Hello, I’m Daniel Serridge, Eco Drama’s new drama artist for the 2018 Out to Play project. I’m hugely excited to be joining such a great programme and working with teachers and pupils at two primary schools. I’ll be using an array of storytelling and drama techniques to engage pupils with the outdoors. I’ll be attempting to reintroduce pupils to the natural world and inspire excitement, joy and an increased connection to the air they breathe and the ground they walk on.
I have been telling stories and making theatre for many years and have long been inspired by the natural environment, always seeking to instil an awe and wonder in the things that go unnoticed and unappreciated. My career has seen me devise work for theatres and arts organisation across Scotland and Northern England including, The Village Storytelling Centre, Sense Scotland, MacRobert Arts Centre, Tramway, Theatre by the Lake and NHS Scotland. As well as this, I have developed and delivered a significant number of primary school projects over the years; including last year’s exclusively outdoor project Brave the Elements which took place at Cardonald School, Glasgow.
Having grown up in the Lake District I’ve always loved being outside and feel at most complete when walking uphill to the top of a fell. For the children of Glasgow, they may not have access to mountains and valleys but they have an abundance of nature on their doorstep that can be equally invigorating. A moment outside during the school day can be absolutely vital in a child’s development, learning and general wellbeing and I hope to encourage pupils to not be afraid step outside even on the most inhospitable days!
The element that excites me most about Out to Play is the opportunity to alter the culture of learning in the classroom and build relationships with teachers that are genuinely collaborative. I also hope to create some new magical stories with pupils of all ages and I hope they open my eyes to the secrets and myths that lurk in the hidden worlds of their playground.