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Early Years
Our work with Early Years groups aims to inspire very young children see the Theatre as an exciting, special place with coloured lights, exciting sounds and space to move - where stories are told and you can become whoever you want to be.

Education Lounge; Making An Exhibition Of Ourselves; You Are Here

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EARLY YEARS GROUPS

Early Years Partnership Scheme: This pilot scheme (new for September 2010) is designed to offer one early years setting each year a free programme of tailor-made creative opportunities, including workshops, theatre visits and professional development. The scheme is open to settings within the districts of Greater Manchester who are delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Exploring the Great Hall with under 5s: The Royal Exchange building is open to the public and you are welcome to bring children in for a look around the Great Hall. If there are rehearsals in the Theatre there will be signs letting you know which areas you can’t go into, and asking you to be quiet. Otherwise, feel free to explore the hall. Click here to download an activity sheet with ideas to help you make the most of your visit.

Earlyarts Professional Development Days: Exchange Education are Pathfinder Partners for Earlyarts, the national training network for people working creatively with young children. In this role, we work with our regional partners, Manchester Children’s Services, Renaissance Northwest and PLACES to co-deliver a programme of creative professional development events. For more information and details of forthcoming events, please take a look at the Earlyarts website.

Taster tours and workshops: As part of the Theatre’s programme of pick and mix tours and workshops, we offer a session for groups bringing very young children to the Theatre for the first time. Aimed at very young children this session gives first-time visitors the opportunity to explore our theatre through role-play, movement and story-making.
 
Exchange Education teacher membership scheme: A membership scheme designed to offer teachers extra opportunities to become involved with the Royal Exchange Theatre and benefit from a range of Education Extras. The cost of membership for an academic year is just £8.50, and each member receives a termly (or twice termly) invitation to visit the theatre for a free glass of wine, the chance to meet up with other teachers and Royal Exchange staff, and a free ticket for the current production.