Archive for the ‘Articles’ Category

Glee Comes To Burton on Trent!

Monday, November 14th, 2011

Sing, Sing, Sing (With a Swing) Glee comes to town

by ROB SMYTH

FANS of TV smash hit Glee are celebrating after Burton looks set to gets its very own Glee Club.

Following on from the success of the E4 series which shows a group of wide ranging students at an American high school singing their way through life, the first ever Burton club is set to begin next month.

The idea is the brainchild of the Theatre Cats stage school and they will be holding two initial classes on Monday, June 13 at the Brewhouse arts centre in Union Street.

The first takes place at 6.30pm to 7.30pm for 10 to 16-year-olds and the second at 7.45pm to 8.45pm for adults aged 17 and above.

Principal Catherine Budworth said: “The idea came about after a number of people were asking for more options in terms of singing.

“Members don’t need to have a really good singing voice, just a desire to make music and have fun.

“People don’t have to sing on their own if they don’t wish. Some of the songs will have solos but these will be given to those who want to sing on their own.

“There will be no auditions as they can intimidate people and we want our Glee choir to be welcoming for everyone.

“In terms of dancing, if people can tap along to the beat with a smile and a wiggle you will be just fine.

“Any moves that we ask you to do will be simple but enjoyable too, so there are no worries there.

“Performing in concerts or competitions isn’t our intention, however, as the choir progresses and becomes more confident then the group all may wish to showcase their talents with an end of year concert or a local school fete.

“These decisions won’t simply be made for the group though — if the choir as a whole prefer not to perform, then we won’t.

“We will be singing pop, jazz, musical theatre, blues and classical — the list is endless.” The first class is free and there is no need to audition.

After the initial lesson, classes will cost £5 and bookings can be made by calling 01283 531635, emailing info@theatrecats.co.uk or at www.theatrecats.co.uk.

Published in the Burton Mail on 13/05/2011

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Motivational Drama Quotes

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009

This post is all about motivation and confidence. I will add new quotes to the top of this post on a regular basis.

Drama stimulates the imagination in both children and adults.

Drama installs confidence in children by allowing them to improvise and experiment and understanding that there is no final answer.

Drama encourages speech development, awareness of body language and allowing children to become more socially aware.

Drama also works by stimulating and supporting the growth of imagination.

Learning through drama allows children to explore their creativity and have fun whilst leaving their shyness and worries behind.

Learning through Laughter.

Tags: Arts, confidence, drama, drama classes, Education, Musical theatre, Performing arts, self-esteem, stage school, Theatre, theatre classes
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Building Confidence Through Drama

Thursday, July 23rd, 2009

Drama and the Performing Arts are excellent methods of building confidence in children and adults alike. Learning through drama allows children to explore their creativity and have fun whilst leaving their shyness and worries behind. Drama also works by stimulating and supporting the growth of imagination and other skills.

Entertainment has become rather passive with cinema, television and video games becoming more popular. These screen-based methods have had a negative impact on communication. However, drama puts the “get up and go” back into entertainment. Children have the opportunity to connect with others in a more meaningful way as drama encourages speech development, awareness of body language and allowing the child to become more socially aware.

Play and drama are closely linked. When a child plays a game they are pretending and using their imagination and so are moving away from reality to create their own story. Drama is a vehicle through which children can express themselves more freely through mime, gesture, movement and speech to make education fun.

Children gain confidence by understanding that there is no final answer in drama and that their opinion and contribution is valued. Children are able to give a personal response to many issues and situations such as poverty, bullying, global warming and recycling. The issues that drama can tackle are endless. Drama and education have a strong link as drama can encourage children to take an active interest in other subjects such as Geography, History and English and so have a more rounded education.

As a drama teacher, I have witnessed children at their first class holding onto their parent’s arm-unwilling to let go. To then see the same child running into my class with a beaming smile is an excellent sight. Drama installs confidence in children by allowing them to improvise and experiment. Everyone is given the opportunity to shine within Drama.

For more information on building confidence through drama and drama classes for children in Staffordshire and Derbyshire and for a free taster class, simple complete the Information Request Form.

Catherine Budworth

Tags: Burton, confidence, Derby, drama, Education, Performing arts, self-esteem, stage school, Swadlincote, Theatre, theatre classes, theatre kittens, uttoxeter
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