Alhambra Summer Youth Drama Project 2009

News Release 14/08/09

Alhambra Summer Youth Drama Project 2009

at the Alhambra Studio Theatre, Bradford

10 August to 11 September 2009

This is the 14th annual Summer Youth Drama project run by Bradford Theatres with West Yorkshire Police and working with selected pupils from secondary schools around Bradford . 

The project is full time and the fifteen participants who have joined the project this year will spend the next five weeks at the Alhambra Studio discussing, improvising, creating a story, making the script and then rehearsing a piece of 'issue based' theatre.  This year the theme is "Community Cohesion".  Previous themes have included drug use, gang warfare, bullying, domestic violence, car crime & gun crime and anti-social behaviour. 

Adam Renton, General Manager Bradford Theatres says:

"This is not for the faint hearted.  It's nitty gritty hard-hitting educational theatre and is quite a challenge for any participant.  The group is made up of young people who might have an interest or experience in drama but who also can show commitment and determination; who are not afraid to contribute ideas and opinions and who can work well as part of a team.  It is a fantastic experience and a chance for the young people of Bradford to work with professional directors, designers and technicians."

Brian Feather, West Yorkshire Police adds:

"The participants gain a huge amount of self confidence, self worth, new skills and the knowledge that they have taken part in a unique experience.  Their participation in a scheme which requires commitment and dedication can be a plus point with employers and when applying for further education."

The summer school culminates in public performances in September. The production is shown to year 7 & 8 students from Bradford Secondary Schools.  There are usually eight or nine daytime performances for schools plus an evening performance for family and friends.  The performance is followed by a discussion session, allowing the audience to increase their understanding of the subject and the performance. 

Participants on past projects have had this to say about the Summer Project:

"...acting is not about showing off, but teamwork.  The most important thing that I have learnt is to work for each other instead of taking to centre stage".

"Thanks to working on this project I have learnt more new skills and have more confidence inside me than ever."

The 2009 Project is supported by Bradford Council, Bradford City Challenge Foundation Ltd,

The Co-operative and First Bradford.

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