The Shows
“The staff were happy not to pull the children back from the ceiling afterwards!”
“Rumbly-Jumbly under the Stairs” at Saxon Shore Infants, Portsmouth.
“The cast handled the occasional ‘over-enthusiasm’ very expertly without spoiling the performance.”
“King of Cabbage Castle” at Holbrook Primary, Gosport.
Yes, a frequently asked question from teachers unfamiliar with SCAT is “How do I know that you won’t just get the children over-excited and shouting out, leaving us to sort the problem later?”
Nobody wants this sort of situation, least of all the actors. Also, we do rely on repeat bookings from schools to keep SCAT ‘on the road’. We’re pleased to say that, over the years, we have received much praise for our ability to control ‘over-enthusiasm’ without spoiling the children’s pleasure and involvement.
So now, more about the shows…
SCAT’s artistic policy is to create new, original plays (not pantomimes, by the way) for children from 3 to 11 years.
“Very good; refreshing to have a new story, not a regurgitated traditional tale.”
“Sophie and the Snuffle-Snout” at Holly Spring Infants, Bracknell.
But will our NEW story engage the children?
“As teachers we were amazed by the fact that children who usually find it difficult to sit and listen for 10 minutes were engrossed for a whole hour!”
“Drumlins and Dragons” at Tweseldown Infants, Church Crookham.
SCAT shows are interactive, i.e. the actors acknowledge the presence of the audience, often seeking information and help from the children, while avoiding the usual Panto clichés (“He’s behind you!”.. “Oh no you didn’t!”)
As a Children’s Theatre Company (not Theatre in Education) SCAT does not offer shows on specific ‘topics’ or ‘issues’. Our plays are created to be enjoyed as pure entertainment… although they always contain themes and content that many schools use as stimuli for follow-up work (we supply notes when requested).
“The children… were very keen to talk about it afterwards – how to make new friends, etc.”
“Rumbly-Jumbly under the Stairs” at Netley Abbey Infants.
“Excellent! Good for developing imaginations – tied in nicely with work on developing imaginary worlds.”
“Drumlins and Dragons” at Langstone Junior, Portsmouth.
“Very enjoyable. Would recommend it. Lots of scope for follow-up work. Congratulations!”
“Sophie and the Snuffle-Snout” at Brockhurst Infants, Gosport.
Which show is most appropriate for your school? This is what we offer each year:
A BIG show
| Age range: | 5 to 10 years |
| Style: | 3 actors playing many characters; fast action and a changing set. |
| Typical running time: | 1 hour (approx.) |
| Available: | December to February half-term |
| Space req’d: | 6m square |
A SMALL show
| Age range: | 4 to 7 years |
| Style: | 2 actor/puppeteers. Gentler performance style. Colourful set, with puppets |
| Typical running time: | 50 minutes |
| Available: | All year, except November, January and February. |
| Space req’d.: | 6m square |
A PRE-SCHOOL show
| Age range: | 3 and 4 year olds |
| Style: | 2 puppeteers/storytellers. Very gentle performance style. Colourful set, with puppets. |
| Typical running time: | 35-40 minutes |
| Available: | March to October |
| Space req’d.: | 4m square |
CHAT to SCAT!
Where time allows, the actors will be pleased to answer questions from the children after a performance. Ask us when you book.
For information on our latest shows (and fees), see the bookings page, or telephone us on 023 9236 6829.
What about Year 6 children?
Being part of an audience that may include five year olds will, inevitably, cause some 10 and 11 year olds to think that the show is ‘too young for them’. We therefore suggest the use of a psychological approach.. just tell your top juniors that ‘the show is not really for them, it’s a bit too young, but they can be in the audience if they wish’. (Just try and stop them!)
