MESS
a classroom theatre performance for young people with complex learning needs
MESS
is about turning an ordinary daily routine into an extraordinary adventure
MESS
features harmony singing, intensive interaction, character clowning, suspense, and surprise!
MESS
lasts 35 - 40 minutes
Interaction
MESS characters interact with the audience throughout the performance. There will be frequent moments of stillness and silence to allow the audience time to process, engage and respond in their own ways. Adults in the room can support the performance by also being quiet during these moments. The MESS cast will facilitate audience interaction and can work hand-over-hand with the pupils as appropriate. We will celebrate and include any and all responses! We welcome staff to sit back, relax and enjoy!
Safety and comfort
We want to ensure all the pupils are safe and comfortable. We will check in with staff prior to the performance to learn about specific children’s needs which may affect our interactions with them. If ambulant pupils are moving around the space during the performance, we ask that a staff member stays with them. If a pupil feels particularly unsettled and needs to leave the room, we suggest they are given the opportunity to return later in the show to try the experience again.
Photography
You are welcome to take photographs during MESS. We ask that you please refrain from moving around the room to take photos so that we can ensure as much as possible that the children’s focus is on the performance. Filming is not permitted during the performance. We’d love you to share photos with us if that’s appropriate for your class. You can send them to mess@tenterhooks.org and via our social media @tenterhookstheatre (Instagram), @TenterhooksHQ (Twitter) and #messtheshow
Classroom Layout
Where?
MESS is performed in your classroom, with the cast moving amongst the audience
Pupils
We suggest pupils are seated in a circle, leaving a large space in the centre
Staff
Staff can be seated between or slightly behind pupils
Performers
Please leave space to allow performers to move beside and between pupils
Comments
What people are saying about MESS
"You are amazing. I loved that. Seeing the children’s faces like that makes my day."
School Physiotherapist
"The staff are getting such a buzz from seeing the children so happy."
Head Teacher
"Get the hoover out!"
Pupil to teacher after a performance
"I cannot overstate how highly my pupils and staff team would recommend Tenterhooks for a fully inclusive drama visit. I’ve never seen such a phenomenal performance. Blown away today."
Langlands Primary, Glasgow
"Amazing interaction!"
Teaching Staff
"A captivating performance for the adults and children. Great interaction with individual children. Engaging children who are normally apprehensive in that environment."
Castleview School, Stirling
"Kinetic musical nonsense! (In a really good way!)"
Parklands School, Helensburgh
"This is the first theatre experience that has really and truly met the needs of our pupils with more complex needs. Please come back and visit us again soon"
Carrongrange High School, Grangemouth
Contact us at
mess@tenterhooks.org
Website
tenterhooks.org
Creative Team
Devised and performed by
Ben Winger (Lead Artist), Carmen Pieraccini, Diane Thornton, Kerry Cleland, Ronan McMahon, Suzie Ferguson
Designer
Fergus Dunnet
Outside Eye
Anna Newell
Co-Deviser
Lucy McGreal
Composer
John Kielty
Producer
Sarah Gray
Creative Consultants
The pupils and staff of Oaklands School
Initial Development
In collaboration with the pupils and staff of Mavisbank school
Photographs by
Mihaela Bodlovic
