The children aged between 6-15 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 third 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. Some even had to write their own pieces and improvise during their exams.

The exam process was purely optional for every student and forty-eight 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. “The staff were absolutely thrilled when we heard the news. This is our third year with 100% pass rate and this year 46% of the children gained distinctions – the highest score possible. We look forward to presenting the certificates to the students in September. They have all worked so hard.”

Theatre Cats offers theatre classes for 1-16 year-olds in Staffordshire and Derbyshire along with Glee show choirs for children and adults as well. It currently has 16 classes throughout Derby, Burton and Swadlincote and are hoping to open another 8 classes across Uttoxeter, Ashby and Derby from September 2011. The stage school is also running a Oliver Musical Theatre Summer School for 5-16 year-olds from 15th – 19^th August in Littleover, Derby. Call 01283 531635 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.

Trinity Drama Exam Results July 2011

100% Pass Rate

Grade 1 Speech and Drama:

Nell Eaton – Merit
Adam Robinson – Distinction
Oliver Richardson – Distinction
Finlay Reeves – Merit
Bethan Roberts – Pass
Megan Neave – Merit
Harvey Morgan – Merit
Daniel Fisher – Merit
Gabby Rudd – Distinction

Grade 2 Speech and Drama:

Niamh Barry – Distinction
Megan Crilly – Merit
Rachel Margett – Merit
Kerry Foster – Distinction
Ellie Garner – Merit
Abigail Bates – Merit
Louise Cresswell – Merit
Katie Newbold – Distinction
Charlotte Clarke – Merit
Lauren Uncles – Distinction
Harry Leedham – Distinction
Courtney Wright – Distinction
Bethany Gill – Pass
Jodie Holt – Merit
Lauren Thompson – Merit
Stephanie Cunningham – Distinction
Ethan Laffey – Distinction
Rebecca Fisher – Distinction
Alicia Middleton – Distinction
Carlie English – Distinction
Lily Hutt – Distinction

Grade 3 Speech and Drama:

Georgia Leedham – Distinction
Anisa Iqbal – Distinction
Courtney Lees – Merit
James Connor – Pass
Olivia Thompson – Distinction
Victoria Copeman – Merit
Bethany Macey – Pass
Emily Connor – Pass

Grade 4 Speech and Drama:

Charlotte Farthing – Pass

Grade 2 Individual Acting Skills:

Ashley Lamley – Distinction

Grade 3 Individual Acting Skills:

Josh Smith – Distinction
Charlie Heeley-Cregan – Merit
Rochelle Beacham – Merit
Daisy Parker – Merit
Abbie Wilson – Distinction
Daniel Worthington – Distinction

Grade 4 Individual Acting Skills:

Jessica Brassington – Merit
Hannah Emms – Merit

Post from: Theatre Cats Stage School

100% Exam pass rate – 3rd year running!

100% Exam pass rate – 3rd year running!

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-27^th 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.

Trinity Drama Exam Results July 2010

100% Pass Rate

Initial Speech and Drama

Ania Rakic – Merit

Megan Johnson – Merit

Jack Meer – Merit

Ella Smith – Distinction

Bethan Roberts – Merit

Grade 1 Speech and Drama

Joshua Simpson – Pass

Courtney Wright – Merit

Tara Budworth – Pass

Madeline Cook – Distinction

Megan Crilly – Pass

Ellie Garner – Merit

Isobelle Cook – Merit

Kerry Foster – Merit

Lucy Harrison – Distinction

Natasha Caister – Merit

Lauren Uncles – Merit

Carlie English – Merit

Elizabeth Harrison – Merit

Harry Leedham – Distinction

Louise Cresswell – Merit

Stephanie Cunningham – Distinction

Katie Newbold – Pass

Ethan Laffey – Pass

Charlotte Clarke – Merit

Grade 2 Speech and Drama

Sophie Dolphin – Merit

Olivia Thompson – Distinction

Ben Linehan – Pass

Adam Batkin – Distinction

Victoria Copeman – Merit

Rebecca Harvey – Pass

Jessica Seymour – Merit

Matthew Barker – Distinction

Molly Measey – Merit

Fern Selby-Purgavie – Merit

James Connor – Pass

Anisa Iqbal – Distinction

Thalia Mountney – Merit

Georgia Leedham – Merit

Bethany Macey – Merit

Emily Connor – Merit

Courtney Lees – Merit

Grade 3 Speech and Drama

Hannah Land – Merit

Emma Robinson – Merit

Rebecca Legg – Merit

Charlotte Farthing – Merit

Corel Owen – Merit

Yasmin Scane – Merit

Lauren Starmer – Merit

Grade 4 Speech and Drama

Simon May – Merit

Allan Rafferty – Distinction

Grade 2 Individual Acting Skills

Rochelle Beacham – Merit

Abbie Wilson – Merit

Grade 3 Individual Acting Skills

Ross Harris – Distinction

Hannah Emms – Pass

Jessica Brassington – Pass

Georgina Ranger – Merit

Grade 4 Individual Acting Skills

Kyle Lamley – Distinction

Ellie Thomson – Merit

Holly Dolman – Merit

Post from: Theatre Cats Stage School

100% Exam Pass Rate for Stage School Students – Results!

100% Exam Pass Rate for Stage School Students – Results!

Dear Parent/Guardian,

I am writing to you with details about our planned Drama and Speech examinations with Trinity Guildhall on Saturday 17^th 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.

Kind regards

Catherine Budworth

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

I do/do not wish my child ………………………………. to take part in the Trinity Guildhall exam day on Saturday 17^th July 2010 with Theatre Cats. I understand that exam fees are in addition to class fees.

Signed………………………………… Parent/Guardian Date: ………………….

Post from: Theatre Cats Stage School

Theatre Exams for Theatre Cats 2010

Theatre Exams for Theatre Cats 2010

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.

Post from: Theatre Cats Stage School

Theatre Kittens to open in Mickleover

Theatre Kittens to open in Mickleover

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.

Theatre Cats Derby

Post from: Theatre Cats Stage School

Theatre Cats Derby Student Gains Drama Scholarship

Theatre Cats Derby Student Gains Drama Scholarship

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.

Post from: Theatre Cats Stage School

Motivational Drama Quotes

Motivational Drama Quotes

The performing arts classes will be opening on Friday 11th September at Picknalls First School on Oldfields Road, Uttoxeter. The classes will begin with basic drama skills, helping to build confidence and self-esteem. They will also include rudimentary performance skills in stagecraft, acting, singing and movement. Students will learn valuable performance techniques, including: character building, vocal projection, diction, improvisation, devising and script work.

Ashleigh-May Bawden will be the Theatre Cats teacher in Uttoxeter. Ashleigh is an Australian Actress who studied Drama at Rhodes University, graduating in 2005 with an Honours degree. She is extremley passionate about her subject, her energy is infectious! The Uttoxeter students will also have a very dedicated assistant: Alex Fung.

For an opportunity to try Theatre Cats Uttoxeter for free, simply complete the Info Request Form or
call 0845 003 8230.

Post from: Theatre Cats Stage School

Theatre Cats Branches out to Uttoxeter

Theatre Cats Branches out to Uttoxeter

40 local students from Theatre Cats Stage School have recently rehearsed and performed a show within a week. Children between 4 and 16 years of age came to the summer school every day to learn all the songs, dances and basketball skills to be able to perform the stage version of High School Musical.

The summer school ran from Monday 3^rd to Friday 7^th August at The William Allitt School in Newhall. On the last day there was a performance to family and friends to showcase the talents of the youngsters. ‘That production today shows real hard effort and work from you and all the performers,’ said one of the parents.

‘The week was a complete hit,’ said Catherine Budworth, Principal of Theatre Cats. ‘The children were so dedicated and they obviously enjoyed every second. We were very proud of them.’

The Theatre Cats team are already planning next year’s summer school. Classes for children aged 2 – 16 run throughout term time and the stage school also runs theatre trips, examinations, performances and summer schools. New classes to open in September, to qualify for a free taster class simply fill in the Info Request Form or call 0845 003 8230.

Post from: Theatre Cats Stage School

High School Musical – a Summer Success!

High School Musical – a Summer Success!

65% = Pass

75% = Merit

85% = Distinction

Initial Speech and Drama

Amelia Elizabeth Ashmole – Pass 71%

Hope Willow Page – Pass 73%

Molly Alexandra Pegrum – Merit 75%

Grade 1 Speech and Drama

Jake Daniel Barker – Distinction 92%

Matthew Joe Barker – Distinction 87%

Adam Phillip Batkin – Pass 72%

Jessie Rose Budd – Pass 66%

Emily Louise Connor – Pass 71%

James Lee Connor – Pass 73%

Victoria Anna Copeman – Distinction 85%

Rebecca Harvey – Merit 79%

Anisa Iqbal – Distinction 85%

Georgia Leedham – Distinction 85%

Benjamin Ryan Linehan – Pass 66%

Bathany Macey – Pass 73%

Charlotte Grace McCrea – Distinction 87%

Thalia Jade Mountney – Merit 81%

Lydia Jade Parnell – Merit 76%

Megan Kate Smart – Merit 79%

Lauren Starmer – Merit 77%

Grade 2 Speech and Drama

Ruth Bendall – Pass 72%

Rowen Dales – Pass 65%

Charlotte Farthing – Pass 70%

Sarah Harvey – Pass 71%

Abbey Jordan Hollis – Pass 68%

Jade-Alice Jenkins – Merit 75%

Hannah Land – Merit 78%

Rebecca Ellen Legg – Merit 75%

Emma Louise Robinson – Merit 79%

Yasmin Scane – Merit 76%

Leah Marie Vernon – Merit 75%

Grade 3 Speech and Drama

Simon May – Pass 68%

Grade 2 Individual Acting Skills

Jessica Brassington – Merit 77%

Hannah Imogen Emms – Distinction 85%

Ross Harris – Distinction 94%

James Killbery – Pass 68%

Jack Moore – Merit 81%

Grade 3 Individual Acting Skills

Amber Blackshaw – Merit 81%

Holly Dolman – Pass 73%

Jade Hallam – Merit 81%

Georgia Ann Horne – Pass 68%

Hannah Keach – Pass 65%

Kyle Morgan Lamley – Distinction 96%

Bronwyn Lanetta Makin – Distinction 92%

Ellie R Thomson – Merit 82%

Post from: Theatre Cats Stage School

Trinity Drama Exam Results July 2009 – 100% Pass Rate!

Trinity Drama Exam Results July 2009 – 100% Pass Rate!

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

Post from: Theatre Cats Stage School

Building Confidence Through Drama

Building Confidence Through Drama