National secrets uncovered in Theatrecraft

First Published 5 May 2010, Last Updated 7 May 2010

The National Theatre will be revealing some trade secrets during a week of hands-on activities for children aged eight and older and their families.

Theatrecraft For Families, held from 31 May to 4 June, comprises a series of workshops led by the National’s team of experts on everything from lighting and sound to clothes-dyeing and prop-making.

Each day is dedicated to a different skill: Monday’s armoury workshop allows participants a closer look at some of the weaponry and pyrotechnics involved in National Theatre productions; Tuesday illuminates the skill of dyeing fabric to make actors look like they have been through the wars; the world of design and propmaking is the subject of Wednesday’s workshop; the NT’s sound team will be on hand on Thursday to explain how music and sound can evoke a variety of locations and emotions; while on Friday it is the turn of the lighting experts to demonstrate how lighting is used to bring a production to life.

Workshops cost £10 for adults and £7 for children. To find out more and to book places, visit the National Theatre website.

CB

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