ABOUT OPAN

Welcome to OPAN (Oldham Performing Arts Network) – Network for participatory education and educators.

The OPAN Network is in partnership with Oldham Theatre Workshop and Oldham Coliseum Theatre Ltd. OPAN will be working with Oldham’s primary schools, secondary schools and colleges to help strengthen their existing creative curriculum and to create new opportunities through participation in the drama and performing arts.

OPAN will continue to build the Network and connect with educators to find out how can we improve Oldham’s drama, theatre and performing arts offer.

You can still join the Network. Tell us your story. What is missing from your current education provision? How can we better involve you in the future?

We’ll be reaching out to the OPAN Network to arrange creative activities and opportunities!

BACKGROUND

We now have an opportunity in Oldham to refresh the way arts and culture is being delivered in education, and to work with key partners, existing and new, to create an exciting new cultural enterprise for the town. One that is fully representative and reflects the diversity of Oldham (cultural and socio-economic). 

One of the key objectives is to create and deliver a learning and engagement programme, led and delivered through a strategic partnership between Oldham Theatre Workshop & Oldham Coliseum Theatre Ltd. 

This partnership will engage a diverse range of young people, teachers and practitioners from across Oldham in the arts as creators, participants and audience members. 

MEET THE OPAN TEAM

SOPHIE ELLICOTT

Sophie has been part of Oldham Theatre Workshop for over a decade, building strong links with schools, parents, artists, and partners. In 2024/25, she co-led the CONNECT consultation with Yemi, exploring drama and performing arts education across Oldham.

She now leads the Primary Schools programme for the OPAN Network, championing creativity and social connection through drama. Sophie and Yemi are developing CPD, after-school activities, a secondary schools drama festival, and a growing network for teachers and educators.

A proud Oldhamer, she’s passionate about making the arts accessible for all children in the Borough.

YEMI BOLATIWA

Yemi has worked in youth music, theatre outreach,  family arts and creative education for over 7 years in Manchester, whilst developing a successful freelance career as a professional musician over the past 9 years. Bringing both of these experiential perspectives to the network means a hands on, practicable and creative approach to education partnerships with real life experience and opportunities at the core. Sophie and Yemi are developing CPD, after-school activities, a secondary schools drama festival, and a growing network for teachers and educators.

Yemi is passionate about how we can use creativity to enhance the curricular offer and improve learning pathways for young people.

Yemi is a keen bird spotter, loves word games and salsa dancing!

By clicking on the relevant button below, you can find out more about how to get involved.

CLICK - OPAN Primary

Primary schools in Oldham we want to connect with you.

CLICK - OPAN Secondary/College

Secondary schools and Colleges in Oldham we want to connect with you.

©2022 Oldham Theatre Workshop.