Author In Focus: John O'Hanlon
ZigZagEducation.co.uk | PublishMeNow.co.uk
| Subject: | Drama |
| Top Resource: | Drama Scripts for KS3 |
"I retired in 2017 and now run a very successful Youth Theatre in Titchfield, providing children and young people from the ages of 8 to 16 with the opportunity to take part in live theatre."
John studied at St Richard of Chichester School, in Camden Town. He subsequently attended Goldsmiths', University of London, where he gained a B.Ed in Education and Drama.
After a series of youth worker jobs in the late 1970's and early 1980's, John was offered a temporary post, teaching Drama at his old secondary school in Camden, and ended up staying for six years.
He then moved to Hampshire where he has been Head of Drama since 1989 at three different schools.
"I retired in 2017 and now run a very successful Youth Theatre in Titchfield, providing children and young people from the ages of 8 to 16 with the opportunity to take part in live theatre. I have written and adapted a range of plays for the group, including a large number of one-act plays."
"I like the immediacy of personal communication. There is a sense of professionalism in the feedback and suggestions and always valued encouragement, which is always nice to get."
"When I retired from teaching drama in school I realised I had written a large range of pieces for students in my classes, specifically geared towards them. I wanted the opportunity to share these pieces of scripted pieces with drama colleagues and hopefully they will have as much satisfaction from using them in classes or as Showcases as I did writing them over a thirty year period and still writing currently.
I like the immediacy of personal communication. There is a sense of professionalism in the feedback and suggestions and always valued encouragement, which is always nice to get.
My last project, 'Pocket Plays'. I wrote these for my Youth Theatre group in 2019 as part of a week-long Showcase. During the lockdowns I edited the plays with Covid guidelines in mind, which was definitely a challenge. I even designed the front cover, making use of my newly discovered art skills!"
John's most recent publication is Pocket Plays: Four Short Plays with Activities for KS3 and GCSE Drama