Family Theatre Day brings joy to local families

On Saturday 15 March 2025, Travelling Light collaborated with University of Bristol theatre students to present a day of theatre performances, workshops and family fun for our local children and their families and carers.

Students created workshops and performances for children aged 5-7 and 8-10 and their families, tailored to exploring creativity, confidence and imagination.

The day began with a fun and engaging 15 minute performance and then a 30-minute workshop for children aged 5-7 and their families. Children and their carers explored the importance of bravery and being yourself through music, expression and art.

Following a short break with snacks, drinks and face painting, we welcomed 8-10 year olds and their families to enjoy a 15-minute performance and 30-minute workshop, taking participants to a kingdom where darkness has been banned. They explored the importance of agency, confidence and teamwork through dancing, magic, and crafting. The performance ended with the students acting out a beautiful firework show and dance.

Audiences at this year’s Family Theatre Day said it was:
“Exciting, fun and professional.”

“Interesting, dynamic, friendly, they really acknowledged the audience, and it was designed for the audience, which was good.”

Rachel Millett, Travelling Light’s Creative Learning Project Manager, said:
“I think the students have brought an amazing energy today and they have taken a lot of care in the work they have created for the local community, and engaging with the children and the families as they come in.”

University of Bristol Theatre students, who were involved in creating the performances and workshops for this year’s event, said:

“It’s been such an amazing experience. We’ve been incredibly lucky to connect with these children and meet the families.”

“It’s been so lovely, it’s been really fun.”

“We’re really lucky to be able do these things with such a rich community and they seem to have had a great time.”

Dr Jess McCormack, Lecturer in Theatre and Performance, in the Department of Theatre, said:
“The students have the pretty amazing opportunity to go outside of the University and work with really rich, vibrant communities, creating moments of joy and connection.”

Family Theatre Day is an annual event organised as part of our collaboration with the University of Bristol Theatre Department, providing students with opportunities to gain work experience creating performances and workshops for children and families in the community.