Theatre Arts Festival Week

Wed 20 – Fri 22 Mar, 2024
Come and join us for Theatre Arts Festival Week 2024

Prepare to be captivated, inspired, and moved as we celebrate the finest talents from our esteemed Theatre Arts program.

Join us for an unforgettable celebration of creativity, innovation, and raw emotion, as our students take to the stage to showcase their passion and dedication.

Festival Schedule (Wed 20 Mar)

Doors Open

Holly Rushbrooke presents

Things My Wife and I Found Hidden in Our House

Location: Studio
Duration: 20 Minutes

Experience the haunting tale of a lone author as they weave a mesmerising ghost story, brought to life by a single performer. Step into the world of the unknown as the author’s perspective unfolds before your eyes, with Live Foley sound effects intricately woven throughout the performance.

Discover the challenges faced by our storyteller, who not only embodies characters but also performs Live Foley, immersing you in a world where every creak, whisper, and rustle enhances the eerie atmosphere. Delve into the heart of the narrative as you witness first-hand the struggle and artistry of balancing storytelling, character embodiment, and Foley performance.

Short Interval

Teigan Smith presents

The Unfolding

Location: Studio
Duration: 30 Minutes

Embark on a heartfelt journey through the ups and downs of growing up with The Unfolding. This touching production blends physical theatre and absurdism to bring to life the challenges and changes that come with maturing.

Follow our protagonist as they navigate life’s twists and turns, drawing inspiration from the beauty of nature. Through expressive movement and symbolism, “The Unfolding” captures the raw emotions and experiences of the journey to adulthood.

Short Interval

Liz Nelson presents

One Shot

Location: Studio
Duration: 30 Minutes

Coffee, quite like the world, is better when’s the waters not boiling.

You want to brew no higher than 96°c to prevent that horrible bitter taste and serve no lower that 50°c degrees to avoid the eye catching glances followed by the “Sorry shug, it’s just stone cold”. It’s a balance, quite like everything. Even if it doesn’t feel like the effort is shared to maintain that equilibrium, preserve the natural eco system. It’s still got to be done.

For her final project, Liz has explored solo theatrical creation, culminating in “One Shot.” This poignant performance delves into climate anxiety and the significance of individual contributions. Join Liz as she embodies this pressing issue, inviting reflection on our collective responsibility.

Day 1 comes to an end.

Festival Schedule (Thu 21 Mar)

Doors Open.

Ben Clarke presents

Teaching Curriculum Through Drama

Location: Rehearsal Room
Duration: 20 Minutes

Ben has been focusing on teaching Key Stage 2 pupils curriculum topics through drama activities. Why drama? Well, I believe that creative approaches often lead to better learning outcomes for young people. Through this project, I’ve been exploring whether engaging young people through drama enhances their understanding and success.

Join me as I discuss the process and discoveries of this innovative teaching method. Let’s explore together how integrating drama into teaching can not only enhance learning but also be applicable to various aspects of life and work.

Short Interval – Move to the Studio

Bethany Scrimshaw presents

Perspectives Unfolded: An Elephant’s Tale – An Applied Theatre Project for Key Stage 2

Location: Studio
Duration: 20 Minutes

Step into a space filled with fun and observe as the story of the elephant and the various perspectives of its world unfold. Learn about the findings so far from my applied theatre project, which includes a performance and a talk about a workshop that I am going to introduce to Key Stage 2 children. The underlying message in my performance is about understanding different perspectives. In my workshop, I will delve into this concept within the context of disabilities.

Doors Open

Leanne Messer presents

How can developing mind-body practices help develop the voice?

Location: Rehearsal Room
Duration: 45 Minutes

Leanne is thrilled to introduce her independent project—a free mind-body workshop dedicated to enhancing the voice. Join her for an enriching 45-minute session where she draws inspiration from various esteemed practitioners such as F.M. Alexander, Phillip Zarrilli, Heather Lyle, and more to guide you in developing your voice.

In this workshop, Leanne understands that everyone’s journey is unique. While the techniques she shares may resonate with some, they might not be suitable for others. Nonetheless, she aims to create a supportive and inclusive environment where each participant can explore and discover what works best for them.

To ensure your comfort and well-being, Leanne encourages you to bring a blanket along and water to stay hydrated throughout the session. Additionally, please prioritise your health by informing me of any injuries or limitations you may have, or simply take breaks as needed. Your safety and enjoyment are my top priorities, and we look forward to sharing this transformative experience with you.

Doors Open

Oscar Lindley presents

Harmonising Emotions: Exploring the Power of Music in Theatre

Location: Studio
Duration: 30 Minutes

A journey through my personal experiences through performing, and where my connection to music over the spoken word originates.

Short Interval

Becky Hyson and Owen Cartwright present

Robin Hood: An Intercultural Exploration

Location: Studio
Duration: 25 Minutes

Discover the fusion of intercultural theatre and innovative performance techniques in a captivating workshop led by Becky and Owen.

Becky delves into the complexities of intercultural theatre, exploring the challenges faced by student actors as they navigate new theatrical styles.

Meanwhile, Owen delves into the intricate world of breathing techniques, aiming to deepen the connection between actor and puppet in performance.

Together, they’ve crafted a mesmerising non-verbal piece that retells the timeless tale of Robin Hood through the enchanting lens of puppetry, infused with influences from Japanese Noh Theatre.

Join us for a unique and immersive experience where tradition meets innovation, and storytelling transcends boundaries.

Day 2 comes to an end.

Festival Schedule (Fri 22 Mar)

Doors Open

Oscar Lindley presents

Harmonising Emotions: Exploring the Power of Music in Theatre

Location: Studio
Duration: 30 Minutes

A journey through my personal experiences through performing, and where my connection to music over the spoken word originates. 

Short Interval

Becky Hyson and Owen Cartwright present

Robin Hood: An Intercultural Exploration

Location: Studio
Duration: 25 Minutes

Discover the fusion of intercultural theatre and innovative performance techniques in a captivating workshop led by Becky and Owen.

Becky delves into the complexities of intercultural theatre, exploring the challenges faced by student actors as they navigate new theatrical styles.

Meanwhile, Owen delves into the intricate world of breathing techniques, aiming to deepen the connection between actor and puppet in performance.

Together, they’ve crafted a mesmerising non-verbal piece that retells the timeless tale of Robin Hood through the enchanting lens of puppetry, infused with influences from Japanese Noh Theatre.

Join us for a unique and immersive experience where tradition meets innovation, and storytelling transcends boundaries.

Doors Open

Holly Rushbrooke presents

Things My Wife and I Found Hidden in Our House

Location: Studio
Duration: 20 Minutes

Experience the haunting tale of a lone author as they weave a mesmerising ghost story, brought to life by a single performer. Step into the world of the unknown as the author’s perspective unfolds before your eyes, with Live Foley sound effects intricately woven throughout the performance.

Discover the challenges faced by our storyteller, who not only embodies characters but also performs Live Foley, immersing you in a world where every creak, whisper, and rustle enhances the eerie atmosphere. Delve into the heart of the narrative as you witness first-hand the struggle and artistry of balancing storytelling, character embodiment, and Foley performance.

Short Interval

Teigan Smith presents

The Unfolding

Location: Studio
Duration: 30 Minutes

Embark on a heartfelt journey through the ups and downs of growing up with The Unfolding. This touching production blends physical theatre and absurdism to bring to life the challenges and changes that come with maturing.

Follow our protagonist as they navigate life’s twists and turns, drawing inspiration from the beauty of nature. Through expressive movement and symbolism, “The Unfolding” captures the raw emotions and experiences of the journey to adulthood.

Short Interval

Liz Nelson presents

One Shot

Location: Studio
Duration: 30 Minutes

Coffee, quite like the world, is better when’s the waters not boiling.

You want to brew no higher than 96°c to prevent that horrible bitter taste and serve no lower that 50°c degrees to avoid the eye catching glances followed by the “Sorry shug, it’s just stone cold”. It’s a balance, quite like everything. Even if it doesn’t feel like the effort is shared to maintain that equilibrium, preserve the natural eco system. It’s still got to be done.

For her final project, Liz has explored solo theatrical creation, culminating in “One Shot.” This poignant performance delves into climate anxiety and the significance of individual contributions. Join Liz as she embodies this pressing issue, inviting reflection on our collective responsibility.

Short Interval

Bethany Scrimshaw presents

Perspectives Unfolded: An Elephant’s Tale – An Applied Theatre Project for Key Stage 2

Location: Studio
Duration: 20 Minutes

Step into a space filled with fun and observe as the story of the elephant and the various perspectives of its world unfold. Learn about the findings so far from my applied theatre project, which includes a performance and a talk about a workshop that I am going to introduce to Key Stage 2 children. The underlying message in my performance is about understanding different perspectives. In my workshop, I will delve into this concept within the context of disabilities.

Festivals comes to an end.