Inspiring Creativity: Theatre Design Through Model Making

A Journey into Theatre Design

Last year, I was honoured to receive an education grant from West of England Music and Arts to design and deliver a hands-on, creative workshop for primary schools — all about theatre design through model making. After months of training, planning, and preparing materials, this summer I finally had the joy of delivering my first four sessions with Year 4 and Year 6 students. What an incredible experience it has been!

When I was a child, I didn’t even know that art could be a profession — let alone that there were so many different paths in the creative world. It wasn’t until high school that I stumbled across theatre design. I remember being completely surprised that such a profession even existed. It felt like discovering a secret world that combined everything I loved: storytelling, reading, drawing, painting, crafting, and working as part of a team. That’s what inspired me to create these workshops: to offer children a glimpse into this magical world much earlier than I had the chance to.

Workshop Overview

Each two-hour session invites children to step into the role of set designers. Starting with a story they’ve already studied in literacy (like Our Tower by Joseph Coelho), they use their imagination and creativity to build a miniature theatre set — a little world inside a box — completely from scrap and recycled materials.

Key Concepts Explored

During the workshops, we explore several important concepts, including:

• Composition and Layout: Understanding how to arrange elements within the set.

• Colour Theory and Texture: Learning how colors and textures affect the mood and feel of a scene.

• Scale and Perspective: Grasping how size and viewpoint influence design.

• Creative Reuse and Sustainability: Emphasizing the importance of using recycled materials.

• Visual Storytelling: Discovering how design can convey a narrative.

  
  

The students work on their individual pieces but are also encouraged to share ideas, offer feedback, and learn from one another. I guide them through the design process step-by-step, helping them see that design is not just about how something looks — but about how it tells a story.

The Joy of Working with Children

Working with children for the first time was such a joyful and rewarding experience. Their curiosity and openness were contagious. They were fully immersed in the creative process — resourceful, playful, and full of surprising ideas. Here’s what some of them said:

“Thank you so much for today! I really enjoyed creating my own miniature set — and I’m so happy I can take it home!”

“It was great seeing how you can turn plain scrap materials into something beautiful and unique.”

“Could you please stay with us the whole day? Are you going to come back another time?”

One student even gave me a small handwritten note at the end that read: “You are a good teacher.” It truly melted my heart.

Teacher Feedback

The feedback from teachers was just as heartwarming. Some shared that they’d never seen their students so focused and calm during a creative activity:

“I was really surprised to see the students so engaged — they’re usually pretty loud and unsettled.”

“This was definitely one of the highlights of our school year.”

“They absolutely loved it. We’ll be posting photos of their model boxes on our website!”

Empowering Creative Thinkers

Beyond the joy of making, this workshop is about empowering children to see themselves as creative thinkers. It introduces them to:

• The basics of design thinking

• Spatial awareness and visual planning

• Confidence in expressing ideas visually

• Environmental awareness through reuse

• A new understanding of the many creative careers in the arts

  
  

Most importantly, it shows them that creativity is valuable, powerful, and something they can pursue.

Free Workshops for KS2 Students

These workshops are fully funded and free for KS2 students (ages 7–11) and are designed to support existing literacy and art curricula in a fun, immersive way.

📦 Each child takes home their own unique model box.

🎨 All materials are provided (recycled where possible!).

👩‍🏫 Sessions are led by me, Alexia Dobre, a professional set and costume designer with experience in theatre, film, and immersive experiences. I’ve worked with organisations including Wake the Tiger, Creative Youth Network, and Team Love.

If you're a teacher (or know one!), I’d love to bring this magical experience to your classroom. You can reach out through my contact form or email me directly to book a session or learn more. A full session plan is available on request.

Let’s Inspire the Next Generation of Storytellers, Makers, and Dreamers

In conclusion, the journey into theatre design through model making is not just about creating art; it’s about igniting passion and creativity in young minds. By providing these workshops, we can help children discover their potential and inspire them to explore the vast world of creative careers. Together, let’s nurture the next generation of storytellers, makers, and dreamers. 🎭💫