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Mayflower's biggest ever Summer School

Fri 15 Jun 2012

The Mayflower’s biggest ever

Summer School for 2012

This summer, The Mayflower Theatre has expanded its successful summer school and is running another series of Masterclasses & Workshops led by West End theatre professionals.

Sean Jones, Shona Lindsay, Leanne Harwood, and English National Ballet will lead sessions focussed on acting, musical theatre and dance here at the Theatre. In addition to this, Kim Holder will be running a Streetdance workshop, professional magician Neil Kelso brings a street magic day, and Helena Fox is hosting a Roald Dahl workshop, and scriptwriting day.

The Mayflower Summer School 2012 is part of the Theatre’s developing Educational Programme, and we are very pleased to be able to offer such exciting and unique opportunities to the community.

Rebecca Harvey, Marketing and Education Officer said, “I am delighted that for the fourth year running we are able to bring these professionals to work with our local community. It is so important for The Mayflower to be more than just a theatre, and this series of Masterclasses and Workshops whilst reflecting the kind of product we have on offer really positions us as a resource that the whole community can access. It is a really exciting project, one of which I hope will continue to grow becoming one of the region’s annual events.”

Sean Jones will lead a Masterclass focussing on a selection of acting techniques found in Blood Brothers. Returning to The Summer School in 2012, Sean will facilitate an exploration into the renowned work by Willy Russell. The themes of class, age and relationships will be explored through accent, body language and characterisation. The day will include ‘hot-seating’, forum techniques and Augusto Boal drama exercises. Attendees will end the session by working on a musical theatre ensemble piece from the show.

Acting Through Song with Shona Lindsay is the basis that all musical theatre performers should approach audition and performance technique with. The days of 2 dimensional performances being accepted by a Musical Theatre audience have gone. We must now learn to draw on emotions already experienced and those that we can only hope we will never experience to bring a truthful, emotive and engaging character that continues seamlessly from text into the song.

Leanne Harwood brings a workshop of the hit musical Mamma Mia. Put your singing, acting and dancing to the test as you recreate hit numbers from the show including Waterloo, Mamma Mia and Voulez Vous. Whether you're a beginner or advanced performer, there will be something for everyone in this one-off Masterclass!

English National Ballet have created a series of workshops for a variety of ages and abilities. These are a fantastic opportunity to work with some of the best ballet dancers and choreographers in the business. These range from Adult Ballet and Ballet fit classes through to Youth Ballet and an inset session for teachers.

7-11 year olds will just love to spend an exciting two days exploring the factory and characters from Roald Dahl's much loved novel ‘Charlie & the Chocolate Factory’ through physical theatre and character work, with a short presentation to parents & friends.

A 2 day Writing & Performance workshop culminating in performed readings on stage at the Mayflower Theatre. Using the title Truth or Dare as a springboard, and through writing games & exercises participants will have the opportunity to develop a short script over the course of two days- with an opportunity to perform work at the end of Day 2. Suitable for complete beginners!

Professional magician, mind-reader and illusion designer Neil Kelso hosts a Street Magic Workshop teaching you how to perform street magic tricks; performing impossible feats with cards, coins and everyday objects. If you've ever wanted to go to Hogwarts this is your chance to learn from an award-winning real-life magician. Participants can learn how to perform mindreading stunts and how to create your own tricks and illusions.

Streetdance is a special 2 day workshop ideal for participants aged 9-16 years. Participants will learn a range of different styles of street dance throughout days so participants get to experience a variety and test their skills, to include: Technique, Pure street, Michael Jackson style street including moonwalk, Percussion street (Similar to 'Stomp' with bin lids and sticks) and lyrical street culminating in a short presentation to parents.

Tickets for all the Masterclasses are on sale now with prices ranging from £15 - £60. They are available from The Mayflower Box Office tel: 02380 711811, online at mayflower.org.uk or in person from the Mayflower ticket south shop, in The Marlands shopping centre, Southampton.