Central Youth Theatre has the full support of ITE (International Theatre Exchange) the UK Centre of IATA (International Amateur Theatre Association)
EVERYBODY DANCE NOW
As part of the celebrations for the 2012 Olympics in London UK, funding is being made available for each area of the country to create artistic projects for a Cultural Olympiad.
Central Youth Theatre in Wolverhampton, West Midlands UK is applying for funding to take part in the Cultural Olympiad Programme and subject to funding we would like to invite representatives from nine countries to take part in our project "Everybody Dance Now" which we are planning to host in the summer of 2011.
We have already identified groups from the Czech Republic, Ireland, Germany. Lithuania and Austria and are now actively seeking groups from Italy, Poland, Hungary and Holland.
Aims of the Project
Ø To celebrate the diversity of youth theatre from across the continent of Europe through an international theatre project.
Ø Be for the benefit of visiting participants of the visiting European countries, many young people of Wolverhampton, the migrant communities of Wolverhampton and the general public.
Ø Provide learning opportunities for young actors through a programme of workshops and performances
Ø Offer exceptional educational opportunities for Central Youth Theatre members, by giving them the opportunity to both help organise the festival and create artistic work alongside our international visitors
Ø Showcase the arts and young people in Europe and Wolverhampton.
Ø This is not a competitive festival
About Us
Central Youth Theatre is based in Wolverhampton a City in the West Midlands region of England, around 20 kilometres from Birmingham and about an hour and a half from Stratford Upon Avon, birthplace of Shakespeare.
The youth theatre was founded 26 years ago, by it's current director and is 'centre of excellence' for the creation and performance of theatre with and for young people. The Youth Theatre offer theatre opportunities for young people aged 8 -25yrs of age and has a long history of international exchange programmes and attending international theatre festivals.
Project Theme
We are hoping to host groups from those countries that have migrant populations in Wolverhampton. In particular those who came during the second world war and during the start of the Cold War.
The theme of the artistic work, is going to be around how easy or difficult it is for Migrant groups to hold on to their culture when living in a foreign land – particularly the culture of traditional dance. We wish to work with youth theatre groups who would be prepared to use dance in their work.
Project Structure
Stage One - 2010 Pre-Planning Visit to Wolverhampton
Ø Our project will start in the summer of 2010 when we would like to host a planning visit in Wolverhampton from 12th – 16th August. The planning visit would be attended by a leader from each group, plus one young person from each group. The British Council will pay travel expenses for a maximum of two people.
Stage Two – 2011 Week long Festival
Ø Will be held in August 2011 – exact dates to be decided, and would be a one week festival of performances and workshops staged by all the participating youth theatre groups.
Age Range
Ø The age range of the Youth Theatre companies will be 14 -25yrs of age
Numbers
Ø 12 people per company plus two group leaders
Performances
Ø Between the pre-planning visit in 2010 and the main festival in 2011 each participating company will create a complete theatrical performance of between 40 -50 minutes in length. The performance will be in some way an interpretation of the theme of the festival, which be discussed at length at the pre-planning visit.
Other conditions
Ø Accommodation and all meals will be provided for the participants.
Ø Travelling expense too and from the UK will be the responsibility of the participating
Ø Groups – except for the pre-planning visit, when we can re-imburse 100% the travel exprenses of one leader and one young person.
Ø Groups will be collected from and returned to Birmingham Airport on each visit.
Application
Each company needs to send:
Ø A letter of application including a description of the company, its history and its activity, contact names, numbers and e-mail
Ø A video recording, VHS standard, or a DVD of a production which is typical of the company's work
Ø 3- 5 different photographs (colour and/or black and white, - digital or non-digital accepted) of any performance.
Deadline
Ø Applications must be received by Friday 22nd January 2010. Companies will be informed about their acceptance or otherwise.
If you are group from any of the countries we have identified. I hope you are able to submit an application to take part in this unique youth theatre theatre project.
Please send applications to:
Jane Ward
Director Central Youth Theatre
Email: twwajane@aol.com www.centralyouththeatre.org
Address: Central Youth Theatre, Newhampton Arts Centre, Dunkley Street, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV1 4AN, UK.