As we reach the end of July, some projects are drawing to a close while others are just beginning to spark into life. The school holidays are here too, and I naively thought things might slow down! Instead, the annual summer scramble has begun with juggling work and children while trying to squeeze every drop out of those gloriously giddy summer days. There are rivers to paddle in, late evening sunsets, ice creams, family and friends to catch up with and adventures waiting to be squeezed into the spaces in between.
The Studio
This chapter of The Studio has come to an end, and we’re now busy trying to find funding to make it a regular part of what we do because I genuinely believe opportunities like this matter.
I’m incredibly proud of the young people who took part. The Studio was never really about creating finished pieces; it was about experimentation, curiosity and giving ourselves permission to try things without worrying about getting them right. As one young person put it, “There weren’t really any rules… you could just freestyle it.”
When we first set out to run this project, I didn’t realise quite how much of an impact it would have on everyone involved, including me. Spaces like The Studio are important because they give young people the chance to discover more about themselves and the world around them in a safe, supportive environment. Another participant described it simply as “…it’s like a place where you belong.” I can’t think of a better way to explain why we’d love to see The Studio as a regular feature.
Rec Youth Theatre
Our Junior and Senior Companies both performed at this year’s Buxton Festival Fringe. Two completely different productions, but the same commitment, creativity and willingness to support one another throughout the process. We were also delighted that our Junior Company received two award nominations.
One of the things we’re most proud of at REC is the way we make our work. Productions are devised together, with ideas coming from the whole company rather than starting with someone else’s script. It means everyone has the opportunity to shape the story, and leave their own mark on the performance. We think that’s where young people experience the greatest creative agency, and it’s what makes REC feel so unique.
Perhaps our members say it best. One young person told us, “REC makes me feel part of something bigger,” while another said, “The biggest thing I’ve learnt isn’t acting, it’s including everyone in what we do.”
For us, that’s what it’s all about, creating a space where everyone feels valued, heard and able to contribute.
The summer scramble has begun,gloriously giddy summer days are ahead. There are rivers to paddle in, late evening sunsets, ice creams, family and friends to catch up with and adventures waiting to be squeezed into the spaces in between. read about our advenutres here