Clevedon’s unique arts venue, Theatre Shop, is opening its doors for a new series of ‘Engage’ drama workshops inviting adults and children in the area to get creative.

The workshops are being launched in November as part of Theatre Orchard’s ‘Engage’ programme and will be led by renowned theatre-maker Angela Athay-Hunt, whose past experience includes Associate Education Director of Bristol Old Vic and a wealth of projects with organisations including Theatre Orchard, Travelling Light Theatre and the Egg.

Starting on November 9th, the ‘Explore Theatre’ Adult Drama Sessions will run on Friday mornings from 10.30am to 12.30pm on November 9, 23, 30 and December 7, offering a different focus each session. The workshops will be run on a drop-in basis, with a £3 cost per person, per session. No previous experience is necessary, just a willingness to join in the action.

Under 5’s Weekly Drop in Sessions will run on November 9, 16, 23, 30 and December 7, from 1.15pm – 2pm, with a cost of £3 per family, per session. These interactive theatre sessions are inspired by Travelling Light and Theatre Orchard’s seasonal show “Three Kings” and will feature some tall tales, storytelling adventures, song and dance. No booking is required, families are invited to simply turn up on the day and have some fun. There’s also lots for little ones to enjoy in the Under 5’s sessions, which provide the perfect way for children to inter-act, build confidence and show off their personalities.

Angela Athay-Hunt, workshop course tutor said: “The adult drama workshops provide an informal and supportive platform for aspiring performers to tap into their inner sparkle and shine on stage! If you are interested in learning new skills, exploring your own creativity and discovering a range of theatre techniques, join us at the weekly drop-in sessions for plenty of unscripted fun! ”

Theatre Orchard’s Creative Director Fiona Matthews, added: ”Theatre Shop is a great space in the middle of Clevedon and we want to share it with more people.  Our new Engage programme is bursting with brilliant workshops for all ages – no arts experience necessary, just a willingness to have a try and have a laugh!”

Following the Engage Drama Workshops, in the New Year, Theatre Orchard is launching a brand, new Youth Theatre at Theatre Shop. The Youth Theatre sessions will explore a wide range of theatre techniques in a playful and creative way with the opportunity to perform in a professional theatre space.

The sessions, led by tutor Angela Athay-Hunt, will run weekly on Mondays, with the Junior Session, suitable for 7 – 11 year olds, being held from 4.30 to 5.45pm, immediately followed by the Senior Session for 12 – 16 years, from 6pm to 8pm. The sessions will take place weekly over a ten week term on the following dates: January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11, 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25. Spaces are bookable in advance with a term fee of £55 per person for the Junior Session and £60 per person for the Senior Session.

To book a place for the Spring term, please complete the booking form on www.theatreorchard.org.uk/engage/

For more information contact:

Fiona Matthews, Fionamatthews@theatreorchard.org.uk

Julie Peel, PR Consultant, Julie@theatreorchard.org.uk