Youth Theatre News

Playscripts & Drama Resources

Are you searching for a last minute end of term play?

Do you need a play that can be staged quickly and simply?

Are you looking for drama games, activities or lesson plans?

Then visit www.artsonthemove.co.uk for all your drama needs!

They have fantastic playscripts which are simple to stage, ideal for large casts and perfect for end of term productions.

In their education section you’ll find fabulous, simple-to-follow, structured esson plans for drama workshops on a range of subjects – FREE to download.

Arts On The Move also provides ongoing drama support and advice – whatever your query or need.

Please contact: Alison Chaplin by telephone or fax on 0161 881 0868, email her or visit the website

Young Achievers Trust

It’s the first day of a new month and the Young Achievers Trust are excited to announce the launch of their 2009 search for England’s star achievers!

You’re invited to nominate exceptional young people and spread the word. Just visit the Nominate Now page. From there anyone can download the application form and return it to them via email or post.

This year’s awards will be even more coveted than ever with the winner’s being announced at the end of a celebration day in which eight winners and 24 runners up will enjoy a money can’t buy prize and unique training opportunities. Friends and family will be invited for the evening to share the proud day with the young achievers and find out who the top eight will be.

The eight winners will also receive a £1,000 cash prize for personal and project development, a year’s support package and a fellowship to the RSA. Cash prizes and project support are up for grabs for runners up too.

They can’t wait for the nominations to start rolling in. The celebration day and announcement of winners will take place on 13th November 2009 and until then you can keep up-to-date with their activities and progress in various ways:

Follow them on Twitter.
Whether they are connecting with interesting new organisations or individuals, adding something to the website, working with a new young person, or reaching out for support – you can be sure to find out about it on twitter.

Say hello to our new Trustees
Continuing their tradition of being a young people led organisation, they have recruited seven fresh faces to the board. Peter, Chris, Nadine, Tamara, Anisa, Chirag and Sophia are bringing a wealth of experience from various walks of life. You can find out more about them on the ‘Who We Are’ section of the website.

Top tip from Young Achievers
Follow their blog at http://youngachieverstrust.wordpress.com/ to read stories about the progress of last year’s young achievers.

‘PAVING PARADISE’ by Richard Conlon, directed by Chris Wellings

THE GEORGIAN THEATRE, RICHMOND, NORTH YORKS: WED 8th & THUR 9th JULY

See ‘UP & COMING FOR JULY’ at Richard Conlon’s website and The Georgian Theatre’s website

“A convenant broken is a dangerous thing. We make the air that you breathe, you cross us at your peril. I stand, I watch I hear…”

A group of student have one week to prepare an environmental project; but what format will it take? Sasha hits upon the idea of creating stories that will pass on an ecological message and we see these new ‘myths’ enacted on stage. Also watching is an aged oak tree on the local recreation ground which desires it own say…

Employing several different strands of theatre, from naturalism to physical theatre and choric speaking, Paving Paradise articulates our relationship with the natural world with equal measures of drama, charm and humour.

Limited seating: early booking recommended.

“One of the theatrical highlights in our area” Teesdale Mercury

To request the script of this piece for casts of either gender or any mix of both, drop me a line at richard@richardconlon.com

ISA prepares for October’s strengthened Safeguarding role

A year after the Darlington-based Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) began advising Government Ministers on who should be barred from working with children and vulnerable adults, the organisation is gearing itself up for its pivotal role in the Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS). The Scheme covers England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

On October 12th 2009 – the ISA’s responsibilities for barring individuals who pose a known risk from working or volunteering with children and vulnerable adults will be further strengthened as more sectors – such as the NHS and the Prison Service – will come under the Scheme and new criminal offences will come into force.

While the ISA is presently making decisions based on the current legislation, it is also ensuring that both the right people and systems are in place for all phases of the Scheme – the October roll-out; July 2010 when those covered by the Scheme can apply and the November 2010 date when those covered by the Scheme must apply. This work entails:

Recruiting and providing intensive training to its caseworkers
Working with the Criminal Records Bureau to design and agree processes
Migrate the three old lists into the two new ones (Childrens and Adults)
Ensuring the IT infrastructure is in place and effective
Developing relationships and protocols with key partners and stakeholders
Participate in a major direct marketing and awareness campaign

Sir Roger Singleton, ISA Chair, commented:

“I am delighted that the ISA is continuing to move forward in anticipation of October. We will be ready to deliver our new and enhanced safeguarding responsibilities and are already making barring decisions, following the handover of responsibilities from Ministers in January 2009.

The ability to remove or bar unsuitable and sometimes dangerous individuals from the workplace is a vital aspect of the Scheme. While the majority of individuals working with children and vulnerable adults will demonstrate the highest regard to their safeguarding, it is vital that everyone working or volunteering in this field will soon need to register and be monitored to highlight any potential risk. Our responsibility in safeguarding vulnerable groups should also enable these vulnerable groups to be taught or cared for without fear of harm.

Our decisions to bar or not to bar will not be made lightly – every decision is potentially life-changing. That is why the ISA has developed a Decision-Making Process, with a balanced and transparent approach that was designed to ensure that all known information and factors are taken into consideration before barring decisions are made.

October will be another milestone for the ISA and it’s one to which we are all working towards with huge enthusiasm and commitment.”

Since its creation in January 2008, the ISA has:

Provided advice to Secretaries of State on who should be barred from working with children and vulnerable adults
Assumed full responsibility for these decisions on January 2009
Recruited its board and key staff – the majority of which are caseworkers
Developed its Decision-making process on which it will base its barring decisions (available on www.isa-gov.uk)
Taken referrals and placed individuals on the POVA and POCA lists and List 99.

For further information, contact Karen Leech on 01325 953747 or click here to visit the ISA website

Stage2 Youth Theatre’s members share experiences

Stage2 is Birmingham’s biggest and busiest Youth Theatre but most importantly one of the friendliest. After over 20 years of exciting opportunities for all – Stage2 Members share their personal stories, journeys and experiences on their website.

As part of Stage2’s Marketing Committee campaign for the last year, they made a decision to ask members of the company to write down their entire experience or specific experiences, firstly to remind them of their journeys with the company, but also so that they could show other people the positive and brilliant experiences and memories that can happen at Stage2.

Stage2 members have an extraordinarily diverse and stimulating array of opportunities – you can be in 3 full scale shows a year, or even assistant direct as well as taking part in a wide range of workshops from Puppetry, to Musical Theatre, to “Classics” (– including everything from Faustus to Star Wars)! They offer an extensive programme of varied work experience through Fundraising and Marketing Committees and enter LAMDA (London Academy of Musical and Dramatic Arts) exams with record achievements; as well as fun social activities such as Cabarets, Discos, Karaokes and holidays to Butlins.

“It was great to see the results of all the hard work I’d put in over the months and when faced with challenges I could use my own initiative and the many skills I’d accumulated.” Charlotte Joberns (17), Technical Leader

There is a great variety of members case studies on their website including: Mentors, Committee Members, Ex- members who have gone on to even greater accomplishments; younger members in Stage1, Trainee Tutors and soon, even Parents! So no matter who you are, if you know someone aged 7 to 21 who’s interested in developing their acting skills, gaining lifelong experiences or just making new friends. There is someone’s real story to let you know the true ins and outs of Stage2.

“Spoonface has been such an enjoyable term and I have learnt even more about stylised theatre because of it. Now I am really looking forward to production week to show all the hard work and effort that we’ve put in.” Katie Booth(13), Marketing Committee Member

Read their members journeys at www.stage2.org
and feel proud of the passionate youths of the West Midlands.

Tom Booth, Term Joined: Summer 2007

I joined Stage2 after years of my parents asking me to give it ago. I went straight into a show in my first term and have been addicted to the stage ever since and took part of many company activities. I remember very clearly my first outing with Stage2 to see One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. I went on this outing not knowing anyone but everyone was so welcoming and kind they made me feel very comfortable. I found Stage2 a haven where I could be exactly who I wanted to be without feeling out of place or that I was intruding on anyone. There was one person in particular I will always thank for settling me into Stage2. He gave me the confidence to audition for Teechers and I was so ecstatic when I was cast as Salty -one of the main narrators. Teechers was a whirlwind of experience that taught me so much about acting while also gaining strong friendships. I found it a real pleasure to work with the cast and backstage team and this encouraged me to give something back to Stage2 by joining the Marketing Committee. I compered for the last Cabaret and then the 20th Anniversary Ball. It was an honour to have been asked to compere for the ball as it marks a huge milestone in the company’s history. I have to say it was by no means easy but the satisfaction and pride I felt knowing that I had been chosen to do this alongside a friend made the experience all the more enjoyable. Stage2 has shaped the person I am today improving my self belief and self being so that I will make the most of the opportunities that face me.

Sam Moore, Term Joined: Autumn 2000

I joined Stage2 eight years ago when the company was based at Mac. I had previously been doing some of the kid’s drama workshops and so the company was recommended to my mom as “the next step up.” Being that I was only nine, when I arrived at the first session I of course was very overwhelmed and I knew nobody. But Stage2 has always had a “mentoring community”. The incredible thing about the company was that it was made of people who genuinely enjoy meeting and supporting new members and so in no time I made friends. Since then the company has evolved a lot and growing up as a member of it has blessed me with many unforgettable memories – Baltis, karaoke in Butlins, performing at LAMDA evenings, being invited to explore Laurie Lee’s house, workshops at the Shakespeare institute in Stratford, outings to plays, distribution days etc. …but most importantly working with others to put on great performances. Since joining I have played many roles in Stage2’s productions and its always a strange thing to hear someone on the bus say “you were Giles Corey in that Crucible play,” but being in the company has taught me to be proactive, persistent and in a way tenacious. Stage2 has an ethos (well it has many) that has very much inspired me in whatever I do, that ok isn’t good enough – whether it’s selling tickets, sorting costume, marketing shows, learning lines or just being friendly and supportive person to the rest of the company, there’s no point in not doing it to the best of my ability. If I’m in a play and I feel my performance hasn’t been at the top of its game that week I strive to make it better for the next week. Looking back I know that there is so much pride to be felt in the way in which Stage2 has allowed me to develop my skill and build confidence through achievement, to a point at which I know I will be able to give the best performance I can in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

The BBC is looking for young writers for a new project

Have you ever wanted to create your own drama? The BBC is searching for writers aged 16 – 22 to work on an exciting new project. Writers need to be London based and available for a summer school throughout August and part time (1 day a week) from September to November 2009.

To apply you need to:

Create a character for a new television drama that you’d like to watch. Write a description of that character telling us: age, sex, personality, likes and dislikes of your character (no longer then 100 words). Write a blog, diary extract or monologue for that character (no longer then 400 words)*. Tell us something about yourself (250 words).

Please email Deborah Sathe for an application form.

Please send all applications to:

Deborah Sathe
Drama Production
BBC Vision Studios
Rm 265 Drama Building
Television Centre Wood Lane
London W12 7RJ

The closing date for applications is the 16th July 2009

GENERATIONS 31st July – 1st August 2009

A spectacular musical performance by the people of Ellesmere Port aged 11 -87.

Beware the hoodies, the old zimmers, the egg gang and the walking stickers…

Created and performed by local people with song, music and dance and supported by a team of professional theatre makers, GENERATIONS is the extraordinary story of the king of Ellesmere Port and the girl who proves everyone wrong.

Take a look at the video clip of how the show is being made and what you can expect to see – www.youtube.com/actiontransportvideo

A production for anyone young or young at heart.

The play is inspired by attitudes the young have about the old and the old have about the young and genuine relationships and exchanges between the generations.

Creative Team – Director: Nina Hajiyianni, Writer: Kevin Dyer, Designer: Lois Maskell, Composer: Tom Moss

Venue & Box Office Details – Civic Hall, Civic Way, Ellesmere Port. Cheshire. CH65 0BE.
Friday 31st July 7.30pm & Saturday 1st August 2pm and 7.30pm
Box Office 0151 357 2120, Ticket Price £5 (£3 concessions).

Action Transport Theatre is a new writing company creating brave, collaborative theatre, for, by and with young people. www.actiontransporttheatre.org

Supported by The Big Lottery Fund in partnership with Ellesmere Port Education Improvement Partnerships.

Sponsored by Shell UK

Youth Theatre Apprentice, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre

This scheme is an ideal opportunity for anyone planning to pursue a career in the theatre to gain an insight into how a busy theatre works. The apprentice will end their time at the Yvonne Arnaud with a basic knowledge of the practical theatrical disciplines and of marketing, funding and theatre administration. Within the youth department, the apprentice will have worked directly or indirectly on up to six productions during the year, assisted in up to four holiday workshops and school workshops and will have led one summer holiday workshop as their final project.

Our Apprentice will have:
· excellent communication skills
· the ability to engage with a variety of people both within and outside the theatre
· enthusiasm to work with young people from age 6 to 21+
· good personal and organisational skills
· good computer and numeracy skills
· strong self-motivation and the ability to work on own initiative
· the ability to work well within a strong team environment
· a clean driving license (preferred)

Salary – circa £8,500 depending on age and experience

For more details and an application pack call Yvonne Arnaud Youth Theatre on 01483 565191

Summer Mix-Up

Thursday 6th to Sunday 9th August 2009

With summer finally in sight dig out your shades and prepare to be dazzled as over 150 talented members of Live’s youth theatre come together for a series of special performances in the annual Education & Participation festival. Highlights include:

Mega Mix
Opening the Summer Mix-Up is Mega Mix. Split into three performance art forms (Performance Poetry, Devised Physical Performance and Dance Theatre), Mega Mix promises to be a night of exciting new theatre created by a range of talented performance makers.
Thursday 6 August, 4pm & 7.30pm
LOCATION: Main Theatre
TICKETS: £8; £5 concessions; £3 youth theatre members

Here Come the Girls
Directed by Amy Golding
Designed by Isla Shaw
Music by Kath Williams
Edited by Carol McGuigan & Beth Coverdale

“It’s like you’re at a bridge and you can still cross the bridge and go back to being a girl but you’re so close to the other side…”

A revealing exploration of what it’s like to be a young woman in the 21st century. Girls of all ages, backgrounds and cultures tell their true stories, sharing their opinions, hopes, fears and ambitions.
Friday 7 & Saturday 8 August, 7.30pm
LOCATION: Main Theatre
TICKETS: £8; £5 concessions; £3 youth theatre members

Standing-Up
A new batch of young stand up comedians work alongside local comic John Scott to produce an entertaining evening of their own side-splitting material
Saturday 8 August, 4pm & 9pm
LOCATION: Studio Theatre
TICKETS: £8; £5 concessions; £3 youth theatre members

Young Cuts
Directed by Phil Hoffmann
Listen to rehearsed readings of some of the best new work created by Live Theatre’s young writers’ group. The budding playwrights have spent 10 weeks with professional writers Gez Casey, Tom Chaplin and Carol McGuigan to help develop their final pieces.
Sunday 9 August, 4pm
LOCATION: Studio Theatre
TICKETS: £8; £5 concession; £3 youth theatre members

24/7
7 writers, 7 directors and a host of actors embark on an adrenaline fuelled 24 hours to write, rehearse and perform 7 plays for the following evening.
Sunday 9 August, 7.30pm
LOCATION: Main Theatre
TICKETS: £8; £5 concessions; £3 youth theatre members

Superhero’s Summer School

A Black Country theatre group was today offering the chance to learn how to be a superhero.

Wolverhampton’s Central Youth Theatre (CYT) are staging a one week summer school for young people aged 8–13yrs of age.

Superhero’s is an action packed week of games, fun and drama – with a presentation for parents and friends at the end of the week at the Newhampton Arts Centre, Dunkley Street, Whitmore Reans, from Monday 20th– Friday 24th July (10.30am – 4.30pm daily).

The week will cost £75 for each young person or £40 if families are in receipt of benefits. There are also discounts when more than one child attends from the same family. To enrol people should telephone 01902 572091 or email jane@centralyouththeatre.org

CYT last month staged a very successful version of one of the old English heroes – Beowulf – in the Czech republic. A further sixteen members members were this week giving their own version on another other English legend – Robin Hood – at a festival in Hall in the Austrian Tyrol.

The Austrian festival marked the 200th anniversary of the Tyrol’s uprising against occupation by France and Bavaria and has the theme of heroes. As well as CYT, groups from each of the six Austrian regions, two German groups and two Czech groups were taking part performing outside at an Austrian medieval castle.

Group members were staying at a campsite on a mountainside. Besides staging their own production twice, during the week the group were seeing other youth performances and taking part in discussions.

CYT will also perform both Beowulf and Robin Hood on their home ground at the Newhampton Arts Centre, Dunkley Street, Whitmore Reans, Wolverhampton on Saturday July 11th (2.30pm). Tickets for this international double bill are now on sale and can be purchased by calling 01902 572090