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.