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.
Just a little good luck message to the 67 members of Theatre Cats who are taking their Trinity Drama Exams over this weekend. Sat 17th July is at The Brewhouse Arts Centre in Burton, DE14 1EB. Sunday 18th July is at The William Allitt School in Newhall, DE11 0TL.
You have all put so much effort into learning your stories, actions, monologues, mimes and poems. Now the time has come to impress the examiners with your skills! A big thank you must also go to all of the mums, dads, grandparents and friends who have encouraged you along the way!
Therefore there are no Theatre Cats classes on Sat 17th July. Sat 24th July is our last class before Summer where we will be giving out Theatre Cats reports and certificates and your exam results!
Fi, Tom, Alex, Kyle and myself are already so proud of you all. Remember to aim high, introduce yourself and your pieces and smile!
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.
We’re now at the end of term and the promising sizzling summer weather is on the horizon, but first, a recap of the fabulous achievements at Theatre Cats and what’s just around the corner:
Trinity Guildhall Examinations…
45 Theatre Cats students from our Burton, Newhall and Derby classes had their first taste of Trinity Drama exams on Saturday 4th July. The day was a huge success with a 100% pass rate. We look forward to presenting the certificates to the students in September. Well done to everyone involved!
Change of Burton Venue…
From September 2009 all of our Burton classes will be taking place at Shobnall Leisure Complex due to the refurbishment at The Meadowside Leisure Centre. A map and details will be on the new website.
The Team at Theatre Cats…
In October 08 we welcomed Gabi Throssell to the team. She assisted Fiona at Theatre Cats Derby. Gabi has decided that she is going to pursue her dream of becoming a school teacher and so unfortunately is leaving us at the end of this term. We would like to thank her for her dedication and support during her time with us.
Our newest member of the team is Ashleigh Bawden who joined us in May 09. Ashleigh is a trained teacher in Drama and will be teaching from September in Uttoxeter. Her energy is infectious!
When Does Next Term Start?
Mon 7th Sep – Burton
Tues 8th Sep – Newhall
Wed 9th Sep – Derby
Fri 11th Sep – Uttoxeter
Sat 12th Sep – Burton
New Look Website for Theatre Cats…
Theatre Cats have just had a new website designed with a new gallery and blog section. Up-to-date news will be posted on the blog, including calendars, ticket information and new class details so you will always be in the know. We also have a testimonials section so we would be very grateful to receive an email with a few words about how your child has progressed. Students – we want to hear from you as well so tell us what you think and why you enjoy coming to Theatre Cats.
New Classes Starting in September…
Theatre Cats is planning to expand to Uttoxeter in September 2009. Ashleigh Bawden will be teaching our new Uttoxeter students on Friday evenings at Picknalls First School.
We are also going to be launching our new Theatre Kittens classes for 2-5 year olds in Burton and Swadlincote.
Congratulations this term to:
Most Improved Students
Erin Liu, Kelly Elks, Abbie Wilson, Matthew Barker, Gabrielle Stokes, Rachel Pereira-Simmons, Bradley Adams, Hannah Bullock, Daniel Wadey, Simran Dinas
Star Students
Megan Johnson, Emma Robinson, Ross Harris, Abigail Carlier, Ruth Bendall, Lydia Parnell, Ellie Thomson,
Natasha Coyle, Rebecca Legg, Bianca Malomvari
T-shirts…
We are currently speaking to a local printer to get the t-shirts printed at a cheaper price. However, the online Theatre Cats shop will still be available.
Be Safe in the sun…
We hope you have a lovely summer and we’ll see you soon for a new term at Theatre Cats!