Fifty-nine children from the Swadlincote, Burton and Derby areas are celebrating this week after passing their Speech and Drama exams.
The children aged between five and sixteen from Theatre Cats Stage School which has classes in Burton, Newhall and Derby, took Drama exams run by Trinity College London…and every single student passed for the second year running!
They had to prepare monologues, mimes, recite poetry from memory, discuss their chosen pieces and engage in story-telling to pass the exams.
The exam process was purely optional for every student and forty five students decided to take the plunge. “The two exam days were a huge success with every single student achieving the required pass-mark,” said Catherine Budworth, Principal of Theatre Cats. “We were absolutely thrilled when we heard the news of a 100% pass rate. This is our second year with 100% pass rate and this year 63% of the children gained merits. We look forward to presenting the certificates to the students in September.”
Theatre Cats offers theatre classes for 2-16 year-olds in Staffordshire and Derbyshire. It currently has 13 classes throughout Derby, Burton and Swadlincote. The classes are divided into relevant age categories and each class is limited to a maximum of 15 students to ensure quality tuition. The stage school is also running a Wizard of Oz Summer School for 5-16 year-olds from 23rd-27th August in Littleover, Derby. Call 0845 003 8230 to book a place. Their Newhall Summer School is already full.
Catherine Budworth continued to say: “We at Theatre Cats pride ourselves on being a friendly and exciting stage school. Our aim is to encourage confidence and self-esteem through the performing arts. Learning through these art forms allows children to explore their creativity and have fun whilst leaving their shyness and worries behind.Our team are dedicated to ensuring that children receive the very best tuition in a fun and safe environment.”
Although several Theatre Cats classes are already full, enrolment is now open for available September classes. More information as well as a coupon for a free taster class, simple complete the Information Request Form.
Monday Burton Class at Brewhouse Arts Centre in the Drama Studio
Monday 6th September – Monday 13th December
No class on Monday 13th September due to Mellows show week. No class on Monday 25th October due to half term or during the Christmas holidays
13 weeks
Spring Term begins Monday 3rd January 2011
Tuesday Newhall Classes at The William Allitt School in the Drama Studio
Tuesday 7th September – Tuesday 14th December
No classes on Tuesday 14th September due to Mellows show week. No classes on Tuesday 26th October due to half term or during the Christmas holidays
13 weeks
Spring Term begins Tuesday 4th January 2011
Wednesday Mickleover Classes at The Royal British Legion Community Centre
Wednesday 8th September – Wednesday 15th December
No classes on Wednesday 15th September due to Mellows show week. No classes on Wednesday 27th October due to half term or during the Christmas holidays
13 weeks
Spring Term begins Wednesday 5th January 2011
Saturday Burton Classes at Shobnall Leisure Complex in Room 1 and 2
Saturday 11th September – Saturday 18th December
No classes on Saturday 18th September due to Mellows show week. No classes on Saturday 30th October due to half term or during the Christmas holidays
13 weeks
Spring Term begins Monday 8th January 2011
Wednesday Theatre Kittens at The Priory Centre in Stretton
Wednesday 8th September – Wednesday 15th December
No class on Wednesday 27th October due to half term or during the Christmas holidays
14 weeks
Summer Term begins Wednesday 5th January 2011
Friday Theatre Kittens at Mickleover Community Pavilion
Friday 10th September – Friday 17th December
No class on Friday 29th October due to half term or during the Christmas holidays
We are running 2 extra classes in both locations over the summer holidays due to great demand.
Wednesday 28th July – 10:00-11:30am – The Priory Centre, Stretton.
Friday 30th July – 10:00-11:30am – Mickleover Community Pavilion.
Wednesday 1st September – 10:00-11:30am – The Priory Centre, Stretton.
Friday 3rd September – 10:00-11:30am – Mickleover Community Pavilion.
Please feel free to come along to all classes as the themes will all be different.
The cost for each class will remain at £4.00 and £2.00 for each additional sibling.
Newsflash! The Newhall Summer School is now full, however, our Derby Summer School still has places available but book your place today as places go quickly!
During last year’s Summer School we went High School Musical crazy. This year we’re travelling down the yellow brick road to see The Wizard of Oz! The summer school for 5-16 year olds will run twice this year in different locations. Both will run from 9:30-3:30 everyday.
The first will take place at The William Allitt School in Newhall from Monday 2nd – Friday 6th August. The second will take place at Heatherton Community Centre in Derby from Monday 23rd – Friday 27th August. As always, there will be a performance on the last day to family and friends.
We have 40 places available in each summer school.
For Theatre Cats students the summer school costs just £79 for the week which equates to about £15 per day. For non-Theatre Cats members the cost is £99 for the week. If you are interested in either summer school
please email Cat at info@theatrecats.co.uk. Places are allocated on a
first-come-first-served basis.
The children have a great week, learn lots and have loads of fun making
new friends too! To see photos from last year’s summer school go here
Theatre Cats is a stage school in the Midlands which opened in January 2008 in Burton upon Trent with just 2 classes. It now has 12 classes over 3 locations and we have recently opened our Theatre Kittens classes for 2-4 year olds.
Our main aim in to build confidence and self-esteem in children through the Performing Arts.
We are looking for a dedicated and creative teacher to lead our Theatre Kittens classes. You must be CRB checked and have a passion for working with children. Experience of working with young children is a huge bonus. Candidates will be invited to teach a 10 minute class prepared by the candidate which will then be followed by an interview. The successful candidate will be expected to plan and deliver all classes.
Theatre Cats is expanding – come and join the fun!
We have the following vacancey available at Theatre Cats from September 2010 (please note that our current Theatre Kittens teacher would like to work alongside the successful candidate from June 2010)
Position: Theatre Kittens Teacher. Location: Mickleover, Derby. When: Friday mornings during term time from 10:00 – 11:30am. Start date: Friday 25th June.
We are also in the process of opening Theatre Kittens classes in Burton, Swadlincote and other locations during the daytime as well. These days and times haven’t yet been chosen so please state what your availability is as we will be expecting the same teacher to teach all of our Theatre Kittens classes.
Payment details for Theatre Kittens Teacher: Between £10 – £12 per hour dependent on age and experience.
Please note that you be working on a freelance basis and so will need to registered as self-employed.
(Theatre Cats can point you in the right direction if you are unsure about this.)
Deadline for full applications to be returned: Monday 3rd May.
Please email info@theatrecats.co.uk and we will then email out application forms and also ask to see an up-to-date and relevant CV with two referees and a cover letter explaining why you would like to work for Theatre Cats. We will then contact suitable candidates for interview in May 2010.
If you would like any further information or have any questions then please call 01283 531635.
Good Luck!
Catherine Budworth (BA. GTP. QTS)
Principal
A little reminder that our older students (Saturday class 11:40-12:50) are performing their TIE piece at The William Allitt School on Tuesday 30th March at 5:00-6:15pm and they will need all of their costumes and props.
(Tuesday class 7:45-8:45) are performing their TIE piece at The William Allitt School on Tuesday 30th March at 6:15-7:30pm and they will need all of their costumes and props. They will also have their class as normal afterwards.
(Wednesday class 7:45-8:45) are performing their TIE piece at The Royal British Legion on Wednesday 31st March at 6:15-7:30pm and they will need all of their costumes and props. They will also have their class as normal afterwards.
Please call me on 01283 531635 if you have any questions.
I am writing to you with details about our planned Drama and Speech examinations with Trinity Guildhall on Saturday 17th July 2010 at The Brewhouse Arts Centre in Burton on Trent.
As our students progress at Theatre Cats and the fundamental skills have been attained, each student now has the option to train towards Trinity Guildhall examinations in Speech and Drama. These will be offered from Initial Grade up to Grade 8 and students can take part in solo, duologue or group examinations. When students pass grades 6-8 they will achieve points that will go towards UCAS applications for those wishing to apply for university or higher-level courses.
Trinity Guildhall’s grade, certificate and diploma qualifications in drama, speech and musical theatre, provide a structured framework to encourage and assess candidates in the progressive mastery of a wide range of performance skills.
Trinity Guildhall assessments are recognised internationally by the appropriate regulatory bodies. Examination fees are in addition to class costs. A typical exam will cost approximately between £25-£40 per student for the first few grades. As the grade increases then so do the examination fees. Trinity Guildhall sets the examination fees.
Our first examination session for Theatre Cats took place in July 2009. 45 students took part on the day and it was a huge success as every student passed. The exam day is timetabled and students have their own allocated exam slot during the day. Each exam lasts approximately 10-15 minutes and students must arrive at the location at least 15 minutes before their exam.
I understand that some students may find the idea of examinations daunting; however, the examiners at Trinity are extremely friendly and they recognize that some children may be nervous. Theatre Cats students will have ample preparation time during class and gaining such qualifications can only support your child further during their education. Students who do not take part will continue their stage school training, however, we do encourage as many students as possible to take part in the exam process.
Please complete the form below indicating if you wish your child to take part in the examinations and return it to me as soon as possible. There will only be space for approximately 45 students per exam session and so places will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. Extra exam sessions, however, will be provided if we have a lot of interest.
I do/do not wish my child ………………………………. to take part in the Trinity Guildhall exam day on Saturday 17th July 2010 with Theatre Cats. I understand that exam fees are in addition to class fees.
Theatre Cats is pleased to announce that it will be opening its Theatre Kittens classes for pre-school children aged 2-4 years in Mickleover, Derby. The classes will take place at The Mickleover Community Pavilion, Vicarage Park, Mickleover on Friday mornings at 10:00-11:30am and will launch on Friday 26th February. To register for a free taster class, simply completer the Information Request Form.
Theatre Kittens classes will involve a variety of skills, including singing songs, movement and rhythm, imagination building, playing with instruments, dressing up and story-telling through drama. Research shows that early participation in drama, music and the performing arts develops imagination, creativity, confidence, coordination, language and communication skills.
Theatre Kittens will enhance your child’s development through shared activities for you both to enjoy. It’s an ideal way for you to socialise with other parents over a cuppa too.
Theatre Cats also runs theatre classes for 5-16 year olds in Burton, Uttoxeter, Derby and Newhall.
Corel Owen who attends our older group at Theatre Cats in Derby on a Wednesday evening has just been delivered some exciting news.
Last week she attended an interview to gain entry to Foremarke Hall. She had to do prepare for a 10 minute drama audition where she delivered a monologue from The Witches and an improvisation. She then had to work with other children on a drama workshop and give references about her character and personality.
Her mum gave me a call today to say how pleased she was as Corel had gained a Drama Scholarship on the strengths that they were bowled over by Corel’s talent.
So a huge congratulations to Corel! Her class teacher Fiona and myself would like to wish her every success in the future.