At The Playing Space, we offer a unique programme designed specifically for young people learning English as an additional language. This summer, we’re delighted to welcome another group of students from Italy for a week of creative drama workshops — and the transformation we see in just a few days is always remarkable.
🎭 A Proven Programme
Now in its third year, our collaboration with Italian educational partners provides students aged 10–16 with an unforgettable London experience. During their stay, students enjoy sightseeing and theatre trips, while also attending tailored drama workshops at our North London studio.
Each group attends four drama sessions across the week, focusing on building spoken English fluency, improving pronunciation, and developing confidence. While the emphasis is on communication, our sessions also help students develop teamwork skills, creativity, and self-expression.
🎬 Scene Study: Building Fluency and Confidence
Our workshops begin and end with a filmed performance of a one-minute duologue — a short scene written in accessible English with high emotional stakes. Students work in pairs to rehearse and perform the scene, and by the end of the week, the improvement in fluency, clarity and confidence is extraordinary.
We also use a range of games and activities designed to stretch language skills in a playful, low-pressure environment. Some of our favourites include:
• Minimal Pair Practice (e.g. sin/thin, cut/cat, ship/sheep – might seem easy but notoriously difficult for Italian speakers of English)
• Tone & Intonation Challenges (“What are you doing here?” — can you match your tone to the one you’ve picked from a bag? It could say ‘welcoming’ or ‘stern’ or ‘suspicious’ for example)
• Emphasis Exploration (“I didn’t say she stole my money” — this sentence has seven different meanings depending on which word you stress – try it!)
• Drama Games such as Alien Translator, Word-at-a-Time Stories, and Gibberish Poetry – they’re as fun as they sound!
These activities support students in refining their pronunciation and deepening their understanding of how tone and stress can shift meaning — vital skills for clear, confident English speaking.
🧠 Educational Rationale
Our approach goes beyond vocabulary building. We help students understand how communication works — how vocal modulation, rhythm, and non-verbal cues shape meaning. This emphasis on expressive language not only accelerates spoken English skills but builds emotional intelligence and presentation confidence, too.
🌟 LAMDA Exams in 2026
In summer 2026, we are launching a brand-new programme for our international students. In the spring term, students will begin working on their LAMDA Introductory Stage 2 exams from their home country, supported by two online lessons with our specialist team. Then, in July, they’ll travel to London for an intensive week of drama classes — culminating in a LAMDA exam at a prestigious London centre. As well as preparing for their performance, students will enjoy a visiting the world-renowned drama school and receive an official qualification.
📩 Interested in Partnering with Us?
If you are a teacher, parent, or international school interested in arranging a similar experience for your students, we would love to hear from you. We offer flexible packages and are happy to work with you to design a bespoke programme tailored to your students’ needs.
Get in touch at info@theplayingspace.co.uk
It’s a brilliant way to develop a real love for communication, no matter what the language!