As the saying goes, all the world’s a stage, and the Discover App is here to highlight how you can get your creativity flowing when it comes to the world of Theatre!
With World Theatre Day among us, we figured now would be the perfect time to take a deep dive into the different locations on our app, and share with you everything that there is to offer. From community theatre groups and performing arts schools, all the way to the theatres themselves, the Discover App showcases a wide variety of ways in which you can get involved in the arts.
Tameside & Bolton
The borough of Tameside has a lot of opportunities to offer in terms of education in performing arts. Droylsden, for example, is home to Kennedy Studios—a company dedicated to offering Performing Arts tuition from the ages of two and upwards. Integrating the three components of Dancing, Singing and Acting into their classes, their aim is to help their students to build confidence as they take part in their engaging lessons. Alternatively, the Nicholson Academy of Performing Arts not only holds classes for Dancing, Drama and Singing, but also taekwondo, pilates and Zumba for those looking for other means of fitness outside of theatre.
If you want to explore your horizons in the world of dance, the Boundary Arts Centre in Ashton-Under-Lyne offers classes for children and adults alike in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Theatre, Contemporary, Acrobatics and much more. Or, if you were in need of more one-on-one training, they hold private lessons in music, singing, drama and dance. Mainstream Theatre Arts in Hyde, and JH Dance Academy in Denton also provide Musical Theatre and Performing Arts education in the Greater Manchester region.
Lessons and tuitions aren’t the only way to express yourself in Tameside. If you were looking to get involved in theatre groups and apply your hard earned skills, then Ashton and Droylsden are the places to be. Ashton-Under-Lyne is the residence of Guide Bridge Theatre—a non-professional theatre company that produces not one, but six, plays each year, alongside the annual pantomime. They’re happy to welcome new performing members, as well as directors and backstage crew, for those who want to be involved in theatre, but prefer a more behind the scenes approach. Droylsden Little Theatre is another amateur society that holds regular performances throughout the year.
Also in Greater Manchester, you can find the town of Bolton—the location of the Farnworth Performing Arts Company. This amateur theatre group produces a range of plays, pantomimes and musicals each year. The company also have their own choir, who have been known to sing around the area, at sheltered housing, retirement homes, church halls, and even restaurants!
Uttlesford
As theatre is a huge part of the arts, it feels important to mention that Saffron Walden in the district of Uttlesford is home to The Arts Society—a leading educational charity that aims to bring people together through a shared curiosity for the arts. They have so many opportunities for people to get involved by joining or volunteering. So, if you have an interest in the arts and its heritage, this may be the place for you.
Pheonix Theatre Group is also a huge part of the town’s community and the company offer a touring pantomime and theatre productions, as well as training for young people aged 3 to 18 and a range of venue support services. Other training options include STING Performing Arts who cater to delivering arts to those who like to have fun whilst gaining confidence. STING delivers courses in Singing, Dance, Acting, Musical Theatre and Film and Television, so if you’re looking to develop your skills in different areas of the dramatics, then STING has you covered.
Outside of Saffron Walden, in Great Dunmow, you can find the specialist college, ROM Theatre Arts, dedicated to providing first class education in the world of entertainment.
Penzance
If you’re travelling to the south for a sunny holiday, or living locally in the Cornwall area, theatre enthusiasts from all over can enjoy the unique aspects of the arts that Penzance has to offer.
You may have heard of them from their international reputation, but Penzance is the residence of Bash Street Theatre. They’re known for their unique silent-comedy shows, complete with live musical accompaniment but that’s not the only distinctive theatrical element of Penzance.
In the heart of the town, you’ll be able to find the Penlee Park Open Air Theatre. Established in 1948, this unique outdoor space has celebrated performers and entertained audiences for decades. It would certainly be a shame to miss out on experiencing it!
Speaking of experiences, the Minack Theatre, fondly known as ‘Theatre Under The Stars,’ is the vision and life’s work of the legendary Rowena Cade. Rated one of the top ten outdoor places in the world by Lonely Planet Guide, the Minack Theatre is a must-see attraction if you’re planning a trip to Penzance, or looking for something to do on your day off.
Worcester
The cathedral city in the West Midlands has no shortage of educational programs, performing arts centres and theatre groups for thespians of all ages to get involved in.
To start off with, they have Stagecoach Performing Arts—a name you may be familiar with, as they have the largest network of part-time performing arts schools in the country. They are proud to say they have been nurturing and developing young people’s potential for over 30 years, and deliver quality training to make sure each child gets the most out of their experience. Life skills and confidence building, included.
Alongside Stagecoach, Worcester is also home to the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts, who are known for providing outstanding arts tuition for 6 to 18 year olds. As well as training in comedy and drama, film and television and stage performance, they also host film festivals and cinema screenings throughout the year, so there’s always something to keep you busy. Other training can also be found at the city’s Academy Theatre Arts. Established in 1992, ATA has provided the very best in performing arts training for all ages. With 8 studios and two schools in the city centre, they have a remarkable amount of resources guaranteed to help you learn everything you need to know.
In terms of community theatre groups, the Worcester Operatic & Drama Society (affectionately known as WODS) is available for all ages. In addition to performing musical shows every year in the city’s Swan Theatre they also run a very successful youth group, so no matter your age, you can get involved.
And, finally, this brings us to Vamos Theatre. This group has been described by both The Stage and BBC as the country’s leading full mask theatre company. Their productions tour nationally and internationally, and they have an extensive training programme based on full mask skills and non-verbal communication. A truly unique experience if ever there was one!
You can explore all of these wonderful groups, schools and businesses over on the Discover App now!
Written by Ashleigh Dean
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