Keynote speakers 2019

Keynotes by Jonothan Neelands, Professor of Creative Education, Warwick Business School, University of Warwick, UK & Patrice Baldwin, Past Chair of National Drama UK and Past President of IDEA, the International Drama Theatre and Education Association (2010-2013).

Patrice Baldwin is Past President of IDEA, the International Drama Theatre and Education Association (2010-2013) and Past Chair of National Drama (UK).  She was a Primary Headteacher, local government School Improvement Adviser, Inspector (Ofsted), Adviser for the Arts in Schools and for Creative and Cultural Learning.  Patrice was Drama Editorial Expert for Rose’s proposed national curriculum and founded Drama for Learning and Creativity (D4LC).  An education author, her most recent books include, With Drama in Mind (2nd edition) and Inspiring Writing Through Drama (with Rob John).  She was a BBC Education consultant and scriptwriter for radio drama and more recently television.  She writes regularly for Teaching Drama.

  https://www.patricebaldwin.net

Drama Blog: www.patricebaldwin.me

Keynote:  Drama for Learning – why it works and is wonderful!

Starting with the speaker’s own mixed, memorable experiences and responses as a language learner, this keynote will consider how teachers can purposefully help or hinder learning generally, (and language learning in particular).  The way that dramatic play and then drama, intentionally maximise the use of the senses, provide meaningful contexts for thinking, inter-thinking and talking and meet the neurological needs of the learner will be outlined.  The important role of adults in this process will also be explained.   Kuhl’s success criteria for  ‘Social Classrooms’ will be referenced and matched to what drama lessons offer and Drama Strategies will be presented as scaffolding for thinking, inter-thinking and talk.


Jonothan Neelands: I am a National Teaching Fellow, Professor of Creative Education at the Warwick Business School (WBS) and Chair of Drama and Theatre Education at the University of Warwick. In addition to my academic profile, I am an experienced creative workshop leader and drama practitioner, with a national and international reputation for delivering high quality keynotes, executive education and master classes. Recently, I was Director of Study for the Warwick Commission on the Future of Cultural Value and Research Project Director for the Creative Industries Federation. I am Director of Research and Evaluation and Trustee for Coventry UK City of Culture 2021. I believe that theatre and the arts are essential tools for young people to develop their creative, human and leadership potential.

Jonothan is the author of several texts for teachers and students, including Structuring Drama Work, Beginning Drama 11-14, Key Shakespeare 1 and 2 and Advanced Drama and Theatre Studies and Improving Your Primary School Through Drama. Peter O’Connor’s Creating Democratic Citizens through Drama Education: the writings of Jonothan Neelands is published by Trentham.

Keynote: Popular Theatre in Populist Times

The need for a theatre that includes and celebrates the diversity of humanity has never been greater. The rise of nationalism, polarised politics and fear of the other across Europe needs to be challenged through all forms of art. Theatre because it is the most social of art forms, immerses us in the voices and stories of those who are different, it engages us together in making and sharing these stories. Theatre was the first invention of democracy in the western world and as the ideals of democracy fade we need theatre more than ever before. 

More information to follow soon.