Blackfriars Theatre launches new theatre programme for young people in Boston

Theatre Unlocked, a new 10-week programme from Blackfriars Theatre Academy, will give young people the chance to develop their performance skills while also exploring the wider world of theatre, from stagecraft and blocking to rehearsal practice, cues and technical theatre.

Taking place at Blackfriars Theatre in Boston, the programme has been designed for both young people who already love performing and those who may be trying theatre for the first time.

Across the 10 weeks, students will act, sing, move, create and rehearse, while learning more about how a professional theatre works both on stage and behind the scenes.

Rather than focusing solely on rehearsing towards a final show, Theatre Unlocked will introduce a different area of theatre practice each week, giving students the chance to learn a skill and then put it straight into use through practical creative work.

The programme will be delivered by experienced freelance theatre practitioners, with opportunities for students to learn from people bringing different skills and professional experience into the theatre. Areas explored could include acting, musical theatre, movement, directing, stagecraft, technical theatre, puppetry and other specialist disciplines.

Blackfriars Executive and Artistic Director Adey Ramsel said: “One of the biggest advantages we have at Blackfriars is that young people aren’t learning theatre in a classroom. They are learning it inside a real working theatre.

“We want them to enjoy performing, but we also want to open the door to everything else that makes theatre happen. There are so many different skills, roles and opportunities within this industry, and Theatre Unlocked gives young people the chance to start discovering them.”

Four Saturday groups will cater for different ages, with Stage Star for ages 5 to 7, Spotlight for ages 8 to 11, Company for ages 12 to 14 and Studio Pro for ages 15 to 18. Fees for the full 10-week programme start from £85.

Students will receive Theatre Unlocked learning materials throughout the term, keep an individual Skills Record and receive end-of-term feedback and a Theatre Unlocked certificate recognising their progress.

There will also be a Theatre Unlocked Finale in December, bringing the four groups together to celebrate what they have explored during the term. However, Blackfriars is keen to stress that performing in the finale is completely optional.

Young people who do not want to perform in front of an audience can still take part fully in the programme, complete the course and receive their certificate.

Before the programme begins, families will also be able to get a taste of what is on offer at Theatre Unlocked: Backstage Pass, a relaxed drop-in event at Blackfriars on Saturday 5th September from 5.30pm to 8.30pm.

Families will be able to step onto the stage, explore behind the scenes, take part in theatre games and challenges, join short theatre tours and test their musical theatre knowledge in a quiz with prizes. There is no need to have already registered for Theatre Unlocked to attend.

Parents and carers can find full information about Theatre Unlocked and register their interest at blackfriarstheatre.co.uk/theatreunlocked.