The annual Schools Tour has become a fixture of the Three Year Course and is a rite of passage that students eagerly look forward to taking up. Marking the juncture in their training where they begin to perform for audiences outside of OSD, the tour represents a challenging and fruitful part of their training.
Earlier this year, second-year actors from the Three Year Course took to the road as they embarked on an inspiring and dynamic tour performing Sarah Ruhl’s Eurydice for local secondary schools. The production was also the first directed by our Senior Movement Tutor Gabriel H. Zonana.
Eurydice showcased the students’ developing craft and provided an engaging, interactive experience for young audiences through post-performance workshops focused on character creation and physical ensemble work.
Sarah Ruhl’s Eurydice presents a fresh, poetic interpretation of the classic Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, reimagined from the perspective of its titular heroine. Its rich emotional landscape and inventive storytelling offer the perfect canvas for our actors to explore complex character relationships, abstract physicality, and the power of visual symbolism.
Performing in diverse school environments, the actors demonstrated adaptability and professionalism, bringing the story to life with minimal technical support—relying instead on their skills in physical theatre, voice, and ensemble cohesion. Each performance was met with enthusiastic responses from students.
Following each show, the actors facilitated hands-on workshops designed to deepen the students’ understanding of theatrical processes. Focusing on character development and physical ensemble techniques, these sessions encouraged participants to explore how emotion, intention, and movement can be harnessed to create compelling performances. Through practical exercises, students discovered new ways to embody characters and collaborate effectively within a group dynamic.
Beyond what this tour offers our students regarding their own development, it greatly benefits the young people who participate in the performances and workshops. They not only demystify the actors’ craft but also foster creativity and confidence among participants.
Feedback from both students and teachers highlighted the profound impact of directly engaging with young actors, gaining insight into the artistic and collaborative aspects of theatre-making.
Below is a selection of feedback from Teachers at the schools we visited this year, you can also read a blog from one of our partner schools!
We believe it is vital to continue offering these high-quality performances and workshops free of charge because we know better than most how transformative access to the arts can be for young people. With a political backdrop that has seen funding and timetable hours for arts subjects consistently cut for state schools in the UK, being able to offer Teachers free resources is more important than ever.
We are only able to offer this tour thanks to the generous support of The Doris Field Charitable Trust, The Enterprise Arts Trust, The David Family Foundation, and The David Laing Foundation. The support of Trusts and Foundations such as these who deeply connect with the importance of access to that arts. OSD are always seeking Trusts and Foundations to work with us in delivering and expanding the reach of schemes like The Schools Tour.
Touring Eurydice was more than a performance opportunity for our second-year actors; it was a chance to connect, educate, and inspire the next generation of theatre enthusiasts. The Oxford School of Drama is proud of their dedication, passion, and the profound impact they made in each school they visited.
If being involved in projects like the Schools Tour sounds exciting, applications for all our courses are still open! You can find out more about the Three Year, One Year and Foundation Courses on our website and can begin your application on our apply page.
