Theatre Direction

• “Encounters”
  

  Currently in production “Encounters” is written and directed by Sarah. It tells the story of Maisie and Jed who grew up together in Wakefield, they lived on the same street, they went to the same primary school and the same high school…their lives entwined and enmeshed in a way that both of them assumed would carry on for always…

  But at 18 Maisie left the area, suddenly and without explanation and from that day her and Jed have led entirely separate lives. When Jed receives a facebook message from Maisie just before Christmas he agrees to meet at the Hepworth Gallery …neither realise the implications of either their separation or being reunited but as they spend time in the gallery revelations about who they are, their history and their potential futures emerge…Sarah is delighted to have received funding from Arts Council England and support from The Hepworth, Wakefield.

• “Journey to X”
  
  “Journey to X” by Nancy Harris is Yew Tree Youth Theatre’s current National Connections production to be performed at Cathedral High School in February and at Crofton High School and the Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal in May. This production is the latest in a long line of critcally acclaimed National Connections plays produced by Sarah with Yew Tree Youth Theatre.
  

Writing

• Spirits of the Landscape

  Sarah’s Children’s story “Spirits of the Landscape,” inspired by the paintings of Clare Woods has been a great success. It is now being turned into apiece of story telling theatre to be performed this spring.

• Currently in development
  
  Currently in development a play inspired by Sarah’s work with Nostell Priory in the Autumn of 2011 called Amelia’s Story. It is a ghost story in the traditional sense and is guaranteed to unnerve the audience. Writing is already underway and it will go into rehearsal in March this year.
  

Training

• “Step Away”

  In partnership with St Anne’s housing association Sarah is delivering unique training throughout the year at sites across Yorkshire and the North East. The “Step Away” course develops the ability of professionals working with vulnerable adults to deal with challenging behaviour. It looks particularly at personal safety, de-escalation and crisis management.

  The course combines forum theatre with active learning techniques and is underpinned by theoretical frameworks. Sarah also delivers St Anne’s Diversity training throughout the organisation. This innovative mandatory training explores with participants how to welcome diversity within the world of work in practical terms and real life situations.

• A practical approach to using drama with groups

  This day long course is facilitated by Sarah Osborne for any professional who wants a toolbox of drama games and exercises to use with the groups they work with. The techniques participants will acquire will be appropriate for groups of any age group and background. Ideal for anyone new to using drama but will also extend the repertoire of more experienced professionals.

  The fee for the course is £75 + VAT per delegate (lunch is provided) for further information including course dates email info@yew-tree.com

• Voice for Non - Actors

  A half day introductory course facilitated by Sarah Osborne that will offer practical ways of protecting and developing the voice for professionals who spends their day talking, presenting or announcing.

  The fee for the course is £50 + VAT per delegate for further information including course dates email info@yew-tree.com

Education

• Engaging Pupils in Literacy
  
  This term Sarah will be working with Normanton Junior School on an innovative project to engage pupils in creative writing. Using drama to create interesting and challenging experiences for children in key stage 4 Sarah will work with teachers to channel the resulting enthusiasm and skills into a renewed interest in literacy and an enhancement of pupil’s creative writing.
  
  
• Aspirations
  
  Sarah has been commissioned to repeat this successful project after great success in 2009, 2010 and 2011. The drama experience created for Wakefield Primary Schools will tour during May 2012 promoting the message of
continuing education. Year 6 pupils will have the opportunity to work with artists for an afternoon engaging in a series of games and activities to help them envisage a successful future for themselves.
  
  
• The Hepworth, Wakefield
  
  Since it’s opening in May 2011 Sarah has been proud to be the drama creative practitioner for the learning team at the Hepworth, Wakefield. In this role she has the opportunity to work with primary and secondary schools on a range of projects inspired by the Gallery.