The National Theatre has a strong and steady presence in audience development. It provided the key initiative for the foundation of the Association of Theatre Educators. In 2014 the National Theatre started its “ND+” programme comprising all the complementary events and audience workshops. These events, spread between all four ensembles (Drama, Ballet, Opera, Laterna magika), aim to enrich the audience’s experience, explain the context and the process behind productions, explore the past and present of the National Theatre, and offer visitors the chance to get more deeply involved.
The variety of opportunities is rich: visitors can talk to creators, discuss topics with dramaturges, come with their children to production-themed workshops, peek in the backstage, explore the magical techniques of Laterna magika right on the stage, dance with ballet dancers, engage in group discussions about the opera, take dance classes or ND Young courses, join workshops, or come to one of the talks by experts on current affairs. There is a special focus on working with schools and teachers.
On top of these ensemble programmes, there is another section called “Národní jinak” (i.e. “National Theatre in another way”) that offers events covering a range of possible interests for both adult and child audiences, such as the history of the theatre and its buildings, unconventional tours, deep dives into theatre professions and operations, explorations of the theatres’ studios and depositories, archive tours, eco-policies and others.
The ND+ also organizes events and programmes such as International Children’s Day, season opening, Prague Theatre Night, International Day of Dance or ‘Night with Andersen’ etc.
In the current situation the National Theatre educators have been focusing on interacting with the audience through online channels, which opens up new unexplored possibilities.
The National Theatre (ND+) team of educators are: Lenka Hubáčková (Národní jinak), Zuzana Kráľová (NT Drama, Laterna magika), Kateřina Hanáčková (NT Ballet), Denisa Rausch (NT Opera) and Daniela von Vorst (Association of Theatre Educators, ND+).