POSTED: 7 MAY 2010

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2 OTW Members Hit The Big Time

In February of this year Stefan Davies-Capper and Bethany Crompton went for an audition with The National Youth Theatre. Read on to find out how they did…..

‘The morning session of the audition consisted of various group work exercises-which were really good fun and helped calm the “nerves”. It was interesting working with people I had not worked with before. In the afternoon we had to perform our prepared two minute speeches in front of two NYT coordinators . I felt that my performance had been reasonable however , they told me that I looked more like a TV actor and if I didn’t get in this time to keep trying . After that feedback  I felt it very unlikely that I would get through. We were  told that we  would have to wait eight weeks before we would know whether or not we had been successful  . So for the next eight weeks  I made an effort to put it out of my mind …’ Stefan

‘The results took 6-8 weeks to come through as they auditioned 4316 people from the age of 13-21! Getting the results however was a funny story as my Dad had woken me up at 11:45 at night to shake me with excitement. When he told me that I had got through I was really shocked and didn't know what to say. The feeling you get when you give everything and actually get a huge opportunity back is undescribable. I have wanted to be an actor since I was 6 and I have just got my train going and heading for the destination.’ Bethany  

‘Then it happened , I received the letter !. My hands were tremberling as I held on to the envelope  .  The letter felt heavy in my hands and I had to swallow very hard  .My legs felt like they were going to give way . I sat down and very carefully opened the letter . At first I thought it was a rejection letter, but then  … a booklet ? And a form ?  Reading the letter more closely  my face lit up with a big grin . It wasn’t a rejection it was an offer.’ Stefan

‘The National Youth Theatre will give me training by top theatre professionals in August, for 13 days, in London and after that I can audition for major NYT productions in theatres all over the country.’ Bethany

Both Bethany and Stefan now need to raise £1000 each to fund this chance of a lifetime. If anyone can help them achieve their goals then please contact OTW and we will put you in touch with them.

Oldham Theatre Workshop would like to congratulate Stefan and Bethany on such wonderful news and wish them every success in the Summer.

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As a director I feel strongly that theatre should have a purpose as well as entertain an audience. I hope this piece will not only take you on a powerful emotional journey but also provide a politically relevant thought provoking perspective.

 

 The young people involved have worked extremely hard throughout a very challenging devising process. We have been working with writer Sarah nelson to create an exciting story whilst exploring real current issues in society. It has been fantastic experience to work with such a creative and talented cast; they have had a huge input to the content and style of the piece.
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Oldham Theatre Workshop will use drama to explore the lives of looked after children and the big issues that affect them as they make the transition to adulthood.

 

The Corporate Parenting Conference is an annual event aimed at senior officers, elected members and partners across Oldham Council and beyond. It aims to highlight the important role that all services can play in the development of these children and our responsibilities to include young people in all decision making.

Our young actors will perform five short pieces of drama and linked workshops at the event. After consultation with young people at the Union Street Centre these performances will cover education, employment, health, housing and finance topics.

 

The specially commissioned work will reinforce to delegates their legal and moral duty of care for all looked after children across Oldham. This includes children in care and foster care, young people in children’s homes and those under 24 hour care.

 

Zoë Charnock, Corporate Parenting Manager for Oldham Council who commissioned the play, said:

 “We have full confidence in Oldham Theatre Workshop to deliver this project, promote our work and bring the issues to life. Using theatre we want to highlight our key message… that if it’s not good enough for your own kids then it’s not good enough for looked after children.”

 

The project is part of OTW's ongoing partnership work with looked after children, having recently created a cyber-bullying drama, radio pantomime and animation programme.

 

The company also took a group of young people in care to Auschwitz earlier this year as part of the 22nd Century Citizens project and they were heavily involved in our major summer production Shades of Grey.

 

Bernadette Deakin, Participation Officer for Oldham Council who ensures young people are involved with local services and the decision making process, said:

 “We have been working with Oldham Theatre Workshop over the last two years and children have built a trusted relationship with them.”

 

“Through the Children in Care Council we created a new drama group to discuss and develop emotive issues in a safe environment,” continued Bernadette. “The work has been brilliant in boosting confidence and self esteem, allowing young people to develop creative skills and gain learning certificates for their portfolios.”

 

The Corporate Parenting Conference takes place on Tuesday 16 November in Oldham.



 

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2 OTW Members Hit The Big Time

In February of this year Stefan Davies-Capper and Bethany Crompton went for an audition with The National Youth Theatre. Read on to find out how they did…..

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Oldham Theatre Workshop is a creative, inclusive and quality theatre resource; contributing to the personal and social development of all people in Oldham.

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