BUXTON OPERA HOUSE RECEIVES NOMINATIONS AT MUSIC & DRAMA EDUCATION AWARDS

Buxton Opera House & Pavilion Arts Centre has announced and acknowledged that it has been shortlisted in two categories at the Music and Drama Education Awards 2025.

An annual event hosted by both Drama & Theatre Magazine and Music Teacher Magazine, the Music and Drama Education Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in Music and Drama education, recognising individuals and organisations that have made a significant impact in these fields, showcasing excellence in teaching, innovation, and leadership.

Buxton Opera House has been named as a finalist for both the 'Outstanding Drama Initiative' Award and 'Excellence in Primary and Early Years' Award.

Allie Spencer, Head of Creative Learning and Engagement at Buxton Opera House & Pavilion Arts Centre, was delighted to receive the news of the organisation’s double category nominations:

“It is great to be selected as finalists for these awards. We are really proud of both our Work Experience programme and our Satellite Opera House scheme. We are creating exciting pathways and opportunities for young people to access the industry as well as developing meaningful partnerships with our local schools. We are very grateful to all our skilled staff and freelance practitioners who work with us on these programmes.”

The nomination for ‘Outstanding Drama Initiative’ focuses on Buxton Opera House's Work Experience scheme. This is a two-week course that works with young people in the High Peak to develop their skills and aspirations to work in the arts, by giving them the opportunity to create their own touring Theatre in Education production whilst being mentored by industry professionals. 

Vicky Giliker, Headteacher at Harpur Hill Primary School, which is one of the many partner schools that Buxton Opera House enjoy a strong relationship with on the Work Experience scheme, remarks on how vital these development opportunities are for her pupils:

“This is an incredible project where the young actors and technicians are positive role models for our primary school students. Our students not only gain a lot from the play itself and its important messages, but they also have a glimpse of positive activities they can get involved in at secondary school and possible future jobs.”

The Music and Drama Education Awards nomination also recognises the efforts of the organisation’s Satellite Opera House, an innovative scheme that provides isolated schools in the High Peak area with access to drama and musical theatre provisions with the help of experts. It enables schools to hold specialised after-school activities and offer exclusive development opportunities for children, including a weekly Artist in Residence programme with bespoke performing arts workshops, and further school staff training provisions to continue the inclusion of arts in their curriculum.

Leading practitioners at Buxton Opera House & Pavilion Arts Centre, Anna Berentzen and Niamh Forster, have enjoyed being part of the programme:

“Leading the satellite project has been extremely rewarding. Children who previously had no experience of theatre were taking part in Shakespeare productions and creating their own stories. It's been a joy watching children and staff grow in confidence and supporting young people to develop key skills like teamwork, listening, communication, and compassion.”

Buxton Opera House is proud to offer these experiences at no cost to the schools or the participants, which is possible with generous thanks to funding from Arts Council England.

The award recipients will be announced at the 2025 Ceremony taking place in London this January.

Further information about the Music and Drama Education Awards can be found on their website:

ttps://musicdramaedawards.com/MDEA2025/en/page/home-page.

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