Tuesday, March 10th began with an hour-long journey North to the nearby Exeter to visit the University theatre group that Erin runs. We had the honour of mentoring the group as they presented the draft of one of two pieces the group was working on: a humorous children's show about ancient Egypt. We then hosted a portrait drawing activity meant to help the somewhat perfectionist group get out of their heads. We think it went well! Before we knew it, the whole room was roaring with laughter as they passed around scribbled drawings of their classmates.

Portrait drawing exercise with Exeter University

Students at Exeter University in deep concentration

A train back to Paignton and we met up with Polly and Jade who took us to Brunel Academy, a school for teens whose needs cannot be met within a mainstream environment. Through theatre games and activities, Doorstep supports the social emotional development and positive mental health of a group of their students. This diverse group of younger teens had a very different feel than the morning session and it was very interesting to observe the range of distinct groups facilitated by doorstep artists.

We ended the day with Polly, back at the Palace Theatre with her Doorstep Arts Studio group working on a musical theatre piece. We led another portrait drawing activity to give the teens a chance to experience something a little different using visual art. Then we watched them practice and helped mentor and give feedback on their current performance piece. This concluded a very busy day allowing us to gain a taste of the wide variety of groups that the doorstep team works with on a weekly basis.

DAS showing us there piece they were working on at the moment

Exeter And Doorstep Arts Studio- March 10th