Stage2, Birmingham’s longest-running youth theatre, is delighted to announce the return of its hugely popular Summer Schools this August.
Taking place from Monday 25th to Friday 29th August at The Hub in Kings Heath, our two exciting options Pic ‘n’ Mix and the Shakespeare intensive/ exploration course, are open to all whether you are a regular member or completely new to the world of theatre! Stage2 is proud to be fully accessible, offering access to the arts with no audition, no prior experience needed and full subsidies available for any participant, meaning that cost is never a barrier!
The first summer school, Pic ‘n’ Mix, is a flexible and fun-packed week designed for anyone who wants to try out different aspects of theatre and creativity! Participants can attend the whole week or choose individual days, each led by practitioners, who all began their journey at Stage2 as members! Everyday is completely different, from physical theatre and mime with Open Theatre’s Holly Bateman on the first day, to messy art making with Emma-Jo Tucker, to a playful exploration of acting with Lauren Brine. Later in the week, Joel Fleming will be exploring the effect of music and sound on performance and Louis Delaney will round things off with a full day of games, fun and silliness in true Stage2 style.
Pic ‘n’ Mix is open to all ages 7-21, and Stage2 is making an extra effort to support newer or shyer participants, with Mark Sean Walsh (the newly appointed Performances Manager) being on hand each day to assist and help out! The cost is £125 for the full week or £30 per day.
The Second option is Jewels in the Crown, a more intensive Shakespeare course recommended for participants ages 11 and up. This course is ideal for those with an interest in literature, acting or academic study. Led by Liz Light, the Founder and General Manager of Stage2, this in-depth course will explore 22 iconic speeches from 15 of Shakespeare’s most important plays, focusing on themes such as power, revenge, identity and love. Participants will learn how to paraphrase, scan and analyse these speeches, with plenty of support and flexibility to work at their own level. A background on Shakespeare’s life, key plays and common dramatic techniques will also be explored, alongside playful group exercises and rapid-fire, five-minute versions of selected plays.
Whether you’re preparing for GCSE or A Level, aiming to take a LAMDA exam, or just keen to dig deeper into Shakespeare’s language and characters, this course offers a unique and enriching experience. The week costs £125 and attendance at all days is required, so must be booked in full.
Last year’s summer schools, where a Stage Combat course and the Pic ‘n’ Mix option was held, received glowing feedback from both participants and parents. *POSSIBLY INSERT A QUOTE IF THERE IS ONE*.
Stage2 has been running for over 35 years and is proud to be an inclusive youth theatre, where no one is ever left out! For more information or to book a place visit https://www.stage2.org/join/2906-2/ or contact info@stage2.org. Booking is open now!
Can’t make the summer Schools?
Don’t worry – Stage2’s Autumn Term (14th September – 7th December) is also open for booking! With fun and flexible full or half day options, our session on a Sunday promise something for everyone aged 7-21 interested in drama and having a bit of fun! Whether you want to perform in our next world-premier production, get stuck into General Drama, or explore offstage theatre skills and build confidence through games and creativity. Stage1, a session specifically for 7-10 year olds, is a fun session designed so that everyone can have fun, make friends, whilst building confidence and drama skills! Book today by visiting www.stage2.org or emailing info@stage2.or – no experience necessary, no auditions, no waiting list!
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