Curtains up as Kenton Youth opens a world of theatre

The Kenton Youth programme started last week, giving two groups of young people the opportunity to experience a working professional theatre in its broadest sense. Over the course of the programme, they will explore a wide range of skills including acting, singing, movement, stage management, lighting and sound, storytelling, scriptwriting, make-up and costume design, as well as review writing, marketing and photography.

The programme is led by Alice Brown, Education Manager and Lottie Crowder Lead Facilitator.  Alice has more than ten years’ experience working in drama education and youth theatre. Alice was formerly a KS2 Teacher and Drama Specialist at St Mary’s Preparatory School in Henley where she directed school productions.  Alongside this role she teaches private LAMDA lessons and weekly lessons at Stagecoach.  Lottie has worked as the Creative Practitioner and Youth Theatre Leader at the Corn Exchange Newbury, where she led weekly youth theatre sessions and delivered drama workshops in schools and community settings.

Alice said, “The whole programme has been designed to be as varied as possible. The first term we have got workshops in stage combat, special effects makeup, puppetry, musical theatre and pantomime. They’re not just performing; they are going to be learning about all the different roles that exist in theatre and all the different career pathways that there are. They will also be able to take part in community events  such as Kenton Carols and we are doing a theatre trip all together to the pantomime and there are lots of other exciting events in the pipeline.”

“There was lots of excitement in the first session. I think the tour has been the most exciting part. We went up to the fly tower and in the tech box. They will get the opportunity to learn about lighting and sound to operate these for shows. This is a big part of it so if they don’t want to be performers on the stage they can still be part of a performance in other ways.  The sessions are going to be really practical and hands-on with lots of industry professionals as possible coming through the doors to help the learning.”

There is also the opportunity for the students to complete the Arts Award whilst they’re doing the programme. The younger group will be working towards the Explore Arts and the senior group the Bronze Arts Award.

Mollie in the Junior group said, “I loved the fly tower and tech box.  I like actimg and I wanted to learn more about the theatre.”

Leo’s Mum Charlotte said, “We’ve been coming to the Kenton for years as a family. We always watch the panto and a lot of the youth productions. Leo has always expressed an interest to be a part of it. But he is slightly more shy in other environments. He was drawn to this when I mentioned it because it was more about the backstage and the music production.  He was drawn to the stand-up comedy module. So it is just a bit different than what you normally get from a stage group.”

The Kenton Theatre Manager Lottie Pheasant said, ““We were so pleased with the first Kenton Youth session. There was a real buzz in the theatre and it was wonderful to see so many young people getting involved, making new friends and enjoying being on our stage. This is exactly what we hoped Kenton Youth would be about: giving local young people a place to build confidence, be creative and feel part of the theatre. We’re really excited to see how the groups develop over the coming term.”

There are still 3 places left in the Junior Group which meet on Mondays at The Kenton between 5.00-6.00pm with 1 bursary place available.

To find our more go to https://thekenton.org.uk/kenton-youth/ and/or email education@thekenton.org.uk