PLAY IN A DAY!

A fast-paced, whole-school drama challenge where pupils work together to rehearse and perform a play in just one day.

Does your school have what it takes to complete the Play in a Day challenge?

In this exciting, high-energy workshop, pupils work together to bring a story to life in just one day. Guided by our facilitators, classes or year groups rehearse different sections of a chosen story, stepping into roles, exploring characters and building their performance through drama, movement and imagination.

Throughout the day, pupils dive into the world of the story, taking on characters and working collaboratively to shape their scenes. At the end of the day, each group’s work is brought together, culminating in a final performance that showcases the whole journey.

The result is a shared creative experience that brings the entire group together — leaving pupils with a real sense of achievement, pride and excitement at what they’ve created.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Taking on the challenge

working together towards a shared goal of creating a performance in one day
building excitement and momentum as the day unfolds

Stepping into the story

taking on roles and stepping into the shoes of characters through guided roleplay
diving into the world of the story through drama, movement and imagination

Creating and performing

rehearsing scenes in groups with support from facilitators
bringing all elements together for a final shared performance

Building confidence and collaboration

contributing ideas and working as part of a team
building confidence through shared performance and creative play

who it’s for

Suitable for KS1 and KS2, with activities carefully adapted to suit the age, stage and needs of each group.

For younger pupils, the focus is on play, imagination and simple storytelling; for older pupils, the workshop can include more developed scenes, character work and structured performance.

ENQUIRE NOW

HOW IT WORKS

Led by experienced ACTivate facilitators, the day is carefully structured to balance creativity, focus and enjoyment.

Pupils are guided step-by-step through the rehearsal process, with support, direction and encouragement throughout. Activities are inclusive and engaging, ensuring every pupil can take part and contribute to the final performance.

The workshop is adapted in real time to suit the group, allowing for flexibility while maintaining the excitement and pace of the challenge.

WORKSHOP FORMATS

This workshop is designed to work particularly well as a full-day experience:

Full-day workshop
• A complete “Play in a Day” experience
• Suitable for one class, multiple classes a full year group or whole school!
• Culminates in a final performance at the end of the day

Whole year / whole school delivery
• Ideal for larger cohorts or themed days (e.g. Arts Week)
• Multiple facilitators can work with groups simultaneously
• Final performance brings the whole group together