Mission Statement
Our mission statement is to engage directly with issues of personal development and group empowerment while giving energy to the quiet voices of those who are often silent.
About Us
The London Bus Theatre Company converted to a CIC in July 2006 and is one of the leading Theatre in Education groups in the UK. Our funding is from LEA’s, Community Funds and Trusts as well as Police Forces and PCT’s. We are in constant demand as our work is of the highest quality and has proved to be cost effective for Crime and Disorder and substance misuse initiatives. BP, Umbro, KeyMed and the Co-operative group have sponsored a wide range of projects since 2001.
Our mission statement is to acknowledge the needs of disadvantaged groups whilst giving energy to those who are often silent. Priority is given to innovative and exemplary projects that address inequality of access and lack of opportunity to experience and enjoy the arts.
There are two full time staff, six part time young actors and a large number of regular volunteers. London Bus regularly attends and runs Youth Forums to ensure all projects are focused and meeting a real need in the community.
Our drama workshops are wholly inclusive regardless of race, creed, SEN status or social circumstances because of the varied mix in youth clubs and schools. Our workshops provide equal opportunity for everyone involved no matter where the seminar is located or the age of the young people involved. All London Bus staff, paid and unpaid, are recruited on merit and in accordance with The London Bus Theatre Company’s Equal Opportunities Policy. The London Bus Theatre Company encourage a broad and diverse range of applicants and aim to make our service responsive to user’s comments, both complimentary and critical. The London Bus Theatre Company has a written complaints procedure for staff and clients. The London Bus Theatre Company has a Child Protection Policy and CRB checks are carried out on all staff working with children.
The London Bus approach is totally unique. Based on Augusto Boal's Forum Theatre of the Oppressed and run by Bristol Old Vic trained workshop leaders, the formats feature total involvement from the students and find general solutions to problems collectively.
Students in groups devise their own short plays on the previous workshop exercises. These are presented to the other group members who are encouraged to suggest approaches to the issues. Via skilled and experienced guidance from workshop leaders, sensible solutions are arrived at by consensus. As actors, every part of the dramatic process is relevant and empowering to the entire peer group. This interactive method allows the pupils to grasp ownership of their own destinies and willingly accept certain behavioural choices. We have found that if you show something to someone, they usually forget it. If you involve them, they invariably understand it.
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Chris Turner trained at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. A keen runner and football player in his spare time, Chris brings his natural enthusiasm and strong personal skills to workshops and group activities. He is a talented musician and singer. Credits |
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Katherine Austen, Chair of The London Bus Theatre Company has played the part of "Justine" in the BBC series "Between the lines". Other credits include QVC "The Look" British Gas commercial and PC Austen in “Turn Around Charlie”. In 2007 Katherine was cast by Director Peter Richardson to play the part of "Angie" in "Call Mickey". Katherine organises the majority of projects for The London Bus Theatre Company and is the driving force behind sponsorhip and grants.. |
