Leeds Rhinos Foundation has joined forces with the Alwoodley councillors (Cllr Cohen, Cllr Harrand and Cllr Buckly) to deliver their first-ever programme of drama and theatre camps throughout the summer holidays.
The drama camps were available for anyone aged 7-14-years-old, living in the LS17 Alwoodly area, looking to explore their performing potential and develop drama skills. Attendees have been given the opportunity to take part in drama games, script work, improvisation and public speaking, all while working towards a short performance of a famous play.
Running at Allerton CE primary school, the camps have proven to be a fantastic addition to the Foundation’s holiday provision by giving dozens of local school children an opportunity to explore their creative side and engage with performing arts in a fun, safe and welcoming environment.
Delivering the sessions is the Foundation’s Dance Development Officer Nicola Booth and local freelance theatre director and choreographer Dean Patrick, who says the camp has helped the kids to grow in confidence and learn a variety of key life skills.
“We’ve used three popular pieces of dramatic stimulus, including the works of Roald Dahl and Shakespeare, to teach them key performance tools such as devising, thought tracks and freeze frames and put our own performance together.
“Over the 12 past months there have been a lot of opportunities lost for the arts and it’s been hard for young people especially to get involved with these kinds of events and socialise as normal, so for them to have this opportunity this week is just wonderful.
“The things they will learn here like public speaking, self-confidence, improvisation and communication techniques are skills they can transfer and carry forward into later life and will really serve them well in all kinds of situations. The fact they’ve been learning lines and delivering plays in the space of 1 or 2 days is extremely impressive, because I’ve got adults that can’t manage that!
“I think it’s really important to be exposed to a whole range of disciplines, whether that’s sport or theater or music, because they’re all strings to their bow that will help to develop well-rounded people.”
Gareth Cook, Head of Partnerships and Engagement said: “We’re delighted to have received this backing from the Alwoodley councillors to help us run these four-day drama and theatre camps throughout the holidays, which is another string to our bow and has been extremely popular with the local school children.
“Our partnership allows us to offer this fantastic opportunity at a reduced cost to local families and provide them with an experience over half term they will not forget, as well as the chance to get active, learn new skills and meet new people.”
The next drama and theatre camp takes place next week at Allerton CE Primary School, from Monday 16th to Thursday 19th August.
For more information about our drama and theatre camps, please contact gareth.cook@leedsrhinosfoundation.org.