Commissioning Brief

Feb 2026

Project overview

We are developing a 20-minute presentation-style live show designed for the general public in a science centre environment. The project involves adapting an existing script and directing a small team of science communicators/presenters to deliver an engaging, high-quality and fun performance that’s also scientifically accurate.

 

Winchester Science Centre has delivered a range of science shows over recent years, which have always been created in-house with a ‘home-grown’ style. We are now looking to elevate this concept through engaging creative practitioners to support the production and delivery of our presenter-led show format. You will be supported to ensure scientific accuracy and instead looking for someone to elevate the narrative structure and performance style of the Inspirer team.

 

We are particularly interested in practitioners with experience in one or more of the following:

 

- Script adaptation for live audiences

- Directing presenter-led or demonstration-based shows

- Educational or science communication performance

- Visitor attraction, museum, or informal learning environments

 

Key Details

Location	Winchester Science Centre
Audience	Children aged 3-12 and their accompanying adults
Theme / Subject Area	Sound
Script Status	Existing draft
Performance Style	Interactive demo show, presenter-led presentation
Team Size to Direct	10
Development Period	Feb-April 2026
Script delivery date	Friday 10 April 2026 (with 1st review by Friday 20th March)
Rehearsal Period	2pm – 5pm, Tuesday 14 – Friday 24 April, excluding weekends.
Performance Period	First show date - Saturday 25th April 2026
Support provided	Science content expertise / advisors
	Health and Safety expertise (for science demos)
	Basic in-house technical and AV
	Accessibility scoping and adaptations
	Additional costume / prop / set-design resources
	Rehearsal space at Winchester Science Centre
Fee Structure	Project fee – £4,500

Deliverables

The commission should result in:

- An update of existing script with a clear narrative and flow

- Directing practical rehearsal time with team of presenters

- A performance ready show with confident presenters

 

Please contact Jenna Cox, Head of Programming (jennacox@winchestersciencecentre.org) if this opportunity is of interest. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Please share examples of relevant past work or portfolios if available.

 

Show Format

Length	20 minutes
Audience Type	Children aged 3-12 and their accompanying adults
Audience Size	Up to 100
Frequency	4 shows per day - approximately 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm (relaxed)
Performance Style	Interactive demo show, presenter-led presentation
Tone	Fun, playful and curious
Technical	Robust and repeatable, resettable multiple times a day
Adaptable for ‘relaxed’ accessible shows
Suitable for a max stage size of 4 x 4 metres
Present science demonstrations in a strong visual way
Include predictable warnings for sensory moments
Science Demonstrations to include	Air canon / air zooka	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gt6BtMrQOIw
Acoustic exciter	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZozOkUHijDI
Rubens tube	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8KjE7MQHXM
Key Science Messages to include	What sound is (vibrations and particles)
Sound as a wave (compression waves)
How sound travels through air
How speakers and loudspeakers work
How sound frequency affects wave patterns
Ways we can “see” sound

 

Directing (Essential)

A key element of this commission is directing our science presenters to deliver the show as a confident experience, not just a scripted demonstration.

The practitioner will be expected to work directly with presenters during rehearsals, support them in physical storytelling and use of space; voice, pace, and clarity and managing audience interaction. The goal is to empower our science presenters to feel confident and playful.

 

Supporting Documents and Information

1. Sound Show - Science Interpretation Plan
2. Original “The Sound Show” script
3. Risk Assessment for previous show