Creative Careers Workshop Engages GCSE Drama Students

Students explore pathways in the performing arts with industry expert Denise Orton-Brown

On Thursday 18th June, students took part in an engaging Creative Careers workshop led by Denise Orton-Brown, an experienced professional in the performing arts industry.

Denise brings a wealth of experience, having taught Dance at secondary level, worked in special education settings, collaborated with Gazebo Theatre Company, and currently serving as the Creative Burntwood Project Manager at the Garrick Theatre in Lichfield.

The workshop began with interactive activities focused on teamwork and communication, including a memory-based ball game and movement exercises where students communicated without speaking. These activities encouraged students to think creatively and work collaboratively.

Students were then introduced to the wide range of career opportunities available within the creative industries. Using large-scale productions such as Taylor Swift’s Eras World Tour as an example, Denise demonstrated the vast number of roles involved in bringing a performance to life, helping students understand the breadth of opportunities beyond performing.

A key message of the session was the importance of studying creative subjects. Denise highlighted how drama and the performing arts help develop transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, confidence, and resilience, all of which support future employability and personal wellbeing.

Students also took part in a ‘creative audit’, where they reflected on their own experiences of the arts, including theatre visits, performances, and qualifications. This helped them recognise the value of their own creative journeys and identify what they found inspiring and enriching.

The workshop concluded with a discussion about how theatres operate, including the roles and responsibilities within different types of venues, such as producing and receiving theatres. This gave students a clearer insight into how the industry works behind the scenes.

The session provided a valuable opportunity for students to gain a deeper understanding of creative careers and the many pathways available to them in the future.