Event Type : Other Events

Have you ever wanted to get involved behind the scenes with one of our Music and Drama Group’s productions, or are you creative but don’t want to be on the stage itself, and not quite sure where to start? 

Well, here is a chance to take part in workshops and learn more about getting involved. Whether it’s set design, being backstage, production photography, costumes, lighting, producing or directing, this day will allow you to find out more.

We have a series of workshops running throughout the day to allow you to experience as many different areas as you like. There are limited spaces available and we would advise booking your space (see below). Workshops are free to attend. There will also be the chance to have a tour of the Arts Centre, chat to other volunteers who have been working in these areas behind the scenes, meet other like minded people as well as the chance to grab coffee and cake. The bar will be open from 12.30pm onwards.

Visit, explore, discover, collaborate, join us, take part!

Programme:

11am ‘Bringing the Stories to Life’ Directing – led by Diana Banham

Start with a scene, make it sing…the rest will fall into place from there. Whether it’s the allure of crafting and telling a brilliant story, or working with great people around you … or simply being brave enough to take the next step and challenge yourself to develop your love of theatre, this workshop is for you. Diana Banham’s session will be a case study of the recent production of The Thrill of Love and promises to be an entertaining, unfiltered and very real deep-dive into the directing process from beginning to end. If you have dreams of sitting in the Director’s chair, book a space on this workshop to find out more.

11am ‘Set the Scene’ for Stage Design – led by Kim Pragnell

A workshop that takes you through concept, model and the creation of stage scenery for any production. Join Kim and develop your interest and talent from page to stage with this brief journey of design at SAC.

11am Spotlight Anyone? Lighting – led by John Baldwin

Do you have an interest in lighting and technical? Come and join John Baldwin with a brief introduction to what we are trying to achieve with stage lighting for different sorts of shows, drama, dance and bands. You will have a quick look at some of the types of lights that are used and where we are heading in the future. Then there will be a chance to play with some colour and controlling light using our lighting desk. You need to be 16+ to participate in this workshop.

11am ‘What a Picture’! Photography – led by Ian Berry

Have you ever wondered why the Music and Drama Group need photography for a play or musical? Are you a photographer who would like to get involved and wants to see what it is about? Or do you want to come and be part of a photo shoot, to play with some ideas for an upcoming production? Come along and join Ian as he takes you through some of these questions and answers as part of his photography session.

12.30pm ‘Crafting the Vision’ Set Build – led by Pete Morris

Do you love creating things from different materials and working in a team? Have you ever thought about getting involved in a show but don’t quite want to be on the stage! Getting involved in the set build and paint team is always a fantastic option. Come and join Pete and Andy as they share their own experiences of set building for different productions, answer questions, chat about the highs, the lows, how you can get involved, the different levels of commitment that you can have and how much fun it is! If you are creative with the brush, then Pete and Andy would love to also chat to you about set painting. Come and join them to learn more and get involved.

12.30pm ‘I Like to Move’ Choreography – led by Tom Arkle and Charlie Hamilton

Do you like moving and have rhythm? Have you ever wondered how you can get involved in choreography and movement for some of our Music and Drama shows? Come join Tom Arkle and Charlie Hamilton as they talk about their own experiences of being a show choreographer, some of the processes involved and get a chance to have a go at creating a very small piece of movement as part of the workshop.

12.30pm ‘Celebrate the Rhythm’ Musical Directing – led by Georgina Cluett

Do you love and have an understanding of music? Would you love to work on a show in some way helping with the music elements? Well come along and join Georgina as she talks about the role of Musical Director for our Music and Drama shows. It will be an opportunity to find out all about how Musical Directing works, the processes involved, the support available, how you can get involved and what is involved. Come along to collaborate with others and develop your musicianship.

12.30pm ‘Command the Stage’ Stage Management – led by Julian Neaser

2pm Stage Make Up – The lure of the greasepaint – led by Ollie Parnell

Do you love designing innovative and stunning new looks using makeup? Maybe you have always fancied having a go at stage makeup but didn’t know where to start. Join Ollie as he take us through a step by step guide creating both 1950s day and 1980s evening stage makeup.

2pm The Magic of Creating Props – led by Sophia Ruel

Starting with a script and list of props to creating and co ordinating what is needed to help bring the directors vision to life. Come along with Sophia as she talks to you about the process from page to props creation and get a full hands-on experience of making speciality props for the upcoming coming Pantomime, ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’.

2pm The Art of the Producer – led by Sophie Lester

What does a Producer actually do, we hear you ask? The answer is – that is a very good question! The Producer role is one that helps to weave the different threads of the production together and is often the glue that brings everything together in the background to help create the final picture of the show. Come along and hear about some case study examples, as well as the process involved in the producer role when working on Music and Drama Group shows to see how it all knits together.

2pm ‘Let’s Make Some Noise!’ Sound – led by John Baldwin

Join John Baldwin, our technical manager, with a brief introduction to sound in the theatre, from drama to bands. You will get to look at some of the equipment and tools that we use and have an opportunity to experience hands on mixing and triggering sound effects and using microphones. You need to be 16+ to participate in this workshop.

Book Your Place(s) Here:

Professor Ryan Lavelle speaks about the links between King Alfred and Dorset.

Not only the foundation of the borough fortress and nunnery of Shaftesbury but also the importance of the ancient shire to the Kingdom of Wessex, and its tumultuous history in the ninth century. Warning: Contains Vikings!

Ryan Lavelle is Professor of Early Medieval History at the University of Winchester. He is the author of numerous books including Cnut: The North Sea King (Penguin, 2017) and Alfred’s Wars (Boydell, 2012), some of which will be available to buy. He was advisor on the Netflix series ‘The Last Kingdom’ and is currently working on a new history of the early medieval borders of the English kingdom.

Tickets: £15. Friends of Shaftesbury Abbey and under 18s £13.

The interest evening for next spring’s production of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead will be held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 13th November. 

Join us to find out more about Tom Stoppard’s thoughtful, witty and inventive script, centred on two minor characters from Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

Trapped in a strange, ethereal space as the machinations of Shakespeare’s major players unfold around them, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern muse on themes of identity, fate, free will and, perhaps inevitably, the certainty of death.

This production will take place in April 2025. Age 12+.

If you are interested but can’t be there on the 13th November, please email stage@shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk for more information.

Tracey Griffin will demonstrate a wonderful selection of Christmas floral arrangements using seasonal flowers and foliage.

The arrangements will be raffled at the end of the performance.

Tickets: £15 to include a glass of wine. Available from Liz Flower on 01747 840074 or at lizmflower@gmail.com.

Join us for an evening of laughter, music and unexpected twists at Belle Street’s BAD Cabaret.

The dynamic singing duo, Belle Street, renowned for their harmonious melodies and self depreciating wit, will take centre stage on what promises to be a night to remember. However, there’s a twist – Belle Street aren’t sure which one of them was supposed to book the special guests!

Watch as our dynamic duo, with the help of their frazzled stage manager, scramble to pull together a show with unexpected but delightful results. Expect impromptu performances, audience participation, and surprise cameos that will keep you entertained all night.

Dress to impress, bring your friends, and get ready for an evening filled with music, comedy, and heartwarming moments. Don’t miss out on Belle Street’s most entertaining and unpredictable show yet! Secure your tickets now and be part of the fun.

All proceeds from this unforgettable night will go to The Brave and Determined Company, supporting those who need early intervention, life saving counselling.

UPGRADE YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH A VIP TICKET! This includes a welcome and interval drink in a separate VIP area and an exclusive, limited edition Belle Street/BAD Co collaboration goodie bag and complimentary signed programme.

Tickets: £17.50. VIP tickets £45.

Shaftesbury Arts Centre is launching a new, weekend-long competitive festival for young people to demonstrate their musical skills.

This weekend will celebrate music making and provide encouragement. Adjudicators will offer helpful comments and prizes will be awarded for effort and achievement.

The categories for entries are:

• Solo voice
• Solo instrument
• Duet voice
• Duet instrument
• Group voice
• Group instrument
• Composition

Suitable for ages 4-18 years.

Entries £5 per class, both solo and group.

Entry forms will be sent on receipt of payment – please provide an email address during booking. Closing date for entries is 13th October 2024.

For further information, please email SYPF@shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk.

Book Your Place(s) Here:

Join us for an evening of laughter, music and unexpected twists at Belle Street’s BAD Cabaret.

The dynamic singing duo, Belle Street, renowned for their harmonious melodies and self depreciating wit, will take centre stage on what promises to be a night to remember. However, there’s a twist – Belle Street aren’t sure which one of them was supposed to book the special guests!

Watch as our dynamic duo, with the help of their frazzled stage manager, scramble to pull together a show with unexpected but delightful results. Expect impromptu performances, audience participation, and surprise cameos that will keep you entertained all night.

Dress to impress, bring your friends, and get ready for an evening filled with music, comedy, and heartwarming moments. Don’t miss out on Belle Street’s most entertaining and unpredictable show yet! Secure your tickets now and be part of the fun.

All proceeds from this unforgettable night will go to The Brave and Determined Company, supporting those who need early intervention, life saving counselling.

UPGRADE YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH A VIP TICKET! This includes a welcome and interval drink in a separate VIP area and an exclusive, limited edition Belle Street/BAD Co collaboration goodie bag and complimentary signed programme.

Tickets: £17.50. VIP tickets £45.

Shaftesbury Arts Centre is launching a new, weekend-long competitive festival for young people to demonstrate their musical skills.

This weekend will celebrate music making and provide encouragement. Adjudicators will offer helpful comments and prizes will be awarded for effort and achievement.

The categories for entries are:

• Solo voice
• Solo instrument
• Duet voice
• Duet instrument
• Group voice
• Group instrument
• Composition

Suitable for ages 4-18 years.

Entries £5 per class, both solo and group.

Entry forms will be sent on receipt of payment – please provide an email address during booking. Closing date for entries is 13th October 2024.

For further information, please email SYPF@shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk.

Book Your Place(s) Here: