the courtyard playhouse theatre programme for schools and universities
DESCRIPTION
National Theatre Live School Screenings, School Workshops, Inter-School Theatresports Tournemant 2015, Improv for TeensTRANSCRIPT
THEATRE foR scHools
The Courtyard Playhouse is the first and only independent fringe theatre in the UAE. We offer a variety of local and international theatre acts every week, and a schools programme that provides a diverse, rich and fulfilling artistic experience for students across the region.
We offer a range of exclusive school workshops, teaching improvisation and acting across all age ranges. In addition, our schools’ programme includes:
The Inter-School Improv’ ChallengeStudents aged 11-18 hit the stage and compete against their peers, issuing and accepting dramatic challenges from one-another, for example ‘best scene in Satwa’, or ‘best historical scene’ – or even ’best musical number’! (Page2).
National Theatre LiveOur partnership with the National Theatre allows us to stream live content like A Streetcar Named Desire starring Gillian Anderson and Frankenstein starring Benedict Cumberbatch from the National Theatre in the UK. (Page 4).
Robin Hood: Improvised! New for Winter 2015, this fun interactive take on the classic fairy tale ends wherever the audience decides to take us. Imagine teachers joining in the battle for Sherwood Forest or children shooting bows and arrows to rescue Maid Marian from the evil Sheriff of Nottingham! The show is aimed at children aged four to eleven.
Work Experience Programme A unique opportunity for students to be immersed in all aspects of running a busy local theatre.
We hope you are excited by the upcoming season. We look forward to seeing you and continue to build strong links between innovative theatre and learning in the United Arab Emirates.
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InTRo’Nothing I’ve ever been a part of, in 16 years of teaching, touches kids like I’ve seen improv do. It gives them so much confidence to just be themselves, to be a part of something where social status, marks, family life, gender, race, religion, does not matter. All that truly matters is the team and the joy it brings to their lives. For me, there is nothing better to be a part of. JOEDY EBERT, GRIMSBY HIGH SCHOOL, WATERLOO, ONTARIO
conTEnTs
Contents:
Page 2: Inter-School Improv’ ChallengePage 4: NT Live - School ScreeningsPage 8: School Workshops Page 9: Work ExperiencePage 10: Teen Classes - At the PlayhousePage 11: Theatre HirePage 12: Contact Us
THE DubAI InTER-scHools ImPRov’ cHAllEngE
On Saturday 31st October, teams of performers from schools across the UAE will converge and take part in the region’s second Inter-schools Improv Challenge.
The Challenge is a team-based competition where schools will play against each other, issuing a series of dramatic challenges to compete for the winners’ trophy. Prior to the Challenge, the teams will be coached by an experienced Courtyard Playhouse company member in a series of workshops either during school hours or as part of your schools’ ASA programme.
When students hit the stage on the night, they will compete against their peers in a fun and friendly contest scored by theatre professionals. The event will conclude with trophies and recognitions. Last season’s winners were Gems Wellington Silicon Oasis (Junior Tournament) and Dubai American Academy (Senior Tournament). Who will take the winners’ trophies home this season?
To register your school please contact [email protected] / 050 5651009
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Nothing I’ve ever been a part of, in 16 years of teaching, touches kids like I’ve seen improv do. It gives them so much confidence to just be themselves, to be a part of something where social status, marks, family life, gender, race, religion, does not matter. All that truly matters is the team and the joy it brings to their lives. For me, there is nothing better to be a part of. JOEDY EBERT, GRIMSBY HIGH SCHOOL, WATERLOO, ONTARIO
InTER-scHools ImPRov’ cHAllEngE
Contents:
Page 2: Inter-School Improv’ ChallengePage 4: NT Live - School ScreeningsPage 8: School Workshops Page 9: Work ExperiencePage 10: Teen Classes - At the PlayhousePage 11: Theatre HirePage 12: Contact Us
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‘Teens who would despise any conventional “cultural” performance will go through considerable hardship to take part in our shows because impro’ is “daring”, and because they get to practice exactly those inter personal skills that they are so desperate to improve: communication, empathy, creativity and friendship’
Keith Johnstone
‘Theatresports is the best kind of improv training. Period.’ Wayne Brady
InTER-scHool ImPRov’ cHAllEngE
nATIonAl THEATRE lIvENT Live is the National Theatre’s groundbreaking project to broadcast the best of British theatre live from the London stage to cinemas and theatres across the UK and around the world.
The Courtyard Playhouse is thrilled to be the first venue in the region to become a part of the NT Live Programme, bringing cutting-edge contemporary theatre to UAE audiences. With special screenings for schools, this is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the most talented international directors, actors and practitioners to students and teachers in a striking theatre setting.
Each broadcast is filmed in front of a live audience at the National Theatre in London. Cameras are carefully positioned throughout the auditorium to ensure that cinema audiences get the ‘best seat in the house’ view of each production.
With The Courtyard Playhouse’s high definition picture and five-point surround sound, students will be completely immersed in the production. This is an unforgettable experience - as close to the real thing as you can get!
To book your school screening please contact [email protected] / 050 565 1009
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nT lIvE sPRIng sEAson 2015THE AUDIENCE Public: Aug 28, 8pm & 29, 3 & 8pm Recorded in London’s West End in 2013, The Audience, with Olivier Award winner Schools: From Aug 30 and Tony Award nominee Helen Mirren
EVERYMAN Public: Sep 11 & 12, 8pm BAFTA winner and Academy Award® nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor takes the title Schools: From Sept 13 role in this dynamic new production
BEHIND THE BEAUTIFUL Public: Sep 25 & 26, 8pm A new play by David Hare, based on the book by Katherine Boo FOREVERS Schools: From 27 Sep A VIEW FROM THE Public: Oct 8, 9 & 10, 8pm The Young Vic’s ‘magnetic, electrifying, astonishingly bold’ production, with Mark BRIDgE Schools: From Oct 11 Strong as Eddie Carbone MAN AND SUPERMAN Public: Nov 19, 20 & 21 @8pm Academy Award® nominee Ralph Fiennes plays Jack Tanner in this exhilarating Schools: From Oct 22 reinvention of Shaw’s witty, provocative classic
HAMLET Public: Dec 3, 4, 5 @8pm Academy Award® nominee Benedict Cumberbatch takes on the title role of Schools: From Dec 6 Shakespeare’s great tragedy
To book your school screening please contact [email protected] / 050 565 1009*Last seasons screenings are available upon special request: Streetcar Named Desire, Curious Incident, Frankenstein, Treasure Island, Skylight & The Hard Problem.
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scHool WoRKsHoPs
IMPROV’ IN THE CLASSROOM
Our school workshops bring improvisation into the classroom through games and exercises appropriate to each age group.
Each workshop has been carefully devised to suit the developmental stages and is taught by experienced teachers and improvisers who are selected with the course and age range in mind.
Literacy Through Improvisation Years 1-6 Years 7-9
Improvisation and Storytelling Years 1-6 Years 7-9 Years 10-12
Theatresports Years 10-12
Improvisation develops communication skills, teamwork, confidence and trust. It ignites spontaneity, improves our lateral thinking and releases the potential artist in us all. We believe that children have just as much to gain from improvisation as teenagers and adults.
‘If you don’t have to kick the students out after school, something is wrong.’ Keith Johnstone
Please contact us for our full schools workshop brochure
scHool WoRKsHoPs - ImPRov In THE clAssRoom
WoRK EXPERIEncEThe Courtyard Playhouse offers work-experience placements for students with the desire to earn Community and Service (CAS) recognition for IB Diplomas or GCSE/IGCSE work-experience placements. Our work experience-programme can be tailored to suit the educational parameters of various school examination requirements. We have four places available per season.
Students will have the opportunity to learn:
• Stage management • Scenography • Working lighting and sound desks for live shows and events• Patching and rigging lights • Working Front of House (FOH) and food and beverage (F&B)• Admin and marketing
Students on our work experience programme will be immersed in all of the aspects of running a busy theatre.
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KIDs & TEEns clAssEsTHEATRESPORTS TEENS: IMPROV’ CLASSES
Our weekend classes for teenagers at the Courtyard Playhouse are fast paced, exciting and give teens a solid grounding in the different modern styles of improv’ that dominate the writing, acting and comedy world today. Each week students explore a challenging variety of improv’ exercises unleashing their natural creativity and humour. Culminating in a Theatresports or Maestro Improv’ showcase where participants’ family and friends are invited to watch.
CENTRE STAgE: SPEECH AND DRAMA CLASSES WITH OPTIONAL LAMDA EXAMS
Classes for pupils from 5 - 16 years old encourage children to explore a wide range of drama, poetry, prose, performance techniques and drama games. They will develop confidence using various techniques and learn to express themselves through their bodies and language.
Courses for our Spring Season:
CLASS AGES Dates TIMES DURATION FEES
THEATRESPORTS TEENS 13 - 18 Sep 11 - Oct 31 Fridays 1pm - 3pm 2 Hours 1 125 AED
Nov 4 - Dec 14 Wednesdays 5pm - 7pm 2 Hours 875 AED
CENTRE STAGE 5 - 7 Sep 13 - Dec 12 Sun 3:30pm, Mon 3:30pm, Sat 10am 1 Hour 975 AED
8 - 11 Sep 13 - Dec 12 Sun 4:30pm, Mon 4:30pm, Sat 11am 1 Hour 975 AED
12 - 16 Sep 13 - Dec 12 Sun 5:30pm, Mon 5:30pm, Sat 12pm 1.5 Hours 1300 AED
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THEATRE HIRE The Courtyard Playhouse is nestled in the creative heart of Dubai, amongst the galleries and cafes of Al Quoz. We are located just around the corner from Times Square Centre, next door to Lime Tree Cafe and opposite Bounce.
The Playhouse is available to hire for school productions, recitals, assessments, seminars and screenings.
Our 70-seater auditorium is equipped with professional lighting, audio and video equipment. We have a spacious Green-Room and Foyer area and can offer tasty catering options through Lime-Tree Cafe.
THEATRE HIRE
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Screenings, workshops and work experiece contact:
Director of Education
Helena Panayis
Venue Hire and general enquiries contact:
Theatre Manager Kylie Schultz
050 986 1761
Marketing and Advertising opportunities contact:
Co-owner and Marketing Director
Tiffany Schultz on 055 967 3927
/TheCourtyardPlayhouse
@Court_Playhousehttp://courtyardplayhouse.com
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