On The Edge - Young Critic’s Programme
‘An amazing, life changing experience…Words cannot describe how amazing of a programme young critics is.’ Young Critic 2015
What is The Young Critics?
The Young Critics is a 4 day-long programme to develop critical analysis skills in young people aged 18 – 25 as part of On The Edge THE WORLD FESTIVAL OF THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES
A collaboration between Young at Art, Theatre NI and TYA NI in conjunction with the Symposium strand of the ASSITEJ Artistic Gathering for 2016.
It is open to young people aged 18-25 who are interested in watching theatre, discovering how and why theatre is made, and learning how to critically discuss, analyse, and review Theatre For Young Audiences
Over a four-day period (4-7 July 2016) they will see some incredible shows, make new friends and learn about the art of theatre criticism. All this happens during On The Edge THE WORLD FESTIVAL OF THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCESin Birmingham.
In a very exciting and innovative programme young people are given an opportunity to see quality productions, while developing their critical skills under the mentorship of leading International drama facilitators.
Who can take part?
Two participants from Republic of Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and England and a further two participants from the host city of Birmingham will be selected to take part. Northern Ireland participants will be selected from an open application process overseen by Theatre NI and Young at Art.
In order to offer individual advice and guidance on developing each young person’s critical skills, places on the programme are limited to 12 places in total. Those from Northern Ireland who are interested should apply using the application form supplied, and all applications must be receivedbefore 12 noon onFriday 20 May 2016. Applicants must ensure that are available to travel to and attendOn the Edge in Birmingham from July 3rd – July 8th 2016, and have appropriate valid photo ID for travel purposes (passport, or full driving licence).
What happens during the Young Critics?
The Young Critics will travel toBirmingham on Sunday July 3 and travel home onFriday 8 July. Over the four festival days the Young Critics will attend a number of theatre productions, interact with the city, participate in workshops, live blog andparticipate in a public panel discussion.
How do I apply to take part in Young Critics?
Participation on the programme is free: accommodation, food, theatre tickets and travel costs to Birmingham are all covered by The Partner Organisations.
It is open to young people who will be aged between 18 -25 on 20 May 2016. We are looking for young people who are comfortable meeting new people, working in a highly focused way and are not afraid to share their thoughts and opinions with each other.
To be a Young Critic you must be fully available for the specified dates.
If you are interested in the programme, please fill out the application form and return by email only to
Successful applicants will be notified by 1 June 2016.
For more insight on On The EdgeTHE WORLD FESTIVAL OF THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES Visit
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If you need further information please contactEibhlin at Young at Art 028 9023 0660, or Niamh at Theatre NI 028 9031 1806
Young Critics On The Edge Application Form
Name of Participant: ______
Age: ______Date of Birth: ______Gender:
- Participants must be available to travel to Birmingham on Sun 3 July, returning on Fri 8 July 2016.
- Participants must be aged between 18-25 yrs. on 20 May 2016. You must have a valid passport or full driving licence (for travel purposes) and you will be asked to supply a copy of this on the offer of a place.
- Participation is free.
- Young at Art and Theatre NI will be responsible for travel costs to Birmingham.
- The Organisers will also cover accommodation, food and festival tickets.
- If you are offered a place and do not show up or pull out without at least 72 hours prior notice, there may be a no-show fee of £200. This will be invoiced to you directly. This is to cover the costs of buying new flights for an alternate participant.
- Applications are to be received, by email only, before 12 noon on 20 May 2016. Due to the expected high number of applications, those received after the deadline will not be considered.
- A timetable and other details will be sent out to participants on confirmation of their place.
- Places will be confirmed by 1 June 2016. Full details of the event will be posted to your home address within one week on confirmation of their place on the programme. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email.
- Please inform Young at Art/Theatre NI of any medical and/or dietary requirements, including any access needs should you be successful in obtaining a place.
Name exactly as appears on photo ID (for travel purposes)
______
Mobile Number: ______
Address: ______
______
E-mail Address ______(please PRINT clearly)
Consent
I ______wish to participate in the Young Critics On The Edge. I understand that I must be available from Sunday 3 July until Friday 8 July, and will be required to participate fully for four days in Birmingham and agree to abide by conditions set by Liaison and Logistics Officerduring each event.
Signed: ______Date______
1. Briefly tells us why you would like to take part in Young Critics On The Edge? (max 150 words)
2. Please write a Review of a theatre production you have seen recently. This must be your own work. You can attach copies of previous reviews or links to any blogs you write for or any publications your reviews may have been featured in.
(150 -200 words).
3. Tell us briefly if you have any interest or skills in making video blogs or clips for YouTube, podcasts, Vines or animation. Include any links to relevant work, if you have them.
Please return by email only to by 12 noon Friday 20 May 2016.
ABOUT THEATRE NI
TheatreNI is the representative body to support and develop theatre and the performing arts for all in Northern Ireland including in its widest terms the areas of drama, physical theatre, dance, circus, street theatre, musical theatre and opera.
TheatreNI was established following a merger the Ulster between Association of Youth Drama (UAYD) and Northern Ireland Theatre Association (NITA) in Spring 2015 – signifying a new era for the theatre and performing arts sector.
TheatreNI aims to create a vibrant, healthy theatre sector by supporting its members and the wider sector to encourage participation in theatre and the performing arts. A key priority is ensuring the accessibility of theatre throughout the human lifecycle: promoting access to theatre from the very start through education and opportunities for children and young people; providing training opportunities for those considering a career in theatre; ensuring ongoing professional development for those working in the sector; or just enjoying theatre as an audience member.
For more information please visit
ABOUT YOUNG AT ART
Young at Art is one of Northern Ireland's leading children's arts not-for-profit companies and home theBelfast Children’s Festival. From its base in Belfast's city centre, Young at Art coordinates not only an international festival and a touring events agency, but also a wide variety of projects that encourage children and young people under 18 to enjoy the arts, including the creative writing project Fighting Words Belfast.
Young at Art believes passionately that every child should have the right to access exciting and original creative experiences, regardless of who they are or where they come from.
For more information please visit
ABOUT TYA NI
TYA NI is part of the UK Centre of the International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People, known worldwide as ASSITEJ, a network for makers and promoters of professional theatre for young audiences in over 80 countries.TYA NI, along with it’s members and partners in England, Scotland, Wales and Republic of Ireland, offers links to theatres, organisations and individual artists around the world and related activities, such as youth theatre, drama classes or educational drama programmes, and TYA NI particularly focuses on the promotion and development of professional theatre for young audiences.
TYA NI welcomes new members as organisations or as individuals. Professional theatre companies of adult performers for young audiences, individual theatre artists working for young audiences, researchers, teachers, theatre venue programmers, parents and people interested in high quality theatre for children and young people are all welcome to join.
For more information please visit
ABOUT ON THE EDGE
ON THE EDGE is the World Festival of Theatre for Young Audiences,an annual event that takes place in a different international city each year.
From 2-9 July Birmingham welcomes delegates and audiences from around the globe to enjoyworld-leading theatre for children and young people, plus workshops, panel discussions, social events, work in progress sharings and much more!
The title of our festival – ON THE EDGE – refers to our geographical position in Europe, our interest in challenging theart formand a sense that these islands are on the cusp of an exciting breakthrough in terms of theatre for children and young people.
The festival will offer uniquecultural and artistic opportunities for over 10,000 young people, families and schools. It will increase the profile ofTYA sector and encourageinternational exchange and collaboration.
For more information please visit
This is a collaboration between Barnstorm Theatre Company, NAYD (National Association for Youth Drama) Ireland and Mess Up The Mess, Get the Chance Wales in conjunction with the Symposium strand of the ASSITEJ Artistic Gathering for 2016.