MANSFIELD PALACE YOUTH THEATRE
DRAMA CLASS INFORMATION SHEET
The Mansfield Palace Youth Theatre was re-launched in September 1998, following its long tradition as a Stage School.
Each week during the academic year the Youth Theatre works with over 100 students aged from 5 to 19, under the direction of professional tutors, with an artistic policy under the guidance of Education @ The Palace.
There is one class for 5-7 year olds (Juniors), one class for 12 – 15 year olds and one class for 16-19 year olds (Chapter 4). Due to demand, at Intermediate levels the Youth Theatre is divided into two streams: Stage Left and Stage Right. Both classes follow the same curriculum for their age group. The work of the Youth Theatre seeks to be challenging, educational and fun! The teaching aims to work across all the disciplines of the Performing Arts, but principally drama and movement.
Class times are as follows :
Junior class (5 – 7 year olds)
Saturday morning at 9:00am-10:30am.
This class is based around both drama and music.
Intermediate classes (8 - 12 year olds)
Stage Left Intermediate Youth Theatre group meet on a Saturday morning at 11.00am-1.00pm
Stage Right Intermediate Youth Theatre group meet on a Saturday afternoon at 1.30-3.30pm
Senior classes (12 - 15 year olds)
Stage Left Senior Youth Theatre group meet on a Friday evening at 6.00pm-8.30pm
Stage Right Senior Youth Theatre group meet on a Monday evening at 6.00pm- 8.30pm
Chapter 4 Theatre Group (16 – 19 year olds)
Wednesday evening at 6:00-8:00pm.
All Youth Theatre groups have an annual performance; the Junior group performs for two nights in an appropriate local studio venue such as The Old Library Theatre, this is a smaller environment which we have found to be more suited to the younger performer. The second evening’s performance will also include a presentation of awards for recognition of student’s achievements / contribution throughout the year.
The Intermediate groups will also have a two night performance, usually at an outside venue, for instance this year the performance was held at the new theatre ‘Create’ at Vision West Notts. Both Intermediate groups perform together for their annual production. It is a good opportunity for students to work together as a larger company.
The Senior groups will also have a two night performance on the main stage of The Palace Theatre. Again the two groups will work together for their annual production. The Senior groups have, in previous years, enjoyed the benefits of working alongside student Theatre Designers from The Nottingham Trent University. The shows are given full professional backup.
Chapter 4’s annual performance is held in a local black box studio or site specific venue depending on the needs of the challenging work to be presented.
Chapter 4 are also involved in the prestigious annual National Youth Theatre festival ‘Connections’.
Previous Youth Theatre productions include:
MACBETH REPLAYED – Shakespeare with a modern theme (Senior Group – February 2009)
CHARLIE & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY & JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH
A Roald Dahl spectacular performed by Stage Left and Stage Right Intermediate Groups respectively
(June 2009)
BLOOD BROTHERS by Willy Russell
(Chapter 4 – March 2010)
BURYING YOUR BROTHER IN THE PAVEMENT by Jack Thorne
(Chapter 4 – March 2011)
PERCIVAL, THE PERFORMING PIG by Dilys Owen
(Junior Youth Theatre – May 2012)
ARABIAN NIGHTS adapted by Dominic Cooke
(Senior Youth Theatre – February 2014)
Letter to Lacey by Catherine Johnson
(Chapter 4 – March 2013)
Chapter 4 performed also performed this at The Crucible Theatre Sheffield Crucible Studio Theatre and at various venues in Mansfield as part of the National Theatre’s ‘Connections’ 2014.
Mansfield Palace Youth Theatre is a member of the National Association of Youth Theatres.
For more information about the Mansfield Palace Youth Theatre please contact
Lisa Hopkinson -Youth Theatre Administrator on 01623 412927
(Thursdays 9am – 2pm and Fridays 9am – 11.30am) or by email:
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