Abigail Rokison-Woodall describes using the online environment to teach teachers practical work

Dr Abigail Rokison-Woodall discusses how she had to move her teaching of practical theatre at the Shakespeare Institute online during the pandemic. The courses she teaches usually involve theatre practitioners from the Royal Shakespeare Company, as well as other actors and directors. She describes how these external participants contributed to the teaching online through recorded presentations.

The courses at the Institute often combine Distant Learners with students who attend the classes in Stratford-upon-Avon, which means that resources and structures were already in place to include students who are not present. However, Abigail points out how much more of an even-handed experience the online classes have been when all the students are receiving the tuition in the same way.

Teaching practical theatre has particular challenges but Abigail is currently thinking through how this environment could allow for new approaches, such as a daily vocal class for students. The annual conference that the students usually take part in over one week was extended this year over a six week period, resulting in much more in depth research and involvement in the student presentations. Therefore the overall experience she describes is one of discovery and development which will inform her teaching in the autumn.