Theatre -l From Page to Stage

What is "From Page to Stage"?

Budding actors, directors, script-writers and theatre technicians - this is your chance not only for a great holiday but also the chance to progress your interest and skills in all things theatre. ‘From Page to Stage' offers a week of theatre-based fun and education - with the opportunity to write, perform, direct, work on sound and lighting in an end of week performance in front of a real, live audience in a real theatre!

In a high-activity week you will learn and work with professionals, ending the week with a performance in a fully equipped theatre with proper sound and lighting - and at the same time you will have enormous fun and make a lot of new friends.

It is a busy and exciting week and all you need to bring is enthusiasm. If you also have some skill and experience that's even better!

What do we do each day?

Each morning you'll be involved in a series of high energy, hands-on, specialist activity workshops, tailored to your needs and designed to develop key theatrical skills. Subjects covered will depend on group interests but the type of subjects will include

• Stage Combat
• Circus Skills
• Improvisation
• Mime
• Acting
• Lighting and Sound

In the afternoons you will work with others to devise, act or direct, stage and light your own small group performance, putting into practice what you have learned in the mornings. Throughout the week, whether you're interested in acting or one of the ‘behind the scenes' roles, you'll be working towards the end result of putting on a show!... and on one afternoon, we aim to give you the chance to visit the Stamford Shakespeare (outdoor) Theatre at Tolethorpe Hall and meet members of the cast of this year's Festival performances.

Who can attend ?

Because theatre has such a variety of different aspects, needing different types of skill, strength, maturity, personality types etc these differences will be reflected on the course, meaning that boys and girls from 7 to 16 are all catered for.

The Performance
As in previous years, the course will end on a real high as you perform your unique show to an eager and enthusiastic audience of family and friends. Whether you're on stage or operating the lighting, whether you're an extrovert or shy, you will have your own role in putting on a one-off performance to demonstrate to other people what you and your friends have been doing.

The course fee includes a Family ticket to attend the ‘Summer School Spectacular' performance which will take place in Uppingham Theatre or Drama Studio on Friday 26th August.

Staff Cast List

The week has been devised and will be led by Andrew Chessell and Rachel Higdon. Andrew has over fifteen years experience of creating and delivering high-quality performing arts projects in theatre venues, schools and halls across the UK for educational institutes and leading companies that have included the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Royal Opera House and the NationalTheatre. Rachel has worked as a professional actor and now teaches and trains in education and business.
They will be supported by UppinghamTheatre technician Mark Thomas and other acting and production staff.

Day Student or Residential?

If you live locally, you can come as a nonresidential student and go home in the evenings - if you live too far away, or simply want the additional fun of a residential course, you are welcome to stay here at Uppingham School. Nonresidential students should bring a packed lunch although drinks will be provided at lunch and during drinks breaks in the morning and afternoon.