Youth Theatre News

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.