Here’s your monthly Creative Learning round-up.

Summer Youth Project Alumni News 

Swindon
Following an incredible three weeks as a technical participant in The Wyvern Theatre’s SYP in August 2023, Emy Sayer (below) joined the casual tech team at the venue in September, and then in January 2024, Emy became permanent part time member of staff.

Wycombe
The Wycombe Swan team are delighted that one of their 2023 SYP performers has just been announced as Young Simba in the West End smash hit, The Lion King. SYP was Kobe’s first experience of performing in a big show (below), and his family said that gaining that valuable experience gave him the confidence to audition for a professional show. Kobe played a cheeky member of Fagin’s gang in Oliver! and we are so proud that he will now be showcasing his talent and treading the boards at London’s Lyceum Theatre in this iconic musical.

Summer Youth Projects give members the unparalleled experience of appearing in and helping to produce, full-scale musical-theatre productions on the main stages of our venues. 

SYP aims to enable members to participate in positive life-changing experiences, develop resilience, increase confidence, and raise aspirations. SYP also helps to tackle disparities in opportunity by promoting access, inclusivity, and equal access to high-quality cultural education regardless of background and develops potential future career pathways in a nurturing, fun, professional and imaginative environment.

By creating wonderful productions, new friendships, and memories to cherish, SYP undoubtedly leaves an indelible mark on its volunteers, creative professionals, participants, their families, and the tapestry of community networks that emerge to support this vital work.

Southend Backstage Tours

Southend Theatres Creative Learning has had a busy start to the year, with lots of backstage tours for local schools, colleges and community groups across January and early February. The Palace Theatre has proved to be the more popular venue for tours, as we were able to share so much of the beautiful venue’s history and heritage with visitors…and even tell some ghost stories that roam around the theatre’s walls!   

Children’s Mental Health Week

Southend – During CMHW, Southend Theatres explored the theme of ‘Your Voice Matters’ in their weekly Youth Theatres for 4–19-year-olds. The groups were led in activities all around mental health awareness and embracing what makes us happy. 

Bromley Churchill Theatre held a bespoke session for members of their Young Company 1 (ages 12-15 years) exploring The Five Ways to Wellbeing led by the Directing team Emma Lamond and Nathan Allen. The young people then took part in an extended dance class led by Giselle Parker, Choreographer and CEO of DDMix.  

Crewe Lyceum Theatre – Throughout the week, the venue actively engaged in CMHW. Young Ambassadors initiated a book hiding project, strategically placing mental health books generously donated by the library in and around the venue and Lyceum Square for the community. Accompanied by informative leaflets directing individuals to support resources, these books also feature uplifting messages and artwork created by the Young Ambassadors.

On 8 February, the Lyceum also hosted 87 young participants from two local primary schools to take part in a dynamic drama workshop on the main stage, focusing on the themes of self-esteem and overcoming challenges. The workshop involved creating characters, crafting original stories, and bringing them to life through drama, confidence building, teamwork, and communication skills. 

G Live Puppet Workshop

This month, G Live saw 14 young people immerse themselves in the world of puppets, working with world-class West End performer, puppeteer, and magician, Mark Goldthorp.  The Bellerby Studio came to life with Kermit the Frog, Cookie Monster, and the cast of Avenue Q.  It was a magical day of characterisation, techniques, and fun, culminating in a small performance to parents.  

Orchard Theatre Creative Learning at Acacia Sports Hall 

When the Orchard Theatre had to close and Orchard West was under construction, there was a secondary project also in the works. Working with Dartford Borough Council, The Orchard has been given unlimited use and access to an unused sports hall that had stood on the Acacia site for many years and had become a little unloved. 

The Creative Learning team with generous help from local volunteers set to work removing rubbish and broken furniture, deep cleaning, repurposing, painting, and putting some love into the space. The sports hall is now back up and running and on 1 February opened its doors to local community groups.

As well as existing weekly groups, the team are going to fill the space with community events including a small business fair, music festival, Battle of the Bands, Pride, West End workshops and much more!