The festival, which is running from 18th September – 12th November, gives 11-18 year olds the chance to perform half hour adaptations of famous Shakespeare works in professional theatres all over the UK.
This week, it was the turn of the Tobacco Factory Theatre to open its doors to young actors from ten schools across Bristol, including: Oasis Academy Brightstowe, Barnwood Park Arts College, Colston’s Girls’ School, Cotham School, Monks Park School, Nailsea School, Redland Green School, Sir William Romney’s School, St. Mary’s School and The Red Maids School.
All the schools taking part received abridged scripts and a workshop from the National Theatre Discovery Programme to help them prepare for their performance.
It is the second year that Oasis Academy Brightstowe has participated in the festival and the Academy decided to pick King Lear because they performed a comedy the year before.
Helen Ashcroft, Drama Teacher at Oasis Academy Brightstowe, said: “We are delighted to be involved in the festival again, as it’s such a great opportunity for our students to experience performing in a professional venue.
“They have really enjoyed getting their teeth into King Lear, as the tragedy offers a lot of scope for learning theatrical techniques. I am hoping to work with the Year 11 students to adapt the play for their GCSE exam performance.”
Year 11 student Ben Deurance said: “Performing the play at the Tobacco Factory was a really good experience, and unlike anything I’ve ever done before. To be honest, I wasn’t sure whether I could do it, because I’ve never acted on the stage before. But once I got up there, I didn’t feel nervous, so it’s really helped boost my confidence.”
-ENDS-
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