MRS KLEIN - Almeida Theatre

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ALMEIDA PROJECTS
“Almeida Projects provides an active, creative link between
our theatre and its audience, more specifically an audience
that may not have considered that the theatre might be for
them. This is not simply to ensure an audience for the
future; it is to establish the right of every individual to selfexpression,
to the belief that they possess creative
potential, that theatre is a populist, collaborative art form
as available to them as to everybody else.
Whether any young person working with us goes on to
become a professional writer, actor, director, designer,
administrator or technician is of secondary interest. Our
aim is to act as a catalyst to their energies, to their hunger
to participate – celebrating the creativity of young people in
the best way we know how: by offering them our
experience, our expertise and our unique theatre.”
Michael Attenborough, Artistic Director.
Almeida Projects’ work is inspired by the theatre’s productions and we
deliver a range of high quality, innovative activities including:
• A subsidised ticket scheme supported by regular teacher’s evenings,
free resource packs, free introductory and curriculum workshops
• Residencies and bespoke projects in partnership with local schools
and community groups
• The Young Friend of the Almeida scheme
• A Trainee Workshop Leader Programme
To book subsidised tickets, a workshop or to find out more about
Almeida Projects contact Charlie, Projects Administrator, on
020 7288 4916 or email projects@almeida.co.uk
Highbury Grove Theatre School
Highbury Grove Theatre School is a year-long programme of activity
enabling participants to engage with professional theatre makers to
explore the various roles within theatre, on stage and behind the
scenes. Two artists are working with students from Year 7, 8 and 9 to
offer a basic introduction to using masks and puppetry. As well as
developing performance skills, these workshops link to the themes of
Mrs Klein, exploring the roles that we play in families. As the year
progresses, students will work with a range of theatre practitioners
and will take acting, singing and dance exams. In addition to
performance skills, Theatre School encourages the development of
teamwork, speaking and listening skills at Key Stage 3, and builds
confidence in school life. Theatre School builds on the success of last
year which saw two groups work with writers and directors to create,
rehearse and perform two new plays. Almeida Projects is delighted
to continue our exciting partnership with Highbury Grove School to
deliver this unique opportunity for students.
Into the Almeida
“My favourite part of the process was going to the Almeida, because I
could see how it works” Year 8 student, aged 12
This autumn, Almeida Projects is opening up the doors to the
Almeida Theatre, giving young people a broader understanding of
the inner workings of a producing theatre.
Much of our work with sees students engaging in theatre through
practical activity, acting and devising scenes of work inspired by the
Almeida Theatre’s productions. Yet every production involves more
than just actors: many other people are at work in the building, from
the lighting box to the wardrobe.
Offering access-all-areas Discovery Tours, Almeida Projects is taking
students from our Partner Schools behind the scenes of the Almeida
Theatre’s unique building. Discovery Tours encourage students to
think about the variety of roles on offer in a theatre, learning about the
importance of design, lighting and sound in a production and how
these are realised by the Almeida team. They will also learn about its
unique architecture as a ‘found space’ theatre, including its history
from 1837 until the present day.
As part of the Discovery Tours, students also spend time in the
technical box, where, guided by the Almeida’s team of technicians,
they are shown how the lighting and sound boards are operated, and
learn about the importance of the DSM and ‘The Book’.
Young Friends of the Almeida
Work across the breadth of the theatre building continues with the
Young Friend of the Almeida scheme. The year-long YFA LAB project
will offer a range of pathways alongside performing, enabling
participants aged 15-21 to take up the challenge to develop skills in
writing, directing, stage management and marketing. Together they
will form a brand new company of young practitioners, to produce a
new performance for, by and supported by, young people, at the
Almeida Theatre in August 2010.
If you would like more information about jobs behind the scenes at
the Almeida, please visit our Almeida Revealed section of the website,
where you can read in-depth information about a number of key
departments, including interviews with current Almeida staff.
www.almeida.co.uk/education