Polka Theatre: My Research

Polka Theatre : My Research 

Polka is one of a few Theatre's in London to be solely dedicated to Children and their entertainment, the have been based in Wimbledon since 1979, they create Theatre to entertain and influence younger audiences. Over 90,000 children visit Polka every year to be involved in fun and exciting Theatre.

Polka Theatre's target audience is from children aged 0-13 however the age changes depending on the content of the play. 

The Theatre contains two main spaces for performing - a main auditorium that seats 300 and a studio that seats 70 this space is dedicated to the early years performances. Polka Theatre's shows produce performances that tour nationally and internationally.

Polka Theatre first started of in 1967 as a puppet touring company under the Artistic Director of Richard Gill. The Theatre venue opened on the 20th of November 1979 premiering as one of the first Theatre's made exclusively to Children, but previously the building was formally the Holy Trinity Hall's in Wimbledon. For the opening a performance marked with a  GALA  performances was attended by Queen Elizabeth. 

By 1983 Polka started producing and programming shows targeted at children under 5 in its studio space, this was known as the Adventure Theatre,  they host in house productions and visiting productions from the UK and overseas. Over the recent years they have developed its Early Years work for children aged from 6 months/ 

The Theatre offers free tickets to disadvantaged schools whose pupils might not have the opportunity to visit the Theatre due to financial or other difficulties, The tickets may also be accompanied by money to cover transport cost and a free  post-show drama workshop.

References:
Polka Theatre, About Us- Polka Theatre. [Online] Available at: <https://polkatheatre.com/home/about-us/> [Accessed 27 April 2018]