Save Our World Roadshows

Summary

Save Our World has partnered with the theatrical organisation The Lions Part to produce an environmentally themed Roadshow. The show features a play about global warming and presentations on practical steps for reducing its effects.

Performances are given both to the general public, in conjunction with community festivals and sustainability events (such as Sustainable Energy Action’s Energy Efficiency Week), and through workshops in London primary schools. Funding for the projects is provided by Lambeth Endowed Charities and the Bridge House Trust.

Audience members are invited to pledge to undertake sustainable actions after the performances. Feedback indicates that audience members who stay through the entire programme leave feeling motivated and inspired about the role they can play in combating environmental problems. The use of professional actors is a key element of the project, providing a fun and inspiring component rather than just information on environmental problems.

Barriers identified include: securing funding; attracting and retaining an audience at public festivals; sustainability and global warming education are often low priorities in school curricula.

Key motivators

Professional arts events: the high quality of performances given by professional actors is key to attracting an audience and effectively communicating environmental messages.
Fun: the theatrical aspect of the project makes it fresh, entertaining, and appealing.
Practical, positive suggestions: providing examples and ideas about what the audience can do to make a difference leaves them feeling inspired and empowered, rather than helpless or depressed about a “doomsday” view of the environment.
Encourage commitment: inviting audience members to pledge involves them and helps inspire action even after the event ends.

Top tips to their success

Share funding responsibility through partnerships and shared venues, spreading the cost burden whilst strengthening relationships with partner organisations.
Work with local schools to educate and motivate; schools provide an already-assembled audience in a learning environment. Young people are often eager and enthusiastic and very effective in communicating environmental messages to their families.
Use community festivals and sustainability events to engage the public in a community-oriented environment.
Do preparation and follow-up work with target audiences, particularly school faculty, to maximise learning and gauge effectiveness.

Contact details

Jim Scott, Chairperson, Save Our World
jim@save-our-world.org.uk
020 7640 0492
http://www.save-our-world.org.uk

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