At the start of the year, we partnered with The High Sheriff Youth Awards to allow three children to attend our Saturday Drama Club free of charge for the whole of 2018. All children aged 8-9 years old at Weyfield Primary School – located in one of the most disadvantaged areas of Guildford – were invited to apply. The school assisted with the selection process, to ensure those taking part would benefit the most from the experience. Now, we’re two months into the programme and the children’s enthusiasm is infectious.
The High Sheriff Youth Awards Scheme is a perfect fit for us, as they focus on the most disadvantaged areas of Guildford and provide activities for young people which promote self-discipline, self-confidence and good citizenship. All members of our drama-clubs gain new skills, increased confidence and make new friends. We have had around 2,000 members in the last four years alone and the impact on their well-being is huge.
GSC Saturdays ignites the imagination of young actors (aged 7-18) in small friendly groups, led by professional actors and stage combat instructors – many of whom you may well have seen in GSC productions. They’re currently preparing to perform at GLive next month in an original play at the Innovate Guildford science and arts festival. In the summer, they’ll record short Shakespeare plays with Eagle Radio, before returning for a full-length performance in autumn.
Our drama clubs are going from strength to strength and we hope the three children will stay with us long after this placement has finished. Several members of our drama club have gone on to appear in our professional productions, such as Alice in Wonderland and The Winter’s Tale, so who knows where this may take them!
