Confidence, Communication, Teamwork: essential life skills for the workplace of tomorrow
The Michael Hall Theatre School regards theatre as relevant and even an essential part of modern life
and is therefore committed to provide challenging workshops for children and young people. The stereotypical myth that classical theatre is boring, is exploded here by imaginative workshops which expose young people to classical themes often without them even being aware of the source material. This has proved a successful means of introducing several Shakespeare texts, the results of which and the enthusiasm with which the concepts have been received have proved astounding.
Group Workshops take place at weekends and throughout the week after school during term time. Lessons last one hour or 45 minutes.
Younger pupils begin their workshops in our Blackout Theatre Studio before progressing onto the stage. From their first lesson, the children are emerged in a theatrical environment, in a performance space where acting games and role play are used as a vehicle for the building up of focus, concentration and cooperation. By engaging in interactive story telling with teacher in role, they are encouraged to explore the scope of their imaginations, creating and developing characters and gaining confidence as they perform in front of their peers.
As they progress, pupils are encouraged to think creatively, stimulating their self expression and individuality, enabling them to devise contemporary scenes and analyse complex text with confidence.
Technical stage craft learnt during workshops, such as good diction, voice projection, ensemble acting, etc. is consolidated through regular performances on our in-house stage. Pupils experience the full audition, and rehearsal to performance cycle, making mistakes and developing self-awareness in front of a live audience. Last, but not least, the pupils find that the experience is fun.
Past Productions As well as frequent drama evenings, past full length plays have included: the amusing story with a message, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, the holocaust play of The diary of Anne-Frank and Hard to swallow by Mark Wheeler, a study of anorexia nervosa. The drama and dance department performed Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare in February 2010. For forthcoming performances see What’s On.
Individual Tuition These are half hour sessions which work towards examinations offered by The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA).. Outstanding results have been obtained for previous external examinations. Preparation for festivals and drama school auditions is also available.
Casting Coming soon our sister company White Noise Casting A casting agency for those wishing to promote themselves professionally.