I do as much as I can in schools - usually primary schools. They love Mummers plays - and I always try to choose one from their local area- or use a 'standard' play and add local interest. Most of my plays have a dozen characters, but I can always add extra peripheral figures. They also like Border Morris - which I have been teaching in schools (and at festivals) for at least 30 years, - and associated costume making. I also do longsword - I have 40 Flamborough swords - the wooden ones (more than enough for a class group) - And the first thing I do is to get them to make a lock - now most of them have never seen a sword lock, so when I tell them all to let go - and lift it in the air they are amazed that it holds together! 'Ooo can we do that again Dave??' so we have a go at that - then get into how to walk - and then figures (usually 1st fig. North Skelton). I also do Social dance - and if we have time get them to write their own dances - and some very good ones they have come up with too. The song side is OK - the lads particularly love shanties - and there are plenty of good chorus songs. Often unexpectedly- ballads go down well too - especially gory ones! or those with a straightforward story
I love the sense of satisfaction they get for having learnt and performed things - whether it be a play, a dance or a song.
Dave Hunt - www.sunshinearts.co.uk