SCHOOL TALKS
(Live in person or online)
Tailor-made to suit the requirements of your school/college and the age of your pupils (year 5 upwards), Sam and Julia will actively engage with your students (and parents) in a lively Q & A format.
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Explaining the basics of mounting a show from school plays to Opening Ceremonies, Sam & Julia will seek to stimulate youthful minds with stories, exclusive video footage and exciting career opportunities.
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Topics included in their talks include equality, diversity, inclusion, the importance of working as a team and realising every individual person’s potential.
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And this is not just for those interested in theatre or live events; it’s for everyone. Whatever path any pupil or student may choose to take, the life skills discussed in these forums will help shape their approach to working with other people and also to work itself, whichever direction they’re heading.
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This is a unique opportunity to gain valuable insight from prominent industry professionals whilst enjoying tales of backstage life that could open doors previously unimagined.
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Testimonials
It was a pleasure to welcome Sam Hunter to Bentley Wood High School earlier this year. She did a series of whole year group assemblies to students from years 7 to 13. We were gripped by her vivid descriptions of tension and drama behind scenes of the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympics. She opened the students' eyes to all the career opportunities there are for people with a passion for the arts, musical theatre and theatre production, as she spoke about her experience working with many teams in the UK and abroad. Sam's inspirational talk was enriched with wonderful photos, short videos and open questions which kept the students engaged throughout. I particularly enjoyed the way she promoted key skills and qualities for anyone working in large event productions. Problem solving, creative thinking, empathy, excellent communication skills, very high personal standards of achievement and resilience, these resonated so well with our school values. Making strong practical links for the students between what they learn in school and what they will need in the working world.
Naseema Akbar
Head Teacher​
Bentley Wood High School for Girls
Pupil
- Yr 9
“Today we had a talk with Sam Hunter about her career as stage management . I found this very cool and I think that it was interesting and inspiring too. This is something that involves many different types of things as you can do sound , lighting , props , costumes and could end up travelling the world and that I would enjoy”.
"I found the Orange Jackets Google Meet very inspiring and I think it’s incredible how many jobs are out there that I wouldn’t have even been aware of."
Scarlett
- Yr 11
"Sam and Julia spent a very full day at Trinity Academy at the end of the long autumn term delivering their interactive presentation to different KS3 and KS4 year-groups. It was very much a celebration of creativity and collaboration, all showcased in their illustrated and engaging talk about their remarkable work in the run-up to and at the London Olympics’ Opening and Closing ceremonies."
“It was particularly inspiring for our pupils to understand more about the many career opportunities in creative fields and to see what can be achieved when people are motivated to work as a team to fulfill their potential. It was a real boost for the wellbeing of our school community with pupils ending the term on a joyously high-energy note”.
Antony Faccinello
MA (Oxon) PGCE, Principal
Trinity Academy, Brixton
"It was a truly inspiring session and I am receiving lots of messages of thanks and praise from children, parents and staff".
Miss Hebden
- Director of Drama
King's Rochester
"It was brilliant! The numbers involved were crazy. 15,000 costumes!"
Laura
- Yr 9
"I found the Orange Jackets Google Meet very inspiring and I think it’s incredible how many jobs are out there that I wouldn’t have even been aware of."
Scarlett
- Yr 11
"Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed this afternoon's talk; thank you for organising this."
Mrs McCarthy
- Head of English
King's Rochester
Wow! Sam and Ju were amazing -it was fascinating. Really enjoyed it, thank you!"
Dr Thompson
- Head of History
King's Rochester
"An excellent opportunity for our pupils to go behind the scenes this afternoon. A great cross over between the arts and sport"
Mr Hebden
- Director of Sport
King's Rochester
“Our students absolutely loved their visit from Sam and Julia today. They were utterly captivated by the behind-the-scenes footage from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games that they got to see, and were fascinated to discover a whole new world of opportunities that they hadn’t considered before. Hugely engaging, entertaining and inspiring talks – highly recommended!”
Steven Duffy
Head of Year 10 & Head of Music
John Madejski Academy
"The entire audience for our Olympic Newton Forum on Monday was gripped by our speakers Sam Hunter and Julia Whittle as they described their pivotal roles in bringing the most impressive ceremonies on earth to our screens."
“Listening to the countdown to the opening while also hearing Julia’s incredibly calm voice teeing up all the moving parts was absolutely extraordinary,” said one parent as they left the auditorium. “Both my son and myself were super impressed with yesterday's talk,” said another parent in an email the nextday, “We found it extremely interesting and it really helped us understand all the work behind an event like London 2012 opening ceremony – amazing to get such a privileged glimpse into what really goes on!"
Susannah Frieze
Director
External Affairs