New Theatre Royal launches workshops for all ages
New Theatre Royal’s Youth Programme will launch on 19th September 2015, offering children over the age of 5 the opportunity to take part in weekly workshops at the brand new Minghella Studio, learning from top professionals in the industry. Divided into three groups for different ages, everyone is welcome to join in and members will get the chance to perform in the main house of the theatre in their Christmas Review later this year. Nic Williams, Creative Learning Manager at New Theatre Royal, comments: “Our youth theatre programme is designed to give children the chance to enhance their skills both on and off-stage whilst meeting new friends with similar interests. Drama has also been proved to help boost children’s confidence and teach them skills which can help at all stages of life.”
NTR Players is another new group aimed at performers looking to improve their drama skills and take part in professional performances. Aimed at those aged over 55, the weekly sessions will explore contemporary theatre and give participants the opportunity to perform in several professional shows throughout the year including a special production of A Midsummers Night Dream in April.
As well as running weekly workshops for actors, the theatre is also inviting people over 55 to join its NTR Dancers group. Open to all levels of ability and experience, the group will explore various genres of dance and choreography and give participants the opportunity to showcase their new-found skills in three performances throughout the year, including the Christmas Review.
Groups will be led by Bernie C. Byrnes, Co-Creative Learning Manager at New Theatre Royal and multi-award winning playwright, director, dramaturg, and fully qualified drama teacher. Having worked with a number of theatres including Shakespeare’s Globe and The Soho Theatre, Bernie has a wealth of knowledge she can share with participants.
The theatre’s creative learning team will be hosting a number of free taster sessions at Portsmouth Guildhall to give people a flavour of what they can expect from the new community groups.
Free Taster workshop dates
NTR THEATRE CLUB 5-9 year olds
Saturday 12th September 10:30am-11:30am
Guildhall in Portsmouth
NTR DANCERS Over 55s
Tuesday 15th September 12:30pm-2pm
Guildhall in Portsmouth
NTR PLAYERS Over 55s
Tuesday 15th September 2:30pm-4pm
Guildhall in Portsmouth
NTR THEATRE SQUAD 10-14 year olds
Tuesday 15th September 4:30pm-6pm
Guildhall in Portsmouth
NTR YOUTH THEATRE 16+
Tuesday 15th September 6:30pm-8pm
Guildhall in Portsmouth
If you are interested in any of the above taster workshops, please email New Theatre Royal at
takepart@newtheatreroyal.com or for more information on Youth Theatre, NTR Dancers and NTR Players visit
www.newtheatreroyal.com. All community groups run for 10-week terms.
