Intro
About M6
"The aim (of Theatre in Education) is to provide an experience for children that will be intensely absorbing, challenging, even provocative, and an unrivalled stimulus for further work on the chosen subject in and out of school."
'Learning Throughout Theatre', Routledge 1993
Founded in 1977 and with over 100 projects to its credit, M6 Theatre Company has built a reputation as one of the country's leading touring theatre companies, developing contemporary and powerful forms of Theatre-in-Education.
Arts in the Community
M6 reaches over 15,000 people per year touring to schools, community centres and arts venues throughout the North West region and beyond. The Company is committed to the production and performance of high quality, innovative, imaginative and challenging work. M6 explores themes and issues of special interest to young people, which are also highly accessible to wider audiences.
The Company works closely with local and national arts agencies and professionals and has formed effective partnerships in education, the arts, health and social services, the voluntary sector and business.
Artistic Policy
M6 aims to:
- create work of the highest possible standard, artistically and educationally
- assist young people in their understanding of a range of issues and concepts
- provide young people with opportunities to develop their own theatre skills
- challenge racism, sexism and other forms of prejudice through productions and working methods
- maintain and develop a commitment to the commissioning of new work
Working with Children and Young People
By responding to the needs and interests of its target audiences, M6's performances, interactive workshops and resource materials empower young people and assist their personal and aesthetic development, helping them to:
- understand and explore contemporary, social and other issues
- question what they see, hear and experience
- face intellectual and social challenges
- explore the consequences of actions and beliefs
- recognise and appreciate the values of their own and other communities
see the effects of prejudice and oppression - equip themselves with the skills and commitment to participate in society
M6 works closely with teachers, young people and specialist workers to develop projects, commissioning original, new work and producing exciting interpretations of the best existing scripts for young audiences. Employing a range of professional, creative theatre workers, M6 consistently guarantees the best of touring theatre for young people.
Management
M6 is a Company Limited by Guarantee, having charitable status. The Company is managed by a Board of Directors representing local authority, education, arts and business interests.
The Company works to fulfil its artistic and educational vision through a core team comprising 5 full-time staff: Artistic Producer, Company Administrator, Trainee Administrator, Youth Theatre Director, Company Stage Manager and 2 part-time staff. M6 employs a range of freelance arts professionals - writers, directors, choreographers, designers, musicians, performers, marketing officer and other professionals - on a project-by-project basis.
M6 Theatre Company is revenue funded by North West Arts Board, Rochdale MBC and AGMA. The Company has also been supported by ACE, ABSA North, Arts Business North West and by a range of charitable trusts and commercial sponsors.
Founded in 1977 based in Rochdale M6 has built a reputation as one of the country's leading touring theatre companies.