THE UGLY BUGS BALL

Students winged their way towards the end of term with a spectacular "Ugly Bugs Ball", an improvised play that required fantastic coloured costumes, loud buzzing, chirping, scratching and scritching, and keeping a wary distance from a big, black spider - who knows who he wanted to trap in his web?
Along with lively actions and enthusiastic dancing, the fireflies sashayed along the insect catwalk, showing off their glitter and sparkle, and the gossipy bees reminded everyone about steering clear of the insect spray..

The classes all enjoyed showing their parents their final plays, and received their end of term certificates before closing down for the holidays.
When we come back, it will be summer!   

SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS!

Congratulatoins to Two Youth Theatre students who have set a toe on a Dramatic future!
Both students of the Cupar Youth Theatre, Elisabeth Flett has secured a place on the NQ Theatre Arts course at Dundee College and Thomas Beecher has been offered a place to study Acting and Performance at the Adam Smith College.
Well done to you both!

COURT PROCEEDINGS

The Accused is sentenced....

 

A cold, draughty, noisy weaving shed; hard, dangerous and difficult work; hungry, exhausted and downtrodden workers - this was the scene conjured up by our students  in a two-part play they devised, requiring lots of imagination, self expression and a bit of historical licence.

Every week, the children work on a different improvisation, to help them understand what it might be like to be in someone else's shoes, to articulate what that person might be thinking, and to learn how to empathise : this particular play, however, was a long way from the children's own experience and they had to draw on huge powers of imagination as they progressd from factory to street, begging for bread, counting their pennies or selling their goods. Although most were appalled when a thief made off with a loaf of bread, some sympathies were also expressed and the children realised that things are not always black and white.

Unusually, the story ran on into a second week, seeing the thief caught and judged. The children learned how to defend their friend, or to accuse him accurately and clearly, and finally to pass judgement. But it was the "magistrate" who had the last word, and the miscreant's future lay in his hands...

It was surprising and revealing how different groups came to quite different conclusions, some not at all popular!

The Improvisation was enhanced with a few costumes, but the atmosphere created was largely due to the children's own involvement and interest.

ASPIRING AARDVARKS!

The term has got into gear with lots of aspiring Aardvarks - students who are interested in joning our in house casting agency, and trying their chances - and their talents- in the world of show biz. Forty five students took part in a photoshoot held by Tracy Gow  (http://www.tracygowphotography.co.uk/) in Kinross - they are now launched to prepare themselves for stardom! See them on our website at http://www.aardvarkcasting.com/

BACK TO SCHOOL!

IMAGINATIONS, INITIATIVE AND IDEAS

 

Schools in Fife have been opening their doors to Drama - and some very strange happenings - this term, with the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy.  Equipped with nothing more than with strong voices, expressive faces and energetic bodies - and, most importantly, enormous imaginations,- six schools have taken part in Drama workshops showing just how powerful an imagination can be .

The children from Crossgates School, Kirkcaldy West, Kirkcaldy North, Milesmark, Balmerino and Wormit have all filled their school halls with mischievous ants, invading aliens, hootin' tootin' cowboys, celebrity chefs and nervous musicians - though not all at the same time!

The workshops were part of the schools' projects on literacy and the arts, and demonstrated how a spark of an idea can be develped, nutured and expanded - eventually growing to a play in which every child was involved and had a part to play.

Imagination is after all a hugely important part of a child's development whether they are studying the Arts or investigating science, maths or technology: through Drama  the children can understand how there may be many means towards an end, and discussion and collaboration lead to a satisfactory conclusion. 

Although our "audiences" were limited to the class teachers, the children shone with pride at what they had created together and thoroughly enjoyed the process of getting there!"

 

If you would like to arrange a Drama workshop for your school, please ring Barbara on 01382 330052.  

 

 

A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND AN EXCITING NEW YEAR!

Classes have now ended for 2010, but we have already made great plans for 2011!

We hope you all enjoy wonderful holidays, and we look forward to seeing you all back in class in January!

DRAMATIC RESCUE - BY POPULAR DEMAND

Saved at the last moment! - the Dunfermline Youth Theatre has been rescued from imminent demise by the enthusiasm and drive of the newest teacher, Fiona. When teacher Roxanne announced that she would be moving on, it seemed likely that this group would be forced to disband until Fiona stepped into the breach - to the delight of the students. Classes will continue - in the Link Church, on Fridays, from 6.00 - 7.00 - to our great relief and excitement!