Changing Perspectives

We are so excited to share with the friends and families of the Youth Theatre classes a physical theatre play called Perspectives. 

Our high school students have been hard at work learning the techniques used in physical theatre, understanding the genre and bringing to life this piece.

Actors will be dressed in black; they will use broomsticks which are transformed into a number of different props.

This play requires the optimal use of both body and voice. A challenge our students are accepting boldly. 

Physical theatre is a type of theatrical performance which emphasises physical expression as the primary conveyor of dramatic meaning. 

It goes beyond the narrative, incorporating physical and visual elements on a level at least equal to verbal elements.  It is, however, more than simply abstract movement – it includes some element of character, narrative, relationships and interaction between the performers. 

Perspectives will be performed by all Youth Theatre classes this year. We hope to see you all there.

YOU'RE NEVER TOO OLD TO PLAY PRETEND

You’re never too old to play “pretend”.

But then, our Youth Theatre programme offers so much more than that! 

Our    Youth    Theatre classes feature a dynamic, developmental   drama   programme. 

While some of our students start with us at Kindy level and progress throughout the levels reaching the Youth stage, others start their journey here. No  matter where a student starts at,  our  curriculum  aims and works to improve their creativity,     confidence     and communication skills.  

High School comes with a number of challenges in and outside the classroom. What we offer students will also prepare them for a number of these. We've seen students benefit  in  particular when it comes to presentations,  public speaking  and  performance  talents. 

All  sessions  are designed to  allow  each  student to  express  themselves in a positive way.

Youth Theatre: A Place to Grow, A Place to Shine

Many of our Youth Theatre students are part of the programme after growing with and progressing through from the younger group stages.

This means several of them are well exposed to and well acquainted with the principals of our world-renowned curriculum. A scenario like this presents us with interesting opportunities:

·  The student is well versed in Helen O’ Grady techniques and brings a strong level of participation and enthusiasm.

·  The student is uncomfortable and sees the new activities as a challenge and stretch of their abilities – thus rising above this obstacle to grow even more!

There are also students who join our programme for the first time at the Youth Theatre level. With this comes a fresh perspective and new outlook in terms of drama the Helen O’ Grady way. This gives us unique opportunities:

·  The student is introduced to Helen O’ Grady techniques and principals at the highest level.

·  While it may be a “baptism of fire” of sorts, students are quickly guided to new heights of dramatic performance.

Whichever way you look at it, Youth Theatre is a great place for new and nurtured students to find and further develop their drama!

TO BE OR NOT TO BE?

We are so excited and privileged to have Shakespeare as part of productions this year.

The work of William Shakespeare is such a integrate part of Theatre. His writing has been part of high school and University English Literature curriculum for years. What a wonderful treat that our Youth Theatre students gain additional exposure and even better, get to bring it to stage!

Shakespeare is renowned for tragedies, unapologetically so. While the themes of his work is central to studying Shakespeare during High School and at university, at Helen O’Grady we choose to focus on the stage craft. Without giving too much away, this year parents and friends can look forward to seeing students master art of mask work….

Somerset West's Youth group playing around with Tableus while rehearsing The Unmasking of MacBeth

A wonderful educational adventure awaits!

It is said that if a child can understand Shakespeare they can understand anything. His language is difficult to read and even more difficult to perform to a theatre full of friends and family. Students gain strength, courage and determination.

The way in which Shakespeare is performed at Helen O’Grady, using neutral masks, builds class unity as students rely on each other to carry the story and characters.

Very few have made the contribution to English literature that Shakespeare has. It is our hope that our Youth Theatre class will move on to make their own contributions to the world of language, literature and theatre.

TO DO OR NOT TO DO

Last week our Youth Theatre groups got to tackle their first monologues of the term. It was great! The script was fun and relatable and the students could give their individual twists while learning about characterization and owning the stage while you’re up there alone.
Experience with monologues are especially important as students will often be asked to perform on their own for auditions.
Here are some tips on what to DO and NOT TO DO when choosing a monologue:

DO:

-          Have options. Prepare two monologues and make sure they are very different. When there’s a large turnout at the audition performers are called back for a second round. Showing range of performance qualities will put you ahead of the rest.

-          LOVE the piece of work. If the student loves performing it, the audience or judges or casting directors will love watching it.

-          Extract a monologue from a play. There are books available with monologues pre-written for this purpose but choosing something that has context will allow the student the depth of the character, other characters and the plot to feed into their performance.

-          Look for an age-appropriate piece that the student can relate to. Let who you are help you in selecting who you’d like to play.

-          Look for something where the character is doing something – ACTion, ACTing, ACTive.

-          Keep it short. Your first 30 seconds are most important, everything else is just bonus.

DON’T:

-                   -     Choose a monologue that’s been overdone…Out damn spot…

-                   -     Choose monologues with content that will make the audience uncomfortable.

-                   -     Not read the rest of the play. Know the context of the scene you are showing and       show and understanding and appreciation for the entire play you are performing from. 

For more, join a Youth Theatre group near you and get in on the ACTion.

 

Somerset West Youth Students rehearsing their monologues to perform for the class