Our Programme for English second language speakers is based on creative and educational methodologies specifically developed over the past sixteen years during our work with migrants, refugees and asylum seekers of all ages. The programme is designed to improve communication as well as boosting confidence and a sense of belonging.
Basic acting techniques, poetry and improvisation allow participants to learn language through simple games, shifting the focus from goal-based academic learning to stressful-free play, proven to stimulate memory and team building. With our Creative Debate methodologies, participants are able to develop writing and speaking techniques whilst sharing their unique personal experience by creating short plays based on their real life. We use Commedia dell’Arte, singing and movement-based techniques with participants speaking English at Beginners level, offering them a chance to express themselves in non-verbal comic and dramatic forms. Verbatim theatre and short film documentaries are designed to give a chance to participants to develop acting skills and transferable communication skills whilst sharing their personal experience. Academic subjects such as formal English Language and Accent Reduction classes complement creative sessions.
Peer support and mentoring
All workshops are facilitated by qualified tutors. Most of our tutors come from international background and speak English as a second language, offering peer support to participants and acting as mentors.
Duration and structure
All programmes are customised for each group and needs of the organisations we partner with, keeping in mind complex needs, level of English and interest in specific art forms we can offer (film, theatre, singing, movement).
For further information contact info@oddeyestheatre.net
Testimonials
Participants to our past workshops progressed to further study and careers. Through our programme, they acquired practical tools to overcome cultural and language barriers, developed confidence in themselves and made long-lasting friendships.
“Emilia of Odd Eyes Theatre and I collaborated on a theatre project – the Freedom Project – with a class of asylum seeker/refugee 16–18-year-olds students. Many of them have survived atrocious experiences before coming to the UK, and most have no family here. Their experiences here are challenging too. Emilia is inspirational, knowledgeable, highly skilled and organised. She led the project throughout, deploying theatre games and techniques to enable the students to explore their own stories and emotions and to relate their experiences of living in London. One group re-enacted the hardship of living in crowded hostels while another depicted the heavy responsibility that weighs on their shoulders if they are the only English-speaker in their family.
There were many positive outcomes. Attendance improved as students realised the benefits of coming to Freedom lessons. They felt safe, had fun, learnt to trust us and each other and expressed themselves with increasing confidence and clarity. They learnt new English words and phrases. They told us that their confidence and self-esteem increased, that they could tell their own stories, listen better and give as well as follow instructions. We knew we had made a breakthrough when students started introducing and leading their own games and activities. I would work with Emilia again in a heartbeat and recommend Odd Eyes Theatre without hesitation. The project was uplifting for everyone involved, so I would love to offer a new group the same beneficial and rewarding experience next year!” (Rebecca Rendle, English and ESOL PSD Tutor, 2025)
“At the course I was working with people I only just met and it was quite new to me but I learned to trust people, to be confident in sharing my ideas because we were always encouraged to input in the process. This is making a huge difference in my personal life and I am finding out a new confidence in introducing myself and working in groups.” (Gulay, 56 from Turkey, Akwaaba womens refugee programme 2018)
Our programme of workshops promotes social mobility by offering a neutral training ground where participants are free to practice their second-language and develop their communication skills:
“When I joined the workshops I was going for job interviews. My English was ok but I am a shy person and wouldn’t open my mouth. Now I work in a clothes store and I am much more confident: whenever I feel nervous, I remembered the techniques about stage-fright and body language, I check myself and find the confidence to speak.” (Linda, 22 from Latvia, Babylon programme 2016)