October Highlights from the Octagon’s Arts Engagement & Outreach Team

Here’s a taste of what our Arts Engagement & Outreach team at The Octagon & Westlands have been busy working on this month…   

Our Arts Engagement & Outreach team develop and deliver programmes and activities that benefit health and wellbeing, enrich learning and education in and outside school, inspire and celebrate talent. Creating work that will support local artists and tell “local stories”. In everything we do and programme we will seek to improve inclusion and remove barriers, whatever they may be, so that everyone is able to enjoy and benefit from the creative arts. Our Arts Engagement & Outreach team look to provide more opportunities for our communities to watch, take part and benefit from arts and cultural activities where they live.    

In October, we saw 2,633 people taking part in our outreach programme, supported 31 freelance practitioners through paid opportunities, hosted 18 workshops in community settings, released more than 1,000 tickets to our pantomime at £3 for low-income households, and welcomed over 270 young people to Westlands for the BSO KS4 Concert. 

A highlight this month was the annual Performing Arts CPD Day, which brought together 48 creative educators from 30 schools across Somerset, Dorset and Gloucestershire for a day of high-quality professional development. Teachers and creative facilitators spent time with acclaimed arts organisations, including Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Emma Rice Company, Motionhouse, Frantic Assembly, Stuff & Nonsense Theatre, and the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). Plus heard from keynote speakers, including University of the West of England (UWE), on the impact of creativity within the curriculum. The event left teachers feeling inspired, empowered and better equipped to create engaging arts experiences for their pupils 

Read all about it and more by heading to our website.  

Creative Learning & Education 

Inspiring Creative Teaching and Learning 

The Performing Arts CPD Day brought together 48 creative educators from 30 schools across Somerset, Dorset and Gloucestershire for a day of high-quality professional development led by acclaimed arts organisations including the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Emma Rice Company, Motionhouse Dance, Frantic Assembly, Stuff & Nonsense Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). 

The programme also featured keynote presentations from the University of the West of England (UWE) and Octagon Music Hub, offering valuable insight into creativity, arts engagement and curriculum development. Designed to strengthen subject knowledge and build confidence, the day equipped teachers with practical and accessible approaches to embedding creativity in the classroom, particularly supporting non-specialist teachers delivering arts subjects. 

Teachers left feeling inspired, empowered and better equipped to create engaging arts experiences for their pupils. 

"As a non-specialist, it was so helpful to see music and dance in practice. So many simple yet effective ways to be creative without adding pressure to the ever-growing workload." Participant 

This feedback highlights the lasting impact of the event in building confidence, enhancing teaching practice and championing creativity across schools. 

Inspiring the Next Generation of Musicians 

Our Key Stage 4 Concert with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) engaged over 270 young people from 11 schools across Somerset and Dorset. Designed for GCSE-aged students, the concert featured a 8-piece ensemble of professional BSO musicians performing repertoire linked to the GCSE Music syllabus, alongside a newly commissioned composition developed using musical ideas submitted by students in advance. 

The event brought curriculum content to life through live performance, composition and direct engagement with professional musicians. Students gained a deeper understanding of set works, musical techniques and the creative process while being inspired to continue their own musical journeys. Teachers also benefitted from valuable subject enrichment and practical examples that could be taken back into the classroom. 

“Thanks for giving us the opportunity to watch such a great BSO concert. The students got so much out of it – and great CPD for me. I wish we had something like this every term.” Teacher 

Advocating for arts and creativity within schools 

The Arts Engagement & Outreach team, alongside the Octagon Music Hub, was proud to present at the Somerset Head Teacher Conferences, reaching more than 60 headteachers across events in Yeovil, Wells and Taunton. The presentations showcased how our programme can support schools in meeting the ambitions of the new enrichment framework, highlighting opportunities for CPD, live performances, specialist workshops and creative learning projects. We also shared practical approaches to overcoming barriers to arts participation within schools. 

By engaging directly with school leaders, we were able to raise awareness of the extensive cultural opportunities available to schools across Somerset while demonstrating the role that arts education can play in improving pupil engagement, wellbeing and enrichment. The conferences also strengthened relationships with education leaders and helped identify areas where schools would benefit from further support and partnership working. 

“This is all news to me so it was really good to hear about it. We'd love to engage in some more dance and drama projects in school, and also coming to events at The Octagon.”  Headteacher  

Talent Development 

Supporting young people with next steps in their career  

We were delighted to be part of this year's Somerset Skills and Careers Fair 2026, hosted at Westlands and organised by Somerset Education Business Partnership, which welcomed more than 1,800 young people from across the county. The event provided a fantastic opportunity to engage with young people about careers within the creative industries, highlighting the wide range of roles and pathways available both on and off stage. It was inspiring to meet so many enthusiastic young people eager to learn more and explore future opportunities. We shared information about our work experience weeks, masterclasses, The Octagon Connections Company 2027 and many other opportunities available through our programme. 

The fair also included a dedicated quiet hour for schools requiring a sensory-friendly setup, creating a more relaxed and lower-stimulation environment where students could explore career options at their own pace. Alongside us, organisations from across Somerset showcased training programmes, development opportunities and career pathways, helping to inspire the next generation as they consider their futures. 

"The event helped me learn more about the different opportunities available and think about my future options." Student 

Arts for Health & Wellbeing 

Helping people reconnect with their bodies and build confidence after Cancer 

Cancer treatment can often leave people feeling disconnected from their bodies and lacking confidence in their physical abilities. Through creative dance, movement and peer support, our Movement Through Cancer project provides a safe, welcoming space for participants to rebuild confidence, improve mobility and enhance their overall wellbeing. As we approach three years of delivering weekly specialist sessions in Yeovil, the project has supported more than 50 people affected by cancer. Recent evaluation findings showed that 100% of participants reported increased confidence in their bodies and abilities as a result of taking part, and 100% said the sessions were helping them to better manage their health and wellbeing. Participants consistently describe feeling stronger, more positive and more connected to themselves and others through the sessions. This project demonstrates how specialist, research-informed creative health activities can play an important role in supporting recovery, improving wellbeing and building confidence, as well as helping to develop strategies to live well beyond their diagnosis. We look forward to another year of supporting people affected by cancer to live well, strengthen their wellbeing and thrive through the power of movement, creativity and connection. 

“I lost confidence during my cancer journey and I am so glad that I found this class. I am now trying to find my new way of moving and rebuild my confidence. This class is so lovely and exactly what I needed.” Participant 

Participation 

Creating professional opportunities for local talent 

The launch of the Octagon Connections Company marks an exciting new chapter in creating high-quality performance opportunities for ambitious local actors aged 13-18. Following a successful audition process, members of the company will rehearse and perform as part of the National Theatre's Connections 2027 programme, with performances taking place both locally and at Exeter Northcott Theatre. 

Each year, the National Theatre commissions ten new plays from leading playwrights. Working alongside a professional creative team, participants will develop their acting skills, build confidence and gain invaluable experience of bringing a newly commissioned production to life. 

The programme will nurture the next generation of theatre-makers while providing unforgettable opportunities for young people to grow both on and off the stage. 

“Launching our first-ever Octagon Connections Company is a hugely exciting milestone for us. Through our partnership with the National Theatre, young people in and around Yeovil will have the chance to be part of something truly special, working alongside professional theatre-makers and performing as part of a nationally celebrated youth theatre programme.” 

Katherine Beverley, Arts Engagement & Outreach Manager 

Access & Inclusion Schemes  

Giving Everyone the Chance to Experience the Magic of Panto 

We are delighted to have released over 1,000 accessible tickets to individuals and families on low incomes, helping more people experience the magic of our pantomime, Aladdin. These tickets give people of all ages the chance to embrace the festive spirit, sing along to their favourite songs, share laughter together and create lasting memories with family and friends. By lowering financial barriers, they allow more people to experience the magic of live theatre and join the festive fun this season. 

Our Accessible Ticket Scheme supports individuals and families who may not otherwise be able to afford to attend performances at The Octagon & Westlands. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy our venues and take part in the shows, events and activities we offer. Through the scheme, eligible low-income households and individuals can access selected performances and events for just £3 per ticket.  

"I have a few shows booked, so I'm really looking forward to attending soon. I can't stress enough what a difference the scheme makes. I couldn't afford to watch a lot of the shows otherwise." Accessible Ticket Scheme Member  

For more information, visit: westlandsyeovil.co.uk/discover-more/accessible-ticket-scheme/ 

To keep up to date with all the activities coming up head over to the What’s On section on our website or check out our Take Part page which will link you to all our projects and upcoming opportunities.