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.
Just to inform everyone that the main roads in Uttoxeter are currently
fine and lots of students are eager to begin the term and so we have
decided to still run theatre classes this evening.
However, if anything changes in the meantime we will try and contact
everybody.
Please call 01283 531635 if in doubt or if you cannot make it. We
understand that the journey may be more difficult for some and
so in those cases we will leave the decision up to the parent/guardian.
We’re now at the end of term and Christmas is on the horizon, but first, a recap of the fabulous achievements at Theatre Cats and what’s just around the corner:
Christmas Showcase performances…
Over 140 students recently took part in our Christmas Showcase performances at The William Allitt School on Saturday 12th December. There were 3 performances on the day, each to sell-out audiences. We understand that it was a little cramped at times in the audience but of course we didn’t want anyone to miss the chance to see their child perform. Our students had been working hard on their songs, poems, drama pieces and dance routines to entertain and showcase their talents. Well done to all involved – you made us very proud!
Trinity Guildhall Examinations…
45 Theatre Cats students from our Burton, Newhall and Derby classes took Trinity Guildhall drama exams in July 2009 and achieved 100% pass rate. We will be running
another exam session in 2010, however, places will be limited to the first 45 students so watch this space!
The Team at Theatre Cats…
Since September 09 we have had a number of new teachers and assistants join the team. We have welcomed Tom Brassington, Alex Fung, Kyle Lamley and Laura Huxley to Theatre Cats and they are enjoying every minute!
When Does Next Term Start?
Mon 4th Jan – Burton
Tues 5h Jan – Newhall
Wed 6th Jan – Derby
Fri 8th Jan – Uttoxeter
Sat 9th Jan – Burton (first 2 classes at The William Allitt School in Newhall)
It’s Behind You!!!!
It’s panto season and 40 students are going to see Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs on Saturday 23rd January at The Brewhouse in Burton. Starring our very own Tom Brassington as the Dame, Fiona Parker as the Mirror and Lauren Taylor as the Wicked Queen! One of our young Burton students: Sarah Huthmacher is also playing her début role in the show. The Saturday performance is now full but we still have places available for Thursday 21st January. Please let us know asap if you are interested.
New Classes Starting in 2010…
We are going to be launching our new Theatre Kittens classes for 2-4 year olds (pre-school) in Burton and Derby. We have already over 40 people interested simply through word-of-mouth alone. If you are interested, simply go to the Theatre Cats website and register for Theatre Kittens. More information to follow…
Our Theatre Cats students in Burton, Newhall and Derby and currently rehearsing for their Christmas Showcase performance which is in a few weeks. Due to this, we are not inviting new students for a taster class until January 2010. However, Uttoxeter classes will still be inviting new students for taster classes as they are not doing a big performance this term due to Uttoxeter being a new venue.
If you would like your child to attend a free taster class, simply register your details on our Information Request Form.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, there will be no classes on Friday 13th November at Picknalls First School in Uttoxeter. If you have already paid for this class then it will be credited to you on your next invoice.
However, we will be back as normal from Friday 20th November.
Sorry for any inconvenience caused, we look forward to seeing you on the 20th.
Theatre Cats Stage School will soon be offering theatre classes and drama tuition to children in Uttoxeter.
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.
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.