GRAND ARENA YOUTH THEATRE
Grand Arena Youth Theatre, in collaboration with the Arena Theatre, offers young people a chance to explore the world of stage drama in a fun and friendly environment.
Whether you’ve never acted before or want to improve your existing skills, our professional practitioner will teach you drama techniques to take your acting talents to the next level, everything from improvisation through to physical theatre.
With plenty of musical theatre and dance opportunities available locally to young people, Grand Arena Youth Theatre also offers members a rare opportunity to devise their own dramatic pieces of work, which they perform on stage at the end of the year.
Since the group started, members have performed in many shows including, George Orwell’s Animal Farm which was performed by our Senior members aged 14-18; while our Junior members aged 9-13 performed in a variety of shows including a specially written version of Sleeping Beauty.
In June 2023 our Junior members performed Jack and the Beanstalk, written by Ian Adams and adapted by Fran Richards, this production was performed at the Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton and in July our Senior members performed The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza, written by Don Zolidis, this was also performed at the Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton.
ABOUT OUR WORKSHOPS
Weekly workshops take place on Monday evenings at the Arena Theatre on Wulfruna Street, from 6.00pm – 7.30pm for Juniors (aged 9 – 13) and 8.00pm – 9.30pm for Seniors (aged 14 – 17).
The year begins in September and ends the following July and is split into 3 terms: Autumn, Spring and Summer. All workshops take place every Monday, with the exception of school and bank holidays.
The terms are of a similar cost, depending on the amount of workshops included in each term.
Payment for each term is required before each term commences.
We are currently at full capacity for 2024/25
For more information and details of how to be placed on our waiting list, please contact James Collins (Outreach Manager – Creative Learning) at jamesc@grandtheatre.co.uk.
MEET THE PRACTITIONER
Fran Richards
Fran has loved theatre from a young age and has an extreme passion for small scale, devised and physical theatre, especially that which is accessible to all. After receiving a first-class honours degree and the Jasmin Vardimon Award for Excellence in Physical Theatre whilst training, she began her career as a freelance Actor, working with companies including Birmingham REP, Shakespeare’s School Festival and Gazebo Theatre. Fran now predominantly works as a Director and Creative Practitioner working with Theatre Companies across the country.