Designed for early learning spaces: exploring the art of transformation
One piece of string. Countless stories. Moments of imagination created with everyday objects.
Patch Theatre brings its SPARK program directly into classrooms, removing barriers to accessing high-quality arts experiences. SPARK offers playful, interactive performances created in collaboration with artists and educators to inspire creative and innovative learning within education environments. More than 16,000 students across SA have experienced Glow & Tell, Patch’s current in-school show.
Demand for arts experiences tailored specifically to young audiences is growing. With more children entering preschool earlier through the South Australian Government initiative and mid-year intakes increasing class sizes, early learning spaces are seeking engaging, age-appropriate programs that respond to diverse learning needs.
In response, Patch is developing a brand-new work for preschoolers and early primary students. It’s a String Thing will be ready for delivery in Term 2, 2026. Unlike typical performances based on a book, this project takes a radical approach by creating a book that grows from the performance. Both show and book are being created in tandem with children whose ideas actively shape the work.
Artistic Director Geoff Cobham is collaborating with author and educator Natascha Shaw and performer Ellen Steele to explore how simple objects, like a piece of string, can transform through imagination and live performance. Patch’s long history of co-creation with young audiences ensures the work remains responsive and is shaped through listening and play.
Shaw first connected with Patch through a Professional Development program that aligned with her pedagogical values. Her practice centres on early mark-making and the authentic ways children communicate through art. From this emerged the idea of an educational, artistic and theatrical triangle – performance, book and interactive learning prompts – allowing children to revisit and extend the show beyond the performance while offering educators a framework for further enquiry.
Performer and theatre-maker Ellen Steele brings the work to life, improvising and responding to children’s ideas as she performs – a collaborative process unique to Patch which actively places children at the centre of the experience.
Performed to one class at a time, the show creates an intimate experience where each child can engage on their own terms. The accompanying picture book remains in the classroom along with resource ideas that support play-based, imaginative exploration. “Children’s capacity to understand big concepts, when presented in the right way and reinforced through imaginative play, is extraordinary,” says Cobham.
Patch is conducting trials in preschools and primary schools to shape the final work. This collaboration ensures the experience meets the needs of educators and learners to deliver joyful and meaningful experiences.
Find out more about SPARK: patchtheatre.org.au
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