Nature Theatre
In Collaboration With
The Conservation Volunteers
About the Project
Dorans Academy is thrilled to partner with TCV (The Conservation Volunteers) to create an outdoor immersive wellbeing Speech & Drama reserve. This unique initiative blends performance with nature, fostering creativity while supporting biodiversity. Our goal is to build a space that embraces the beauty and benefits of nature, providing a sanctuary for both people and wildlife to thrive in harmony.
We have dedicated land and materials, while TCV is providing trees and expertise to create sustainable natural habitats. Together, Dorans Academy and TCV are building a green space that nurtures both community and environment—a place where creativity flourishes in sync with nature.
Workshops: Laying the Foundations
Our journey began with hands-on workshops that engaged our Speech & Drama students, parents, and volunteers in planting the roots of this ambitious project. On January 25th, our students joined TCV in planting trees, laying the groundwork for what will become a vibrant outdoor performance space. This experience captured the very essence of our academy’s ethos: Laugh, Learn, Perform, Believe.
With the guidance of TCV, participants gained valuable knowledge about conservation while actively contributing to a greener future. The enthusiasm, teamwork, and sense of accomplishment were palpable as students and parents dug, planted, and connected with nature.
In June, we hosted a willow weaving workshop, where children had the chance to collaborate with TCV to create a stunning, functional willow dome. This symbolises the heart of our project—strength, unity, and growth.
The Future of the Dome
Our outdoor theatre is taking shape! A literary willow dome, a forest-fed performance stage, a nature trail, and bug habitats are just the beginning.
The “green room” willow dome, already in place, is built from four-year-old willow trees and offers a tranquil space for reading, reflection, and inspiration. As our forest matures, it will feed into the performance stage, a living, evolving theatre space framed by indigenous trees such as Rowan, Cherry, Ash, and Hazel. We have even planted a small orchard, allowing each class to contribute to the creation of this flourishing ecosystem.
As we continue to expand and develop the site, we invite businesses, organisations, and individuals who share our vision to get involved. Sustainability-minded partners are already on board, but there’s always room for more!
If you’d like to contribute, please contact us at 07879402177.
A Stage for the Community
Once completed, our nature theatre will be a hub for creativity, education, and community engagement. This space is designed to be shared with local groups, schools, and organisations who can use it for performances, workshops, and wellness activities.
More than just a performance venue, this outdoor theatre is an experience—one that fosters confidence, connection, and appreciation for the natural world. We believe that by integrating the arts with nature, we create a truly unique setting where learning, storytelling, and self-expression thrive.
Join Us on This Journey
We are grateful to TCV, particularly Dianne Keys, Adam, Nev, and the entire team, for their dedication and enthusiasm. Their contributions have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life.
As Adam from TCV expressed: “I had such a lovely, heartwarming day yesterday. Thank you for your enthusiasm and excitement. It’s palpable! I look forward to seeing what we can create in your beautiful green space to support and empower the kids you work with.”
Dianne, Operations Manager at TCV, added: “It is so refreshing and inspirational to see how much joy children get from being connected to nature and getting their hands dirty. They are all wee stars! We are delighted to help out on such a positive and inspiring project. Absolutely bring on the next steps!”
This is just the beginning. With community support, collaboration, and a shared passion for nature and the arts, our outdoor theatre will become a landmark of creativity and sustainability. Shakespeare would be jealous!
Benefits of our
Nature Theatre
Environmental Awareness:
These workshops help children develop a deeper understanding of nature and the environment. By engaging in activities like tree planting, building bug hotels, and creating bird feeders, they learn about ecosystems, biodiversity, and the importance of protecting natural habitats.
Physical Activity:
Many of the activities, such as planting trees or weaving willow, encourage children to be physically active outdoors. This helps them develop fine and gross motor skills, coordination, and strength while enjoying the fresh air.
Problem-Solving Skills:
Workshops like building bug hotels or crafting seed bombs require children to think creatively and solve problems. These hands-on tasks engage their critical thinking and encourage teamwork, helping to build valuable problem-solving and collaboration skills.
Emotional Well-being:
Spending time outdoors and engaging in nature-based activities has been shown to have significant mental health benefits. Children can experience reduced stress, increased happiness, and a sense of accomplishment as they contribute to environmental projects and enjoy the natural world around them.
Creativity and Imagination:
Nature-based workshops often involve crafting and building, which stimulates children’s creativity. Whether they’re weaving willow or designing a bug hotel, these activities encourage imaginative play and artistic expression.