Title: Stage for Change: Transforming Public Speaking with Creative Theatre

Implementation period: 01.10.2026 – 30.11.2028
Project number:  2026-1-IS01-KA220-SCH-000455045
Coordinator: Víkurskóli, Iceland
Partner:  Kreativna stanica, Serbia
Partner: GAZIANTEP ANADOLU LISESI, Turkiye
Partner: Non-Governmental Organization POZITIVO Skopje, Macedonia 
Partner:  Liceum Ogólnokształcące z Oddziałami Dwujęzycznymi Fundacji Szkolnej w Warszawie, Poland
Partner: SYMVOULOI ANAPTYXIAKOU SCHEDIASMOU EREVNAS KAI ORGANOSIS ETAIREIA PERIORISMENIS EFTHYNIS PRISMA EPE, Greece
Sector: SCHOOL

GENERAL GOAL
We want to strengthen public speaking, creative expression, and cultural awareness through theatre-based learning. At the same time, we equip teachers to run inclusive, interactive classrooms where self-expression and intercultural learning happen naturally.

Project Objectives:
Stage for Change aims to enhance students’ public speaking skills and self-confidence by integrating theatre-based methodologies into education. Through digital tools, gamified learning, and interactive resources, the project empowers teachers with innovative strategies. It fosters creativity, inclusion, and lifelong communication skills, ensuring long-term educational impact and broader accessibility across diverse learning environments.

DIRECT TARGET GROUP: PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS (AGED 14–18)
The Stage4Change project directly engages students aged 14 to 18 who struggle with verbal communication, low self-confidence, and fear of public speaking. Studies show that over 50% of students experience significant anxiety when speaking in front of peers, limiting their participation in classroom activities and their broader social engagement (European Education Area, 2023). Through creative drama techniques, role-playing, and storytelling, students develop essential public speaking, argumentation, and critical thinking skills, better preparing them for educational and professional success.

TEACHERS
Teachers play a vital role in developing students’ communication skills, yet many lack the training and tools needed to teach public speaking effectively. Research indicates that 68% of European teachers feel unprepared to foster these skills (Eurostat, 2023). Stage for Change offers practical teaching strategies, digital tools, and structured training, equipping teachers to embed drama-based public speaking into daily teaching practices, making lessons more engaging, creative, and inclusive.

INDIRECT TARGET GROUP: SCHOOLS
Schools across Europe gain ready-to-use resources adaptable to different subjects, promoting interdisciplinary learning and modern teaching approaches. By integrating creative communication techniques into school life, schools foster more confident, articulate, and engaged students.

FAMILIES AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Parents and local communities also benefit, as stronger communication skills help students actively participate in local initiatives, youth projects, and public events, enhancing community cohesion.

INCLUSION AND ACCESSIBILITY
The project prioritizes inclusivity by offering adaptable tools for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, non-native speakers, and those with low confidence. Teachers receive inclusive strategies to ensure every student benefits.

Implementation:
Development of an interactive digital platform with AI tools.
Creation of the Stage for Change Toolkit with multimedia materials.
Development of a teacher handbook for structured drama-based training.
Pilot testing in schools to refine methods and resources.
Student mobility in Poland for practical theatre and speaking practice.
Dissemination events to share results and support sustainability.
Branding via project website, social media, and promo materials.

Results:
Stage for Change Teacher Handbook with drama-based methodologies.
Interactive Digital Toolkit with lesson plans, AI tools, and gamified tasks.
Stage for Change Digital Platform for materials and teacher resources.
Pilot-tested methodologies refined through teacher/student feedback.
Student mobility in Poland enhances speaking and theatre skills.
Dissemination events supporting local and EU-level uptake.