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Primary Schools Hoopla are performing improvisation and running impro workshops at various Primary Schools in and around London and Essex in 2009. These include giving a 45 minute improvisation performance to the entire year group, followed by a series of interactive workshops where the kids got to take part. Common themes include listening, teamwork and storytelling. Testimonials "They were listening so carefully to each other, amazing I wish they would listen to me like that!" "The workshop was great and all the staff were equally impressed. They could clearly see a usefulness and they even enjoyed it!! "That was such fun and covered so many learning objectives" "Fits in brilliantly with a creative curriculum" "The children were totally mesmerised by the role play. Taking it all in so they could do it too." "I think it was a fantastic bridge between the children's imagination and the skills we want to teach them in speaking and listening." Article in the School Centred Initial Teacher Training Newsletter, June 2009 In May, Limes Farm Juniors hosted an impro show followed by a workshop for the children. If you know the TV show "Whose Line Is It Anyway?", you will have some idea of the kind of activities that took place. Apart from a variety of fun games, the Hoopla actors also performed scenes which were made up on the spot, based on suggestions from the children. The high energy show really engaged the children and they were very keen to join in with their ideas. A particular favourite was "Word at a time storytelling" where two actors made up and acted out a story suggested by the children. Each actor took it in turn to contribute the next word in the story. Another favourite was "Speaking with one voice" where three actors became one person and spoke as one, answering the children's questions. The highlight of this game was when the "actor/person" had a conversation with the "audience/person"! After the 45 minute show and a short break, the children took part in a workshop where they were able to try out some of the games and activities for themselves under the guidance of the Hoopla actors. Sophia Pedalis, Limes Farm Junior Headteacher, was full of praise for the show and workshop. "The children had a great time, first watching the show and then trying out the activities. We are trying to encourage more creativity in the curriculum and this sort of thing is an ideal springboard for that. It also encourages the children to work collaboratively and listen carefully to each other." Steve Roe and Edgar Fernando, directors of Hoopla, said "We have found that the children go out and play the games on their own after the show and workshop." Peter Gordon, FIPC's own tutor, is a member of Hoopla. "What I like most about performing in impro is that I don't have to learn lines before hand!".