purpose” – London, York, Peterborough 2009

Reconstruct – “The Voice of the Child” – London 2008

Arts Council England / National Children's Bureau seminar – "Embedding Creativity in to the Lives of Looked After Children" – London 2008

Young Minds - National Looked After Children Network national conference – Leicester 2007

British Association of Adoption and Fostering – annual conference – York 2007

United Kingdom Public Health Association annual public health forum – Telford 2006