www.bridgwater.ac.uk

Arts Performing

4

Welcome

Welcome to Bridgwater College’s Performing Arts brochure where you will find information about our really exciting range of Music and Performing Arts opportunities. No matter which course or subjects you are studying, there are brilliant activities to enhance your time at the College.

Our Academy Programme gives you the opportunity to work with like-minded students and our highly talented and enthusiastic Academy Directors. You will learn a wide range of skills by becoming involved, not just by rehearsing and performing, but also gaining experience that you can transfer to all parts of your life, such as working as part of a team, planning, presentation and confidence. This is really valuable, especially when you come to write CVs and make applications for jobs or other courses.

The Performing Arts Academy has four specialisms – the Dance Company, Drama Academy, Show Choir and Rock Academy. You can find out more about each of these in this booklet. In addition to the Academies we also run a wide range of enrichment groups including our award-winning College Choir, instrumental ensembles and vocal groups that are open to students across the College, as well as our fantastic Music Room for expert one-to-one tuition.

Jenny Ashworth Section Leader for Music and Performing Arts

Wel

co

me

contents

Drama Academy . . . . . . . . 4D14 Dance Company . . . . 6Rock Academy . . . . . . . . . . 8Show Choir . . . . . . . . . . . .10Enrichment . . . . . . . . . . . . 12The Music Room . . . . . . . 14Performance Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

5 4

DR

Am

A Drama Academy

This Academy reflects a professional theatre company with the aim of producing a public performance of a scripted play. We invite highly talented performers and uniquely creative non-performance students to be part of a true ensemble. Each member works in a team to the highest of standards, from set and costume design to final performance from the cast. The Drama Academy is a great opportunity for you to hone your skills, develop your confidence and helps you if you are thinking of pursuing a creative career.

Daniel Hawthorne — Director

Daniel trained at the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts and completed his BA Hons at Guildford School of Acting. He has worked as a professional actor in theatre, film, television and voice over since 1995. During this time he has taken numerous leading roles and completed national tours working with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the BBC. He is the founder of theatre in-education company Shakespeare’s Children.

Freya cooper — Student

I have had so many great experiences in the Academy, especially performing in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and being able to share a year’s worth of hard work with the audience. I love the rehearsals as you can see everything coming together. Everyone is made to feel like a professional from day one, and you can always go to Daniel for advice on how to improve.

Special Features:

• Produce a fully-staged play

• Be a performer or part of the creative team

• Increase your knowledge and experience of theatre

• Work with other motivated and talented people

• Improve your skills and develop your confidence.

7 6

D14 Dance company

D14 Dance Company offers you the chance to experience what it is like to be a dancer working in a company. You will experience technique classes which will help you to develop virtuosity and strength in your performance, as well as learning choreographic skills through devising new work. Throughout the year you will create innovative performance pieces which will be performed in professional venues. These events allow you to engage with other young dancers from the area, forming important relationships while celebrating dance.

Amy Wigglesworth — Director

Amy trained at the University of Chichester before graduating in 2008. During her time at University, Amy performed as part of 3Fall Dance Company, touring and performing at professional venues around the country. She has worked alongside renowned choreographers including Nanette Kincaid (ex-AMP), Ben Wright (Bgroup) and Lila Dance Company. Amy is the Programme Manager for Dance at the College.

miranda Staples — Student

I love the challenges that come with D14 Dance Company such as the fast choreography and new pieces. I’ve had so many opportunities with the Academy which you would never normally have, such as travelling to Mississippi, USA, to perform with Hinds Community College students and meeting new people with the same interests as me.

DA

nc

e

Special Features:

• Perform at professional venues

• Work as part of a dance company with other talented dancers from across the College

• Create work in a variety of styles

• Develop advanced technical, choreographic and performance skills

• Workshops and opportunities with professional choreographers.

9 8

Rock Academy

The Rock Academy line ups have previously included guitars, drums, basses, keyboard, brass and vocals. The groups have now experienced many tours throughout the South of the UK on a professional double decker tour bus, and have entered many local and national band competitions, which are great for experience and exposure. Our students play a wide variety of styles of rock and pop music, the only stipulation being that it must suit a public performance, and with the ultimate goal of producing a solid, professional performance every time.

luke Allen — Director

Luke performs classical, jazz, modern rock and popular music on saxophone, clarinet, piano and keyboard, as well as conducting and musically directing a wide variety of ensembles. His professional experience includes performances at venues such as The Royal Albert Hall, The NEC and Bournemouth International Centre, along with many appearances on national television. Luke is also Programme Manager for Music at Bridgwater College.

Jack Tottle — Student

Being in the Rock Academy allows you to do everything from rehearsals to gigs to playing instruments - there are instruments available for any genre giving you total freedom. It really opens your eyes to the music world and performing as a band. There’s nothing better than performing a song that you’ve been working on for weeks.

Roc

K

Special Features:

• Perform in many public rock gigs

• Learn from experienced musicians and mentors

• Tour and compete in rock competitions at a national level

• Work with other motivated talented musicians

• Increase your knowledge of repertoire and performance style.

11 10

Show choir

The Show Choir gives performers the opportunity to combine choral, close harmony singing with choreography. A place in the Show Choir is very much sought after and students enjoy a busy performance calendar with many high profile performances. Most recently the choir worked with internationally renowned choirmaster Gareth Malone on his CBBC programme The Big Performance and performed live on BBC1 for Children In Need. In the past the Show Choir has taken part in the television programme Don’t Stop Believing which aired live on Channel 5. It was also named UK’s Best Glee Club by Lee Mead and the cast of Wicked, and subsequently performed in the West End at the Apollo Victoria Theatre alongside the cast of Wicked. Concert performances have included The Royal Albert Hall, London and Universal Studios in Florida.

Kathryn Stevens — Director

Kathryn studied at Chetham’s School of Music and The Guildhall School of Music and Drama. She is a freelance Musical Director and has worked with many of the South West’s leading theatre companies being awarded Best Musical Director by the Somerset Fellowship of Drama on numerous occasions. She is an Associate Lecturer in Performing Arts and is the founder of the Bridgwater Youth Choirs.

Alfie Perry — Student

I have had such an amazing and exciting time in the Show Choir, it’s been an inspirational experience. We have all worked together as a team and produced some fantastic material, performing at many venues, including the Music for Youth’s National Festival in Birmingham where representatives from Classic FM watched our show.

SHo

W

cH

oIR

Special Features:

• Perform in a wide range of concerts, including international tours

• Compete in high-profile regional and national festivals and competitions

• Develop advanced vocal and movement skills

• Sing in a wide range of styles with unique harmonies and choreography

• Work with other motivated and talented vocalists from across the College.

13 12

enrichment

Bridgwater college choir• Open-access to students on any course

• Membership is free

• Take part in amazing concerts, often with a full orchestra

• Participate in high profile competitions

• Join over 100 other singers in this fantastic group.

Any College student can join our multi-award winning College Choir. With over 100 members who are studying on a wide range of courses, the College Choir rehearses twice a week in the enrichment timetable block. The Choir is directed by Luke Allen and Kathryn Stevens — two highly experienced choral directors. You will take part in several public performances during the year, with music ranging from rock and jazz song arrangements through to major classical choral works. The College Choir also takes part in exciting regional competitions and has won many awards, including the Young Choir Challenge Trophy at the Mid-Somerset Music and Drama Festival.

Bridgwater Youth choir• Take part in public performances

• Develop your singing and performance skills

• Join other singers from across Somerset in this brilliant after school group.

Any young person aged 11 – 16 can join our Youth Choir and take part in a range of public performances as well as weekly singing workshops. The Choir meets every Thursday and is directed by Kathryn Stevens, who also directs the College Choir and Show Choir. As a member of the choir you will learn and perform in a wide range of musical styles including pop, rock musical theatre and jazz. You will also have the opportunity to audition to join our Youth Show Choir which combines close harmony singing with dance.

Bridgwater Drama company The Bridgwater Youth Theatre Company is aimed at young people aged 14 – 24 with a keen interest in performing and acting. This performance group offers the opportunity to develop your skills, gain experience and confidence in acting, devising, improvising, performing and overall ability, which will all help when applying for further or higher education in the areas of drama and the performing arts. With exciting plans for workshops and ensemble performances, this suits anyone with an interest in drama and a willingness to meet new people.

enR

IcH

men

T

15 14

The music Room

The Music Room was formed in 2001 to provide opportunities for people in Bridgwater and the surrounding areas to learn a musical instrument or improve existing musical skills. Instrumental lessons are available to all ages and the success of The Music Room has been achieved through the hard work and dedication of teachers and students alike. The ability to perform on a musical instrument fosters creativity and teaches critical assessment of the world around us, as well as instilling self-discipline and confidence.

Our staff includes conservatoire graduates which means they are exceptionally well qualified and experienced in delivering instrumental teaching. In recent years students at The Music Room have made excellent progress, achieving outstanding results in graded music exams with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, Trinity-Guildhall and LCM Rock School.

Who is The music Room for?

The Music Room provides music tuition to all members of the community wishing to learn to play a musical instrument. Tuition is on a one-to-one basis and we are happy to advise on a programme or devise something tailored to your needs. There is no upper age limit for tuition, all we ask is for an interest in developing your technical and musical skills and a commitment to practise each day. Parents of younger learners are welcome to sit in on lessons.

Which instruments and styles can I learn?

We cater for a broad range of musical styles, from classical to jazz and rock. We provide tuition in a wide variety of instruments including:

• Voice (singing)

• Piano, organ, harpsichord and keyboards

• Violin, viola, cello and bass

• Flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone and bassoon

• Trumpet, horn, trombone and tuba

• Guitar (classical, acoustic and electric) and bass guitar

• Drums and percussion.

Do I need my own instrument?

You will need to have access to a reliable instrument on which you can practise regularly at home. For beginners, many musical instrument dealers offer very reasonable trial/hire arrangements for the first year of tuition. We are always happy to advise on the best option or instrument for you.

TH

e m

uSI

c R

oo

m

1815

The music Room

When are the lessons?

We will negotiate a time which suits both you and your teacher. Standard lessons are 30 minutes long, structured to include technique, music reading and repertoire. Students at advanced level can choose to take double lessons for extended tuition.

How much do lessons cost?

Please contact The Music Room for up-to-date information and costs on 01278 441369 or email musicroom@bridgwater.ac.uk.

When do lessons start?

You may apply for a place at the The Music Room at any time. Once we have received your application you can enrol and your fee will cover ten sessions.

can I study for music exams?

We enter many students for graded music exams every year. We work with all the major examination boards, and our students have had outstanding success in music grades.

What are the benefits of joining The music Room?

• Your instrumental lesson is on a one-to-one basis and tailored to your needs

• We cater for all levels of ability, from Introductory to Advanced, including Music Performance and Teaching Diplomas

• All lessons are taught by specialist teachers, who are also experienced performers

• You will receive regular weekly feedback on your progress and targeted advice on developing your skills

• You will be able to take part in group and solo performance opportunities as part of the concerts and events calendar.

curtis Day — Student

Music lessons at the College are educational and enjoyable, and the tutors are very professional and treat me as an adult. I have played the piano for a long time and the lessons have enabled me to take my Grade 6 exam. I feel I am continuing to improve my skills and I’m looking forward to another year of having lessons at the Music Room.

19 18

Performance Calendar

Performance Venue Date Time Music Gig (Level 3) Year 2 Bridgwater College Tuesday 19 November 2013 7.00pm

Music Gig (Level 3) Year 1 Bridgwater College Wednesday 20 November 2013 7.00pm

Performing Arts Showcase Bridgwater College Wednesday 4 December 2013 7.00pm

Performing Arts Showcase Bridgwater College Thursday 5 December 2013 7.00pm

Christmas Dance Show Bridgwater College Wednesday 11 December 2013 7.00pm

Drama Show (AS) Bridgwater College Thursday 12 December 2013 7.00pm

Christmas Concert St Mary’s Church Tuesday 17 December 2013 7.30pm

Drama Company Performance Bridgwater College Tuesday 28 January 2014 7.00pm

Drama Academy Performance Bridgwater College Wednesday 26 February 2014 7.00pm

Drama Academy Performance Bridgwater College Thursday 27 February 2014 7.00pm

Dance Show (A Level) Bridgwater College Wednesday 19 March 2014 7.00pm

Drama Performance (A2) Bridgwater College Thursday 27 March 2014 (TBC) 7.00pm

Performing Arts Show (Level 3) Bridgwater College Tuesday 1 April 2014 7.00pm

Music Gig (Level 3) Bridgwater Arts Centre Thursday 3 April 2014 7.30pm

Classical Concert Bridgwater College Wednesday 23 April 2014 7.00pm

Festival of Song TBC Tuesday 29 April 2014 7.30pm

Festival of Song TBC Wednesday 30 April 214 7.30pm

Drama Show (AS) Bridgwater College Wednesday 7 May 2014 7.00pm

Academy Showcase Tacchi-Morris Thursday 15 May 2014 7.30pm

Music Tech Exhibition Bridgwater College Tuesday 20 May 2014 7.00pm

Dance Show Tacchi-Morris Tuesday 20 May 2014 7.30pm

Les Misérables Bridgwater College Wednesday 4 June 2014 7.00pm

Les Misérables Bridgwater College Thursday 5 June 2014 7.00pm

Les Misérables Bridgwater College Friday 6 June 2014 7.00pm

Music Gig (Level 2 & Level 3 Year 1) Bridgwater College Tuesday 10 June 2014 7.00pm

Performing Arts Show (Level 2) Bridgwater College Thursday 12 June 2014 7.00pm

For more information on any of the above performances please call 01278 441262. Alternatively, please visit our online store at store.bridgwater.ac.uk to purchase tickets.

Per

for

mA

nC

e c

Ale

nD

AR