RBS Invests in the Youth Theatre

RBS has awarded £250 to Forfar Dramatic Society’s Youth Theatre, to help fund its activities, including its current production of Alice in Wonderland.
The award has been made through RBS’s Community Cashback programme which was introduced as part of the bank's ongoing commitment to the communities in which it operates. 
Through the award scheme the RBS helps community groups, schools and charities in which its staff make an important contribution in their own time. 
In this case, the member of staff concerned is Elaine McEwan, who volunteers with the Youth Theatre on a regular basis. Elaine qualifies for the award because she has given over 200 hours of her own time to the youth theatre in the last year.
That has involved her in supporting the group to stage the production “Forfar Tales” as a co-production with the adult club, as well as helping to film and edit “Think Global”.
“Think Global” is a film made by the Youth Theatre which examines the threat of climate change and how changes of lifestyle can reduce carbon emissions.  The film was funded as part of the grant of just over £18000 awarded to the Society from Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Climate Challenge Fund to insulate their rehearsal hall.  You can see the film at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8S9-LLyj96o
 
This is the second year that the Youth Theatre has been able to secure funding through the Community Cashback scheme.  Last year they also received funding which contributed to “Forfar Tales”, and the running of the regular Sunday night sessions.
 
Elaine is currently part of the team working on Alice In Wonderland.  This adaption of the popular novel will see the Youth Theatre use a variety of masks and puppets in an exciting new version of the story.
According to Elaine, it’s really exciting to be working on the project.  “It’s good to see the Youth Theatre doing something that will develop new skills.  They all seem to be really enjoy being part of the production.”
The award from RBS gives a considerable boost to the project. It will help to pay for the materials need for all the masks and puppets, as well as the other production costs.
Dramatic Society President Neil Paterson is delighted by both the injection of cash and the recognition of Elaine’s voluntary effort. “Our youth theatre relies heavily on volunteers” he said. “This award highlights the work they do and brings a tangible benefit to the youth theatre. Elaine is one of a team of volunteers who support the youth theatre and we’re grateful to all of them for their efforts.”
He added “The club as a whole is going through an exciting time at the moment as we continue to upgrade our premises, so remember to keep up to date with what’s happening in the Society!  Check www.forfardramatic.com, search for us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @ForfarDramatic.”


Think Global

The Society is delighted to announce that the recent upgrading work to insulate our clubrooms has now been completed.

As part of the process, our Youth Theatre made a short Film entitled Think Global which explores environmental issues. 

The film was devised, scripted and performed by our Youth Theatre and can be viewed by opening this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8S9-LLyj96o<BR>


Youth Theatre to re-commence soon

Are you a young person interested in acting or producing plays, or do you have an ambition to follow a career in drama or develop your performance skills?

Are you aged 11-18? (P7-S6) If so, Forfar Dramatic Society can provide you with a weekly opportunity to practise and develop your talents. Its Youth Theatre will be starting a new season on Sunday August 28th with a 'play in a day' session from 10am-4pm and all young budding actors and actresses are invited along. This workshop is free but lunch will not be provided.

From September 4th, Sunday evenings (6.30-9pm), members will work over 10 weeks to create a performance piece about climate change which will be filmed and screened on the internet, funded by the Climate Challenge Fund. There will be an enrollment fee of £10 and a weekly fee of £3 per session.

If you are keen to find out more, or know somebody who would be interested, go along on the night to 132 East High Street, Forfar or contact Neil Paterson on 01575 570934.

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Photographs Now Available On-line

Photographs from the Youth Theatre's recent productions of the BFG and A Midsummer Night's Dream are now available online at http://www.flickr.com/photos/fdsyouththeatre/

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What Next for the Youth Theatre?

In the youth theatre, as soon as one project ends another begins and the next venture provides an ideal opportunity for new members to join.

The youth theatre will be working with adult members of Forfar Dramatic Society to present Forfar Tales. This is an exciting writing and devising project that will see youth theatre members involved in researching, developing, writing and performing a brand new piece.

This will provide opportunities for any young person of 11 years and above, with an interest in drama to get involved. They will be able to write, act or help with the many off-stage aspects of the project.

Anyone interested in joining the youth theatre should call 01307 467024 OR come along to the groups’ next meeting on Sunday 30 January at 6.15pm in Forfar Dramatic Society’s Clubrooms in East High Street.

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Another Success for the Youth Theatre

On Sunday 23 January, members and friends of Forfar Youth Theatre enjoyed excellent performances of Roald Dahls’ BFG and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

The twelve young actors in the company worked hard to provide an entertaining night of theatre, each turning their hand to several parts which gave them ample opportunity to demonstrate their considerable acting potential.

Both shows required quick scene and costume changes and a level of concentration that would test much more experienced actors. While there were aspects of the performances that could have run more smoothly, the young people’s level of attainment was high. They are to be congratulated on their efforts.

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