What's it all about?

ArtsSpark Youth Theatre provides a safe, welcoming environment for young people aged five and over to create, explore and participate in quality drama and theatre activities leading to regular performance opportunities. ArtsSpark Youth Theatre is based in the Studio, a brand new professional performance and workshop space for children and young people at Darlington Arts Centre. Led by professional Youth Theatre Leaders, each session explores a range of drama techniques including games, storytelling, trust work, improvisation, character building, devising and text work, around a chosen theme or style each term.

Aims:

• To provide a programme of exciting, high quality Youth Theatre activity for all young people across Darlington.
• To create a welcoming, safe, positive environment for young people to work together regardless of age, culture, background or ability.
• To offer performance opportunities at the Arts Centre and various performing arts festivals locally, regionally and nationally.

What’s in it for young people?

• Develops the creative ideas and skills of young people.
• An interesting way to meet people and make new friends.
• Provides the opportunity to work with theatre professionals.
• Develops teamwork, trust and communication skills in young people as well as building confidence and self-esteem and promoting a sense of achievement.
• Explores issues and ideas relevant to young people.
• Gives access to special events and ticket offers through automatic membership of the ArtsSpark Membership Scheme.
• Provides the opportunity to volunteer to work with younger age groups within ArtsSpark Youth Theatre.
• Provides access to the Arts Award qualification - a new qualification that supports young artists and arts leaders aged 11 to 25.
• Promotes the importance and value of work by young people.

ArtsSpark Youth Theatre Sessions

We currently have a number of Youth Theatre sessions for ages five and over running on various evenings throughout the week. Our sessions are structured by age range, to provide continuity of learning and progression through the ages.

Members will be automatically moved up to the next age band once they become too old for their existing group. All our sessions last 90 minutes, with the exception of our session for 5-8 year olds, which is 60 minutes. Terms are approximately 10 weeks in length.

Other Youth Theatre activities may take place outside of term time and will be scheduled and priced separately.

Current Term Dates
Summer 2008: week commencing 21st April - 7th July inclusive
Mid-term break: week commencing 26th May
Extra break: week commencing 23rd June

Tuesday: 5.15pm-6.45pm - 7-11 year olds (school years 3-6)
Wednesday: 5.30pm-7.00pm - 11-13 year olds (school years 7-8)
Wednesday: 7.15pm-8.45pm - 13+ year olds (school years 9+)
Thursday: 4.30-5.30pm - 5-7 year olds (school years 1-2)
Thursday: 5.30-7.00pm - 7-11 year olds (school years 3-6)

ArtsSpark Membership Scheme - FREE Membership

All ArtsSpark Youth Theatre members will receive FREE membership of the ArtsSpark Membership Scheme, providing access to discounted theatre tickets and special events for young people.

Find out more about the ArtsSpark Membership Scheme.

How to apply

There is no audition process to become a member of ArtsSpark Youth Theatre, and we welcome applications from all young people, regardless of previous experience or ability. Please complete and return an application form available from the Arts Centre, or by downloading an application form (word).

Once we have received your application form, you will be invited to attend the first Youth Theatre session for FREE, after which full payment for the term will be required. Once a young person is a member of the Youth Theatre, they will not have to re-apply each term.

If you apply to ArtsSpark Youth Theatre and it is full, your name will be held on a waiting list, until a place becomes available.

How much will it cost?

Youth Theatre costs are currently £35 per term*, or £25 per term* for the 5-8's group.

Concessionary rates are available for Young People eligible for the LiveDarlington Card, providing a 25% discount. This includes all full-time students over the age of 16. To find out more, pick up an application form from the Dolphin Centre or other Council-run venues.

Further Information

For further information, please contact Lyndsey Middleton, Assistant Performing Arts Officer, on (01325) 348874 or e-mail lyndsey.middleton@darlington.gov.uk.