imitating the dog’s searing adaptation of War of the Worlds provides multiple opportunities for creative learning. The novel is a set-text on the GCSE (OCR),  & A-Level (Edexcel), English Literature syllabuses and the Orson Welles radio adaptation of War of the Worlds is a close study product on the A-Level Media Studies (AQA) syllabus. 

Exploring the story via this innovative production provides an excellent opportunity for wider analytical reading and enriched understanding at GCSE, AS/A-level and undergraduate level across a number of subject areas, including Drama & Theatre Studies, English Literature, Media Studies, Film Studies, Music, Art, Design, Technology and more. 

GCSE Drama

Seeing ITD’s production of War of the Worlds, and utilising our free digital resources, will encourage GCSE Drama students to: 

• consider the roles and responsibilities of theatre makers in contemporary professional practice
• analyse and evaluate the work of theatre makers and the creative choices they make
• consider how the source material has been interpreted, adapted, and re-framed
• consider the ways in which different performance and production elements are brought together to create a contemporary theatre production of a classic text
• experience pioneering uses of technology in live performance, particularly video projection mapping
• analyse the relationship between moving image and live action.
• consider the communication of meaning via image, design choices, adaptation and performance

The production and workshop could also provide stimuli for the students’ own devising projects. 

AS and A Level Drama and Theatre

Seeing ITD’s production of War of the Worlds and engaging with the learning resources AS and A Level Drama and Theatre students will be encouraged to consider: 

• directorial interpretation and performance style
• choice and utilisation of design elements: lighting, sound, music, and video mapping/projection 
• intended (and actual) impact on the audience
• design fundamentals and use of technology
• integration of movement, language, image and technology in performance
• creative adaptation and interpretation
• use of theatrical space and the communication of ideas in performance

The production and workshop could also provide stimuli for the students’ own devising projects. 

GCSE English Literature

Seeing ITD’s production of War of the Worlds and engaging with the free learning resources will help GCSE English Literature students to develop an informed personal response and critical style as they consider: 

• aspects of plot, characterisation, settings, and the relationship between actions and events
• aspects of language, form and structure used by writers to create meaning and effects
• how to use understanding of writers’ and theatre-makers’ social, historical, and cultural contexts to inform evaluation of the texts and productions they create
• how to identify and distinguish between themes, explore character motivation and distinguish between what is stated explicitly and what is implied
• how to compare texts across different media and make connections between their reading
• how to recognise the possibility of different responses to a text and evaluate alternative interpretations

AS and A Level English Literature

Seeing ITD’s production of War of the Worlds and engaging with the learning resources will enable AS and A Level English Literature students to gain a greater knowledge and understanding of: 

• how to make connections and explore the relationships between a range of literary texts
• the ways texts can be grouped and compared to inform interpretation.
• the contexts in which texts have been produced and received and understanding of how these contexts influence meaning
• how genre features and conventions operate in prose fiction texts and a range of ways to read them
• how to develop an informed, personal, critical, and creative responses to literary texts and communicating them fluently, accurately and effectively
• how to creatively explore the ways in which meanings are shaped in literary texts and can be informed by different interpretations
• how attitudes and values are expressed in texts 
• literary techniques and conventions through adapting them into dramatic language

AS and A Level Media Studies 

Seeing ITD’s production of War of the Worlds and engaging with the learning resources will enable AS and A Level Media Studies students to compare ITD’s interpretation of the text with Orson Welles’ 1938 radio adaptation (an AQA Close Study Product) and thereby enhance their ability to analyse media products in relation to their contexts. It will help them to: 

• analyse critically and compare how media products construct and communicate meanings through the interaction of media language and audience response
• develop an understanding of the dynamic and changing relationships between media forms, products, media industries and audiences
• apply theoretical knowledge and specialist subject specific terminology to analyse and compare media products and the contexts in which they are produced and consumed in order to make informed arguments, reach substantiated judgements and draw conclusions about media issues

Imitating the dog also offer a range of workshops that could help A & A/S Level Media Studies students develop skills in media production that could be utilised in their Non-exam assessment: Creating a cross-media production. Please contact ben@imitatingthedog.co.uk to discuss possibilities. 

BTEC, Cambridge Technicals, & LAMDA Performing Arts Qualifications

Watching ITD’s production of War of the Worlds and engaging with our free digital resources will enable BTEC, Cambridge Technicals, and LAMDA Performing Arts students to meet many of the learning objectives identified in components such as Exploring the Performing Arts (BTEC), Combined Arts (CT), Influential Performance Practice (CT), Acting (LAMDA), and Devising Drama (LAMDA). They will be able to gain insights into how professional theatre makers and artists: 

• respond to or treat a particular theme or issue.
• use/interpret/modify a pre-existing style.
• communicate ideas to their audience through stylistic qualities
• combine different art forms and styles
• respond to the social, economic and political circumstances of their time
• understand and engage with the content and context of the material

Participating in an ITD War of the Worlds workshop will further enable students to acquire practical aspects necessary for achieving objectives in components such as Developing Skills and Techniques in the Performing Arts (BTEC), Performing repertoire (CT), Improvisation (CT) and Acting/Devising Drama Levels 1 – 3 (LAMDA). These include:

• physical, vocal, interpretive, technological, and design skills
• improvisation skills informed by external stimuli
• extending and developing skills and techniques in response to repertoire

The production and workshop could also provide stimuli for the students’ own devising projects.

Arts Award

Attending the show and writing a review, and/or participating in a workshop will enable candidates  to meet the criteria for the relevant parts of Arts Awards at Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels. We would also be open to speaking to candidates who wished to feature the company or creative associates in other parts of their Awards. 

Higher Education & Beyond

Workshops and bespoke residencies are available for undergrad and postgrad students, as well as emerging and early career artists. These may be suitable for students of Acting, Drama & Theatre Studies, Film/Video and Animation, Design, Creative Technology, Media Studies, Art and others. 

ITD has delivered workshops and residencies in HE and participatory theatre settings running from half-day, to weekend, to one- or two-week, to term-long formats. Please see our Creative Engagement page for details about our current offer and recent past projects, and contact ben@imitatingthedog.co.uk to discuss possibilities.

Further resources & information

Students and teaching staff will be able to access the full performance text on request. Further resources will be published on the War of the Worlds Learning Resources page and will be updated as the R&D process and subsequent rehearsal process and tour progresses.