Our creative partner STEM Theatre in a Box brings life through the Arts

The STEM Theatre Box is aimed at children aged 4-7, and is designed to highlight inspirational scientists, encourage and develop science learning and increase aspirations and awareness of careers in STEM among very young children - all through the medium of dance, theatre, play and puppetry.The first box to be completed is based on the work of Dr Jane Goodall, conservationist, primatologist and UN ambassador for peace. STEM Theatre in a Box were thrilled to receive a very special message from Dr Jane stating, “I do hope you enjoy playing, dancing and acting out stories using the theatre and puppets. But most of all, I hope this box encourages you to dream about what you would most like to do. You might not know what you’d like to do or be yet. But you can act out different ideas, and use your imagination to take yourself to the places you want to go. You can make a difference, you truly can, we all can. So follow your dreams”.STEM Theatre in a Box is a performing arts and science cross-curricular learning resource programme. The aim is to build Science Capital in children and their families, highlighting female and Global Majority scientists and their work, and how it is relevant to everyday real-life issues and challenges.    The project is the brainchild of Louise Hodgson, who runs Bradford based Liberty Arts Yorkshire, along with primary science educational consultant, Angharad Pass. The boxes include everything needed to create your own puppet theatre, stories and resources, a simple science experiment, and a specially recorded DVD.

Boxes featuring Dr Jane's story have been distributed to over 100 schools and community groups across Yorkshire, and the team have just presented live shows at Keighley Arts and Film festival, and Bradford Science Week. Future plans include taking the show and workshops out to schools and developing the live show further to present at festivals around the country.   "The show was amazing. Interactive, engaging, fun and educational. You got the message of Dr Goodall's work across so effectively" Mrs M, Primary school teacher, Bradford "My niece really adored the show, and it was obvious all the children watching enjoyed the chance to participate and engage with the story of Jane Goodall.." Helen, Bradford"Wow wow wow!.. Four kids ages 3-9 and three adults. We all laughed out loud, joined in and absolutely loved it! Thank you STEM Theatre in a Box. I would love to see these shows go into schools" Jay, Leeds