Young Drama Panel
The YDP is Kaleidoscope’s brand new reviewers’ group for GCSE and A-Level students (ages 13 to 18). Drama Panel members attend several drama productions (for free!) which includes a pre-show workshop, discussion over interval drinks and (usually) an after-show talk with members of the company – all the help you need to write your review. Then just upload your reviews (and maybe an interview or two!) onto Kaleidoscope’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. Simple! Never written a review before? – don’t panic. We’ll give you plenty of tips, and we’ll encourage you to express your thoughts in whatever format you choose, from video to poetry or just good old pen and paper! And – all YDP members receive the Bronze Arts Award in recognition of your achievements. Joining the YDP is free, but there’s a small fee to take the Arts Award.
Want to know more? Below are some of our most frequently asked questions about Kaleidoscope Drama Panel
How many plays am I allowed to go to?
Well the simple answer is as many as you like! If you are accepted onto the Young Drama Panel you will receive a list of shows that you are eligible for. There are usually around 1-2 plays a month this may be fewer/greater depending. We ask that you are able to come to around 90% of the productions listed.
Can I use my review for my school course work?
Any material, creative writing or reviews you create with us can be used for your assessments at school too. As long as you share it with us first, feel free to take your new ideas and opinions out into the world. We are also happy to provide any information or references for your other activities for example Duke of Edinburgh.
Will it interfere with my exams?
We have catered the programme so as not to disturb busy times of the school year.
Will it cost anything?
In exchange for several hundreds of pounds worth of free tickets we ask that you contribute £20 towards some of the moderation fees associated with the Bronze Arts Award. Those who are from families with income support are only required to make a contribution of £10 towards this.
What is the Bronze Arts Award and do I have to do it?
Arts Award is a great way for young people to explore creative skills through a nationally recognised qualification. Employers, universities and colleges know that Arts Award is a qualification that shows your level of commitment and progress in the arts, and in developing new skills. Doing your bronze Arts Award means that you will: Take part in an arts activity, go to an arts event of your choice, find your arts hero or heroine, rehears their story, and discover how they got to where they are today, share your skills by helping to run a workshop or giving a demonstration to others. You build a portfolio of your ideas and activities in your own personal style and format. You might make a folder or sketchbook, a video diary or website – it’s up to you. Taking your Arts Award is not compulsory but it’s a great opportunity all about seeing, trying and doing new things.
What kinds of activities will I be doing when I come to watch a production?
We hope to be able to set up our very own work space in which we can upload photos, videos, check Facebook and type interviews using laptops and our Ipad. Below is a selection of activities available to you depending on the production:
•Pre-show talk/ Workshop
•Backstage tour
•Interpreting the text and script reading
•How to write a review seminar
•Interval drinks and complimentary program
•Post show discussion with cast and crew
Can anyone apply?
Anyone can join the Young Drama Panel even if you are not studying drama or have never even seen a show before. If you would like to apply please download and complete the application form below.
Beanbag Stories
Beanbag Stories provides a chance for your cheeky monkeys aged 2 to 4 (plus older & younger family members!) to get lost in their imaginations and in our storytelling. Lead by our Learning & Participation Officer, Beanbag Stories is just what it sounds like – storytelling with beanbags! – and will encourage your child to learn through active storytelling by setting sail on the seven seas, discovering new worlds and far off kingdoms. A first step on the ladder to theatre! Starting in September 2011, Beanbag Stories will meet on Sundays once per month in the Pavilion Arts Centre
from 11.15am to 12 noon. Tickets are £5 per child per session with accompanying adults free. Book now at the Box Office (0845 127 2190).
Young Singers
Kaleidoscope Young Singers is a fantastic opportunity to sing group arrangements of modern and classic pop songs, musicals and gospel with great friends in an uplifting and energetic environment. Led by professional jazz singer & teacher, Janet Galloway, Kaleidoscope Young Singers is the perfect opportunity to perform the songs you love with passion and energy! Beginning in January 2012, Young Singers is open to all young people between 11 and 18, and will rehearse on Tuesdays from 4.30pm to 6.30pm in the Pavilion Arts Centre. Membership is £6 a session, payable termly. Auditions will be in late Autumn, so contact us now to get your name on the list.
Want to apply? Download and complete the application form below and return to Sian Dudley at
Young_Singers_Application_Form.doc
Young People’s Theatre
Mini Theatre
Give your kids the freedom to jump, stomp, laugh and shout while encouraging them to find their budding dramatic talent and let it shine! This new addition to the Opera House’s family of young people’s theatre companies will provide structured activities for 5 to 7 year olds and let them discover there’s more to drama than dress-up and make-believe. Led by our Learning & Participation Officer, the Mini Theatre Company will rehearse in the Pavilion Arts Centre each Sunday between 9.30am and 10.30am during term time. Membership is £5 a session, payable termly. Starts September 2011 – numbers are limited, so enrol now!
Junior Theatre
The Junior Theatre Company was formed in January 2011 for children aged 8 to 10. They meet every Saturday in term time, in the Pavilion Arts Centre, from 9.30am to 11am. Their productions in the Arts Centre got off to a great start with Wilde Tales, in June 2011. Since then the company has gone from strength to strength, making more wonderful stories and theatre pieces. The Juniors will perform one major production in the Arts Centre each year plus informal performances for family & friends throughout the year. Membership is £6 a session, payable termly. We may have some vacancies to join in January 2012, so contact us if you’d like to join our waiting list.
Intermediate Theatre
The Intermediate Theatre Company was also formed in January 2011. It aims to encourage young people aged 11 to 13 to take up new theatrical challenges and really improve their performance skills. They meet every Saturday in term time, in the Pavilion Arts Centre, from 11.30am to 1.30pm. They also took part in the recent production of Wilde Tales, in June 2011. The Intermediates will perform one major production in the Arts Centre each year plus informal performances for family & friends throughout the year. Membership is £8 a session, payable termly. And -we had so many applications last year and had to turn almost 80 youngsters away (!) that we will be forming a second Intermediate company (who will meet on Mondays after school) in January 2012. Look out for auditions in December!
Youth Theatre
The Youth Theatre Company really made an entrance with its fantastic inaugural production, Animal Farm, in the Pavilion Arts Centre in April 2011, just 3 months after it was formed, also in January 2011. The Youth Theatre Company is for young people aged 14 to 18, meeting every Monday from 7pm to 9pm in the Arts Centre. The Youth Company gives its members the chance
to really grow as performers, as well as presenting one Arts Centre production and informal performances for friends & family each year. Membership is £8 a session, payable termly. And once gain – we will be forming a second Youth company (meeting on Tuesdays at 7pm) in January 2012. Look out for auditions in December!
Download an application form below and apply today!
Young_Peoples_Theatre_Application_Form.doc
Workshops
Bespoke Workshops
We offer a variety of bespoke workshops as part of our Kaleidoscope programme. Our workshops are delivered for all key stages, from primary to A Level, plus FE and HE. This year we are offering everything from Beginners’ Brecht to Shaking Up Shakespeare. If there’s something special in your English or Drama curriculum where a specially-designed workshop would help get
behind the text and bring it to life for your students, don’t hesitate to see if we can help! Just call or e-mail our Learning & Participation Officer.
Schools Specials
As part of our Kaleidoscope programme, we offer a wide range of workshops in partnership with professional drama, dance or opera companies appearing at the Opera House or Pavilion Arts Centre. Schools Specials entitle you to 50% off the cost of a schools’ workshop, if 10 or more of your school’s students book for the relevant performance. So if you are coming to see a production with your class, enquire about our fantastic Schools Specials workshop discount! In Autumn 2011, look out for workshops from Noise Ensemble, Company Boudin, Stageworks
Theatre Company, English Touring Opera and Gazebo Theatre Company – plus many more in Spring 2012.
Contact our Learning & Participation Officer, Sian Dudley on:
or 01298 72050
or find Kaleidoscope on Facebook
or find BOHKaleidoscope on Twitter
Arts Club
Free during the day? Want the chance to experience the arts and learn new skills? Our Kaleidoscope Arts Club is a great opportunity for adults to enjoy their passion for both visual and performing arts with a group of like-minded people and arts professionals. The annual Gold membership of £30 includes film screenings, workshops, seminars, play readings, pre-show activities and even social events. Not available during the day? – not a problem! Simply join as a Silver member (which is free!) and come along to our regular evening trips to visit galleries, theatres and events. The Arts Club meets every alternate Tuesday, from September 2011, from 1.30pm to 4pm in the Pavilion Arts Centre.
Work Experience
Are you in Year 10 or 11? Thinking about a career in the arts? Kaleidoscope’s Work Experience programme will give you the chance to take part in workshops, talks and demonstrations from Opera House staff as well as gain practical experience in what it is like to work in theatre. Not interested in performing? – not a problem! As part of your experience here at the Opera House you will also learn about backstage, marketing, press, finance, education and wardrobe. You will also gain your Bronze Arts Award in recognition of the new skills you have learned. Work Experience runs from 18 to 29 June 2012 – a £20 fee is charged and numbers are limited. If you would like to apply please contact your school‘s work experience co-ordinator.
Holiday Activities
OctoberFest
22 to 30 October 2011
OctoberFest will replace our A To Z Festival, which took place every other year between 2004 & 2010. This is our brand new festival for October half-term, for toddlers up to 19-year olds, concentrating on the performing arts and including all your favourite activities and many more. Each day there will be something new on offer for all ages in our brand new venue, the Pavilion Arts Centre – plus our first ever fiveday October Drama School for young people aged 14 to 19. So whether its drama, musical theatre or Shakespeare that takes your fancy, we’ve got it
covered! Look out for our OctoberFest brochure in August for more information.
Parents/carers if any children under the age of 16 who are attending a workshop without an accompanying adult will be asked to complete a Consent Form, which are available to download on the link below. Please complete this form at the point of booking and drop it in at the box office no later than a day before the event or return it to Sian Dudley Learning and Participation Officer at the theatre’s Freepost address: High Peak Theatre Trust, FREEPOST NWW1293A, Buxton, SK17 6YH. You can also email the form to
Jump!
5 to 9 March 2012
Jump! is our annual Springtime dance week for young people, organised in partnership with Buxton Community School. Last year we played host to 757 young people in our two
fantastic Day of Dance performances – all of them performing live on the Opera House stage. These two brilliant performances showcased exceptional talent from the students of 8 local secondary and 14 local primary schools. This year we hope to involve more schools and more young people than ever before, and we welcome back Tavaziva Dance as our resident dance company for the week, with their new showDouble Take.
Kaleidoscope at Easter
31 March to 15 April 2012
Kaleidoscope at Easter will replace No More Chocolate, which has been our Easter holiday programme since 2006. We have jam-packed your 2012 Easter holiday full of performances and workshops right up your street! All of this year’s Easter events will be inspired by the launch of Kaleidoscope and our chosen theme of ‘Creating Wonders’. Kaleidoscope at Easter is for children up to the age of 14, and workshops will start from as little as £3. So do something exciting and new this Easter – (and by the way – chocolate is most certainly allowed!). Brochure available during Feb 2012.
Puppet Festival
30 July to 3 August 2012
July 2012 will be 10th year that ‘the puppets have come to town!’ 2011’s Festival featured almost 40 performances and workshops – our largest ever! – and 2012 promises more of the same! The Puppet Festival is presented in association with Buxton’s very own Funny Wonders, and offers the opportunity for both youngsters and grown-ups to enjoy a variety of performances & workshops at the Opera House, Pavilion Arts Centre and Paupers Pit, plus street theatre on the Opera House forecourt. The Festival brochure, giving full details of all events, will be available
early in June 2012.
Kaleidoscope
Welcome to Kaleidoscope
…our new Learning & Participation Programme at Buxton Opera House and Pavilion Arts Centre.
We chose the name Kaleidoscope because it represents just how busy and colourful our Learning & Participation Programme promises to be – and how busy we’re going to be bringing it to you! We hope there’s something for everyone, and we’ve tried harder than ever before to cater for all age groups and interests, from our Tuesday afternoon adults’ Arts Club to the fun and laughter of Sunday morning’s Beanbag Stories for under 5s. As ever, there’s a huge emphasis on activities for young people, and demand has been so high that we’ll be increasing our weekly groups for
young people’s theatre & music from 3 to 7 (!) over the next few months, enabling over 150 youngsters to be involved every single week. On top of this, we offer a wealth of projects for schools, plus the annual events so many families have grown to love over recent years, at October half-term and Easter, plus our Jump! Dance Week in the Spring and Puppet Festival in July. For more info, or to add your name to a joining, audition or waiting list, contact our Learning & Participation Officer, Sian Dudley on:
or 01298 72050
or find Kaleidoscope on Facebook
Follow @BOHKaleidoscope
Download or 12-page Kaleidoscope brochure for more ways in which you can get closer to the action over the next 12 months… to watch, listen, learn or join in – Whatever takes your fancy!
Theatre Talks, Tours & Visits
Theatre Tours & Visits
Tours of the theatre are available for school or community groups by appointment. Learn the history of this fascinating building, designed by the celebrated Victorian and Edwardian theatre architect, Frank Matcham, and take a look behind the scenes. School groups can also round off their visit with a drama workshop (subject to venue availability). A small donation is requested.
Theatre Talks
Our free pre-show & after-show talks and discussions will help you get the most out of your ticket and a closer look at how some of your favourite shows come together! The perfect end (or beginning…) to a night to remember! In Autumn 2011 alone, we’ll have talks or discussions on: Henry V, Cyrano de Bergerac, The Pit and The Pendulum, The Debt Collectors, Of Mice and Men, Equus, Frankenstein, Caravaggio and many more – and we haven’t even started on Jan to June 2012! Check the Opera House What’s On brochure for details.