Artistic Statement

Mission

Our mission is to spark the imagination and fuel a sense of discovery in children from every background.

We do this through thrilling world-class theatre and a creative programme of learning, in a welcoming and stimulating environment.

Artistic Values

Polka Theatre is defined by its artistic and education work. It is at the heart of what the theatre is and what it does. Polka’s work should be surprising and unexpected, but always embody the same core values. A Polka experience should tell a good story and be memorable by striving to be:

• Resonant – to provoke ideas, thoughts, questions about yourself and the world
• Engaging – to stir your emotions & spark your imagination
• Fun, exciting & entertaining – serious purpose, but with a playful, light touch

Aims

• To increase the profile, status and success of Polka’s original new work for children
• To bring to life a wide range of material that is ripe for adaptation, and connects audiences with a world of stories
• To be a creative powerhouse in the UK and abroad in developing new plays for children
• To be a centre for excellence and innovation in Early Years theatre
• To raise the profile and status of its Early Years work within the company and theatre industry
• To continue to develop collaborations within the theatre industry, to help build Polka’s profile nationally and extend its creative practice
• To develop a series of high-profile collaborations with organisations and companies from other art-forms, including museums & galleries
• To continue ‘The Word’ as an annual event, and include similar children’s literature events in the programme throughout the year
• To ensure that high-quality work by children, and work in which children take part, are woven into the artistic programme
• To offer a range of free, open-to-all storytelling events and family days that promote Polka as a child-friendly, welcoming place to visit
• To consider opportunities for touring work, to raise Polka’s profile
• To become a model of excellence and innovation in making Polka’s work accessible to as wide an audience as possible