We invite schools and local groups to join us on an Experience Day to take part in free creative and educational activities. Explore our museum of antique toys and puppets and get creative in drawing and making workshops. Our offer meets multiple aspects of the curriculum including art, history, design technology, literacy, and drama. We can tailor the visit for any age group from KS1 to KS3 (aged 5-14 years) – it is designed for one class at a time (max 32 students).
Over an academic year our Experience Days have different themes and content, so groups can return more than once. The Autumn is focused on the museum and history of toys; the Spring focuses on theatre; and the Summer is all set outdoors.
“The best school trip I’ve been on in 30 years of teaching!”
Primary Teacher
We firmly believe that cost should not be a barrier to enjoying the Arts. We have a ‘Transport Support Fund’ generously donated by the Spencer Wills Trust. This helps pay for transport to and from our activities for schools and families facing hardship, who would otherwise not be able to attend. To request support please contact us directly. (Please note that travel bursaries are limited and at the discretion of The Bright Foundation).
Curtains Up! A day of theatre and performance
Give your pupils the chance to see a professional theatre show, retelling a popular fairy tale, and then take part in creative workshops.
The Bright Foundation is creating a brand new children’s theatre show designed specially for our intimate 48 seat theatre.
From February 2026, schools and groups will be invited to watch the 30 minute show - The Ballad of Red & The Wilding Wolf — developed in collaboration with teachers and children to strengthen literacy links and inspire creative story writing.
The Ballad of Red & the Wilding Wolf
The animals are angry, the people aren’t listening and prowling through the woods is a Big Bad Wolf. Will the two sides clash or can a little girl called Red find a path through?
With music and magic, this retelling of Little Red Riding Hood delves a little deeper and gets to know a few more characters along the way.
After the performance, children will take part in creative workshops led by the show’s artists. Teachers can choose from a workshop around:
a) puppet making;
b) storytelling; or
c) set and costume design
These can be tailored to your curriculum and learning outcomes.
Teacher Previews:
Thursday 5 February @ 4.30pm
A chance for teachers to see the show and get some teaching resources to support you to prepare for your visit
Bookable Dates:
Wednesdays or Thursdays, 10am – 2.30pm
11 / 12 / 25 / 26 February 2026
4 / 5 / 11 / 12 / 18 / 19 / 25 / 26 March 2026
22 / 23 / 29 / 30 April
For more information about the show see here.
Creative Roots: A Day of Learning through Nature
Discover the great outdoors in this nature based creative learning day. Follow our bug hunting nature trail or have a go at pond dipping – you will work with a Biodiversity expert to discover what lives in the English countryside. Following your explorations you will work with an artist to create nature inspired artworks and sculptures.
Bookable Dates:
Wednesdays or Thursdays, 10am – 2.30pm
6 / 7/ 13 / 14 / 20 / 21 May 2026
3 / 4 / 10 / 11 / 24 / 25 June 2026
1 / 2 July 2026
We will be doing some building work throughout Autumn 2025 at the Barn Theatre and Museum and will be taking bookings from February 2026 onwards. We are still taking School and College bookings at the Benbow Arts Space. Please get in touch and we can check availability of our creative team.
As a charity commited to creative education for children and young people, we are offering the visit free of charge for a group of up to 32 students. We just ask that you fund your transport to and from the venue. There is a cancellation fee of £100 should you cancel within two weeks notice.
The Barn Theatre and Museum is in a rural location and can only be accessed down a single lane track. It is part of our planning condition to not allow coaches onto site. Therefore the group must be transported in minibuses.
We are committed to making the experience as accessible as possible – please talk to us about your access needs. There is level access across the site, a hearing loop in the theatre and we can offer a BSL Interpreter for your visit.
Please complete the booking form below. For more information or to discuss date options please email office@thebrightfoundation.org.uk or ring 01424 559020.
Barn Theatre & Museum
Rodgers Farm
Stonestile Lane
Hastings
East Sussex
TN35 4PH
Registered address:
2 London Road
St Leonards-on-Sea
East Sussex
TN37 6AE
