Theatre-in-education evolved as a distinct art form from the work of a community outreach team at the Coventry Belgrade Theatre in the mid-1960s. TIE flourished in the late-1960s and 1970s and today refers to the use of theatre and drama in schools to access all areas of the curriculum. Interactive, highly participatory pieces of theatre or drama performed by professional actors for one or two classes at a time, TIE productions engage children and teachers in performance, role playing and debate. Performances are followed by classroom sessions or workshops, and productions often incorporate resource packs of lessons and activities for teachers.

Founded in 1979, Gazebo Theatre-in-Education Company was has been producing educational theatre for children in Walsall and Wolverhampton for over twenty years. Gazebo provides theatre-in-education programmes to support the national curriculum, national and regional arts-in-education initiatives. Working with schools, Gazebo also provides teacher training and out-of-school arts training for young people. In February and March 2004, the Gazebo Theatre-in-Education production “Home” performed for students aged 7-9 in 60 schools across Walsall and Wolverhampton.