THEATRE ARTS
Participating in theatre is a joyful social activity in a safe and pleasant environment. Through fun activities and a variety of comprehensive exercises, self-expression and performance craft are improved. In a theatre group all important interaction and social skills are developed, and emotional awareness becomes more familiar. Concentrating on theatre activities ensures a calming moment within a hectic everyday life, where the worries of the outside world can be put aside. During classes where a wide range of topics and themes are explored, allowing the group to bring up diverse perspectives and ideas.
This approach deepens and strengthens one's critical thinking and understanding of the surrounding world. Through discussions and shared reflections multiliteracy skills are enhanced. In class, it is encouraged to examine one’s personal and holistic way of expressing themselves.
Theatre education provides means to encounter others and new phenomena in an ever-changing world. It also provides resilience and the ability to adapt when facing adversity.
Performances are naturally a central part of theatre education at Esko. Students of all ages have the opportunity to express themselves on stage every year. The performances, which are the result of long-term practice, offer creators a rewarding sense of achievement. The self-confidence gained through theatre carries over into everyday life. Year after year, the learning modules progress from performing for classmates to performing in front of a wider audience.
PROGRESSION OF STUDIES
At Esko, the first groups start at age 4 in our early childhood education syllabus (Sirkusteatteritenavat). From there, the students can continue into the general studies (9 years) and advanced studies (3 years).
Teaching progresses annually according to the curriculum. The yearly goals are briefly described below and in a seperate diagram outlining the structure of the education.
THEATRE ARTS EXTENDED CURRICULUM - NATIONAL CORE CURRICULUM
The task of the extensive syllabus in theatre arts within basic education in the arts is to strengthen students' active participation and deepen their understanding of theatre as an art form.
The teaching supports students in independent artistic creation and personal interpretation, based on the national core curriculum. This approach encourages students to constructively act as individuals and to interact within the group. Adapted from Finnish National Agency for Education regulations and guidelines 2017:12a (2017), originally published in Finnish.
ASSESSMENT
Basic education in theatre arts, following the extensive curriculum, is provided in Finland at seven institutions: Oulun taidekoulu, Taidekoulu Estradi, Tikkurilan teatteri- ja sirkuskoulu, Riihimäen nuoriso-teatteri, Teatteri Ilmiö, Vekarateatteri and ESKO.
THEATRE ARTS
THEATRE ARTS FOUNDATIONS
CIRCUS THEATRE KIDS, AGES 4-6
Getting to know the basics of theatre and circus through play like activities. During the class we practice acrobatics, play games, and explore different roles and the world of fairy tales. The students gain experience in diverse physical activities and performing in a safe and supportive group environment. Some groups rehearse in local kindergartens in Espoo.
PRE-SCHOOL AGES
THEATRE 1, AGES 7-8, WORLD OF THEATRE
Students explore the magical world of theatre through play. The classes focus on developing interaction skills, self-expression, and performance in a safe and supportive environment.
60 min/week
TEATTERI 2, 8-9v TEATTERIN ALKEET
Students explore the magical world of theatre through play. The classes focus on developing interaction skills, self-expression, and performance in a safe and supportive environment.
60 min/week
THEATRE 3, AGES 10-11 STORY
Students practice basic theatre exercises and work together in a fun, welcoming atmosphere. Together, they create stories that will become two performances during the year. Special feature of the year: performance in Christmas production. 60 min/week.
THEATRE 4, AGES 11-12 IMPROVISATION
Students are introduced to improvisation in a fun and engaging way. Students get to explore various characters and surprising situations.
Special feature of the year: performance in the shared Christmas production.
1 h 30 min/week
THEATRE 5, AGES 11-12 SOLO
Students practice writing and building a character. Each student performs a self-written character in a collaborative performance.
Special feature of the year: possible participation in theatre festivals.
2 h 15 min/week
THEATRE 6, AGES 12-13 SHORT PLAY
Students explore different aspects of making theatre, from script reading to memorizing the lines and rehearsing the scenes. Every student gets the opportunity to build their own role and shine on the stage!
Special feature of the year: a visit to a professional theatre
2h15min/week
THEATRE 7, AGES 13-14 GROUP BASED PERFORMANCE
The group creates a performance together, and each student has a voice in the creative process. The classes emphasize collaboration and communication within the group.
Special feature of the year: performance in the shared Performance Day.
2h30min/week
THEATRE 8, AGES 14-15 CO-CREATED PLAY
Students write a script together on themes they find interesting. The co-created play will be performed in the spring. Students also get to explore other aspects of theatre-making.
Special feature of the year: applying to the Ramppikuume theatre festival.
3 h/week
Theatre 9, AGES 15-16 PLAY
Throughout the year students work on a play script, each getting the chance to interpret one or more roles. Performances take place at the end of the spring term.
Special feature of the year: performance in the shared Performance Day.
3 h/week
Theatre 10, AGES 16-17 PERFORMANCE EXPERIMENTS
Students explore directing and physical acting. There are two demo performances during the year (autumn and spring), each based on different artistic starting points.
Special feature of the year: meeting with a professional artist.
3 h/week
Theatre 11, AGES 17-18 FINAL PRODUCTION
The final production at Esko takes one and a half years to complete. During that time students explore the possibilities of circus arts in their own artistic expression. For their final work, students either perform in a collective production or bring their artistic vision to life through other forms of theatre arts.
Special feature of the year: The final performance will be presented 4–6 times and evaluated by theatre professionals.
4 h 30 min/week (2 sessions/week).
THEATRE 12, AGES 18–19 : EPILOGUE
A six-month study module brings together artistic thinking and skills. Each student gets to create their own demo based on their personal ideas and artistic vision.
Highlight of the year: performing at a shared DEMO evening.
3 hours/week
ADULT THEATRE ARTS BASIC EDUCATION
The extensive curriculum for adult theatre arts studies lasts eight years and is divided into basic studies (years 1–6) and advanced studies (years 7–8). The program can be completed alongside work, with classes typically held once a week. Students can also take individual study modules and receive a certificate for their completed studies. Participation in summer theatre projects and various courses is also available.
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AGE GROUPS - THEATRE
SENIORS
SENIORS
The senior group welcomes participants into the magical world of theatre, where playfulness and fun are encouraged at any age! In the group, we engage in improvisation, acting and storytelling. The atmosphere is warm and inviting and a warm cup of coffee is ready for you! Throughout the academic year, students rehearse and perform a play chosen by the group.
Target group: Adults aged 60–100 years.