The Yvonne Arnaud Youth Theatre’s project Off The Level, developed in partnership with Network Rail, embarks on an exciting two-week journey across Surrey. The play which is now one of the Education Department’s figurehead projects will be heading to 13 different schools in the area to raise awareness about the dangers of level crossing misuse from Monday 8 September.
The project was devised to raise awareness about acute dangers at level crossings and since launching at the end of 2011 has been seen by over 4,000 school children in Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire and Kent. The play follows the fortunes of three students who use the local level crossing several times a day. Their story is mixed with testimonies from a train driver, a teacher, a British Transport Policeman and a mother who have all experienced tragedy on the level crossing.
The two-week tour will be delivering a vital message to 13 specifically targeted schools that are situated close to level crossings where there is a high risk of incidents. Hundreds of students from All Hallows, Romsey, Sutton High, Westgate, Broadwater, The Beacon, Hounsdown, Oasis Academy Mayfield, Richmond Park, Connaught, Salesian, Eggars and Ash Manor School will be visited between September 8 to 17.
Adam Forde, Head of the Yvonne Arnaud Youth Theatre explains, “It’s such a brilliant opportunity to take Off The Level into these schools free of charge, thanks to our partnership with Network Rail, as the message is so important that we want to reach the widest possible audience of young people.
“Schools book us because it is an issue that is rarely out of the news for long and sadly, so many young people are affected by accidents and incidents on level crossings. It’s a strong piece of theatre which gets the message home without preaching to, or patronising the audience.
“After getting great feedback we are thrilled to be revisiting four school, and are excited to be making our first visits to a further nine schools. The play addresses such an important issue that we hope Off The Level – and the discussions that go with it – will be playing to young people around the country for years to come.”
The project has been nominated in the safety category in the prestigious Network Rail Annual Partnership Awards and Off The Level has also won a £2,000 award from the High Sheriff of Surrey to enable it to be taken into more schools around the county. The play has also showcased at several seminars and conferences for railway and transport professionals across the UK, whilst reaching out to even more kids through workshops or discussion sessions after performances.
James Martin
Image sourced from: http://tinyurl.com/m9okbyj