Press Release: Chesil Youth Workshops

Tom Maggs (left) in Twelfth Night at the Theatre Royal

Since the Chesil Youth Theatre was founded in 1995 hundreds of youngsters have discovered the joy of taking part in drama.

One of first members, Tom Maggs, now 22, is playing the title role in the October production, My Boy Jack

He joined the Juniors while at primary school and appeared in his first full production as young Jack Lee in Cider with Rosie. As a teenager he played Sebastian in Twelfth Night (see photo, left) at the Theatre Royal. He drew on this experience at Peter Symonds when he was cast as Florizel in A Winter's Tale.

'I loved going to the Chesil and learned so much which has been of benefit in many areas of my life,” said Tom, who has just completed a degree in Media Arts. “I was so enthusiastic that both my brothers, Theo and Tolly, joined as soon as they could. Tolly is still in the Seniors making a 12 year association with the Maggs’ family.”

The group is now led by Noel Thorpe –Tracey with the support of other adult Chesil members. The ten week terms are arranged round the school terms. The Juniors, from school Years 5-8, meet on Tuesdays and the Seniors, Year 9 upwards, on Mondays. Sessions begin at 6.15pm and last until 7.30pm when the cast for the current play arrive for rehearsal.

”Drama is good for you,” says Noel. “It develops creative imagination, increases self-confidence and improves ability to understand other people and helps people learn to work together.”

Activities include improvising around various themes, practising mime, movement, stagecraft and character development, or rehearsing plays to perform to friends and families. The older ones have the opportunity to learn how to operate the lighting and sound boards and help backstage.

Youth members have been involved in several Chesil productions: The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, The Dreams of Anne Frank and Tom’s Midnight Garden offered major parts for them. Other plays such as Shadowlands or A Day in the Death of Joe Egg had one vital role which required a youngster. They were shared between two actors.

“It is good to know we can call on the confidence and skills of our Youth members when we need to cast a child,” said President, Tom Williams. “They are a greatly valued and integral part of the Society.”

Members come from Winchester and further afield, from state and independent schools and colleges. Fees are deliberately kept as low as possible to encourage full participation. They are even waived in some circumstances. With eight graduating to the Seniors and several off to University this season there are a few vacancies in both groups.

For more information see the website www.chesiltheatre.org.uk or call Sian Woodruff on 01962 853618 or e-mail (your browser needs to be Javascript enabled to view this email address):

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From
Lisbeth Rake
Press and Marketing
01794 388245
The.rakes@zen.co.uk
 

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