ABOUT DRAMA MATTERS
Drama Matters came about from a networking weekend that Tracy Dorrington ran to bring Drama teachers together in 2015. I called it Fusion Networking and we had just over a 100 members on our FaceBook group. The aim was to show that we were no longer that single person department. It was a space to share good practice, be a student again, run workshops and debate about the exam boards and changes to our subject. It was also a chance to fight for what we all knew, that ‘Drama is key not only to our economy but our life, our soul and of course our children’.
Since then, it has kept a solid profile of running various supportive groups on Facebook for teachers, it also supported other groups to try and challenge the EBacc which was killing our subject in schools.
It is important to note we are not a charity or affiliated to any organisations. We are also not here to challenge position with the organisations that do exist for our subject, but we are different as it is all about the power of you, whether that be you as an industry professional, a teacher or a student and of course the power of our subject. We are here to bridge, we are here to support, we are here to build.
In 2019, Tracy decided to step it up again and started to speak with those that were involved and came up with a stepped plan to get Drama on the map in the minds of all, to enable all to see its worth. With a stepped programme in place, which was started with the core people, alongside meeting with Open Drama and NATD, Tracy discussed the key aspects she thought would help our subject with plans of how to move things forward.
These were:
Networking Weekend
which would launch our idea of outreach leaders so we could take our ideas into every county in the UK—April 2020
Links to all areas of the Arts
building a bridge between Teachers/Education and performers, playwrights, directors, producers, designers, actors, technicians and FOH. Basically, anyone that works within the Theatre Industry in any form. After all, there are no small parts in theatre.
A display of performance outside Parliament
showing our worth
Extra Curricular for teachers
Support and resources by teachers for teachers
HOW IT DEVELOPED
During lockdown this moved in ways we could not even imagine, it has been truly wonderful, to be able to support and come together. Since Lockdown, we have gone from strength to strength with the #TTTs Talk Theatre Thursdays, the Drama Matters Student Voice Matters Performing Arts Festival and our Bridge Builders initiative, which were officially launched at the Drama Matters Networking Weekend in September. Drama Matters now have Bridge Builders and we are always looking for more, as the plan is to get one into every area of the country and indeed the world. So If you see your area is not covered then please do get in touch if you want to get involved. We have had 5 Drama Matters Networking Weekends under our belt and the magazine was officially launched at the 4th one in September 2023.
We aim to work with all involved in the industry whether it be within education, community, theatre wherever there is creativity and theatre we will do all we can to promote and support. We will not charge for our support, in fact if we are doing something that charges then you will get it at cost or it will be to raise money for arts organisations and initiatives. We have however created a pay if you wish account where if you feel that you would like to support the work we do then please do go to our contact us page where you will find the link.
We are teachers and freelancers who are passionate about our subject and our aim is to make sure that all know its worth and can feel its worth.
One thing is for sure, it’s about all of us not just one person - the collaboration and conversations through the TTT’s shows so many people have so many strengths and therefore together we can take on all that is thrown at us, you are never EVER alone. We have over 6k members on our Facebook group and when we launch our podcast and YouTube channel hopefully it will make us even more accessible.
Quite simply, we want to be there for you - an ear to listen, a system to support you, a think tank of ideas.
We are always growing and looking for new ways to support and we have now launched our new student area where we hope to support those coming through Drama in schools and also through the school system.
We are now delighted to announce our new website which as you can see has many areas to support all. We are also launching a few new things in 2025 so keep an eye out.
Drama Matters, why?
Because it’s powerful,
It’ doesn’t just plant seeds, grow minds,
save minds. It actually has an immense
power to bring about change.
Together, we bring about that change, together
we hear you, we see you, we are you.
All of you, never ever the select few.
Key aspects of who we are
We also do not chase you, you will not be bombarded by emails unless it’s because you are joining us for something, we believe that you will contact us if you want to be part of the Drama Matters family/tribe.
We also work with and alongside, so many different organisations, all who see what we do and want to be part of our family too.
The biggest thing is the fact that we DO NOT CHARGE for anything unless there is a cost involved for us, so we are not making money off the back of your need.
Our ethos is simple = acceptance, inclusivity, empathy, kindness, support, creativity and imagination and of course raising you and our subject to be where it deserves to be - everything a drama lesson should be every single day!
You can find us on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp which means hopefully you can access wherever and whenever you need us.
Welcome home to Drama Matters