Youth Theatre
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.
Please note - due to the Arts Centre closing in July 2012 the Youth Theatre will be moving to a new space from September 2012 and will continue to be managed by the same staff from the Civic Theatre. More details of the Youth Theatre programme from September will be available soon.
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 discounted Theatre tickets through 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.
What sessions are available?
Our Youth Theatre sessions are for ages five and over and run on various evenings throughout the week. The sessions are structured by age range, to provide continuity of learning and progression through the ages.
Weekly sessions:
- Tuesday: 5.15pm - 6.45pm - 9-11 year olds
(school years 5-6)
- Wednesday: 7.15pm - 8.45pm - 11-19 year olds (school years 7+)
(school years 9+)
- Thursday: 4.30pm - 5.30pm - 5-7 year olds
(school years 1-2) - £27.50 per term
- Thursday: 5.30pm - 7pm - 7-9 year olds
(school years 3-4)
Current Term Dates - Summer 2012:
Start date: Week commencing 16th April 2012
Half Term: Week commencing 4th June 2012
End of term Showcase performances: 21st and 22nd June 2012
End date: Week commencing 25th June 2012
How do I join ArtsSpark Youth Theatre?
There is no audition process to become a member of ArtsSpark Youth Theatre, and you don't need to have any previous experience. All you need is commitment, enthusiasm, and energy! Please contact the Box Office on 01325 486555 to check availability and reserve your place for the term. You will also need to fill in a booking form, available from the Box Office, or below, as a PDF. You will then be invited to attend the first Youth Theatre session for FREE, after which full payment for the term will be required. Please see term dates and times above.
Youth Theatre Booking Form [word document, 598kb]
How much will it cost?
All Youth Theatre sessions are priced at £37.50 per term, unless otherwise stated. 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.
A 25% discount is also available to young people that attend more than one course, on their second course.
Further Information:
For further information, please contact Lyndsey Middleton, Audience Development and Participation Officer, on 01325 348874 or e-mail lyndsey.middleton@darlington.gov.uk.