Blog by Carol Peaker, Performance Project Director
Why Create the Performance Project?
As both a participant in and director of community theatre, I have never ceased to be amazed at the extraordinary role that drama and music can play in building an inclusive community and encouraging teamwork and confidence.
The stereotype of the theatre and musical world being full of ‘prima donnas’ could not be further from the truth. Drama encourages connection, cooperation and communication between us. Most of all, it is the sense of belonging that theatre can bring.
How it works:
This ten-week project at The Wolvercote Hub will focus on different aspects of Performance, allowing participants to be involved to whatever extent feels comfortable.
Drama games will be used both as fun icebreakers and to teach specific skills.
Each session will focus on a different performance skill, including skits, hip-hop dance, spoken-word, music, and storytelling through movement.
You may want to be in the final performance, but we would also love you to be part of things if you are interested in stage design or in coming up with creative ideas. Plus, you get a t-shirt!
Ages 14-19
£2.50 / workshop (or pay what you can)
Just turn up or email: performanceproject@wypc.org.uk
Really nice and qualified instructors:
Our visiting experts include professionals from Body Politic (hip hop dance), Inspire Sounds (music) and others who have masses of experience helping young people express themselves.
Schedule: (subject to alteration)
It has already started but that doesn’t matter. These are drop-in sessions; come to as many or as few as you like.
Week 1 – April 22 Acting without words
Week 2 – April 29 Story-telling through Movement (Body Politic)
Week 3 – May 6 Hip Hop Dance with bodypoliticuk
Week 4 – May 13 Spoken word and song-writing (Inspire Sounds)
Week 5 – May 20 Performing Music (Inspire Sounds)
Week 6 – May 27 Group music-making and acting
Week 7 – June 3 Group performance work
Week 8 – June 10 Voice/singing/improvising workshop (tbc)
Week 9 – June 17 Performance Rehearsal (optional)/stage design
Week 10 – June 24 Performance Rehearsal (optional) /stage design
JUNE 25 – PERFORMANCE (optional)
The Café
Before and after the workshops, participants can visit the Performance Project café, where free snacks and drinks will be provided. Teenagers can also play pool or talk with the youth workers during these times. The café will open at 3:45.
A Safe Space
All volunteers and paid facilitators have safeguarding training and enhanced DBS checks. The Performance Project is a safe and inclusive space for young people to feel accepted and valued. This will be modelled by our fun and super-kind youth workers and volunteers.