event

1. Serres Christmas Workshop and Show
Part 1: Drama Workshop
Drama techniques in the language classroom
Abstract
Practicaltechniques for using drama with all ages in order to engage the whole learner and teach
English in more creative and effective ways. These techniques will not only help to make students
more fluent but will build their self-confidence and rapport. We will try out, explore and discuss a
variety of approaches ranging from quick one-off activities to more extended exercises, tasks and
performances.
Detailed Summary
This session demonstrates, presents and explores the used of drama and theatrical activities in the
language classroom and in activities leading to a performance.
Drama activities in ELT aim to make language learning enjoyable and memorable. But they also help
to build trust and rapport amongst student and between teacher and students – which are preconditions
for any effective learning to take place. The range and diversity of drama activities in terms of type
and time is huge: they include anything as brief and simple as warm-up activities at the beginning of
the lesson or as elaborate as the performance of a play – short or long.. They can make grammar and
vocabulary memorable; they can improve pronunciation and fluency. They are a simple but effective
way of connecting the classroom and the real world. Even repetition and memorizing activities
become purposeful within the framework of language used in drama activities. Drama activities are
often used to deal with learning difficulties and problems of behaviour. They encourage students to
use their voice to project and articulate clearly. Textbook dialogues can be adapted and brought to life
through drama activities.
Presented by Aspa Georgopoulou, Vicky Saran, Dr Luke Prodromou
Duration: 60 mins
Part 2: Performance
Testing Times: Celebrating Jane Austen
The performance celebrates teaching and English language teachers – and their trainers! But
we also pay tribute the work of Jane Austen, considered by many to be England’s greatest
novelist, who died 200 years ago. Six sketches inspired by the work of great English – and
Irish – writers, including Jane Austen, Charles Dickens and Oscar Wilde, on the theme of
women in love and the delights and disappointments of marriage.
The programme
1. What have teacher trainers everdone for us?
2. The first private English lesson
3. Mr Collins fails the test

2. 4. Elizabeth passes the test
5. Mr Gradgrind fails Louisa’s test
6. Lady Bracknell sets MrWorthing a Test
Duration: 60 mins
Performed by the English Language Theatre, Luke and Friends – and guests from the Serres
English Teachers’ Association:
Aspa Georgopoulou holds a BA in Early Childhood Education. She has been teaching English and
working as an Academic Manager’s Assistant for the last twelve years. Since 2012 she has also been
performing with amateur theatre groups.
Vicky Sarandidou, Has a B.A. in English Language and Literature. She has been an EFL teacher in
both the private and public sector for 30 years.
Dr. Luke Prodromou graduated from Bristol, Birmingham, Leeds and Nottingham Universities. He
was a teacher and teacher-trainer with the British Council. He has also worked for ESADE,
Barcelona, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Thessaloniki, Pilgrims Canterbury, NILE,
Bell Schools et al. He gives talks on English literature and he also runs an international teachers’ and
students’ English Language Theatre: Luke’n’Friends,which has performed in Greece,Spain, Italy,
Turkey, Cyprus, Argentina, Mexico, Georgia, and the UK.
lukepeight@gmail.com