Shetland Arts has a new range of classes running from September, these include youth drama, dance and film, contemporary dance drop-in classes for adults and inclusive performing arts classes for all abilities (14+).
The inspiration behind the youth arts classes is to create an environment focused on progression and development in the art for young people. Not only will the youth companies meet weekly, to develop dance, drama and film skills, but they will also have visiting directors, choreographers and filmmakers working with the groups. This will allow each group to have a repertoire of material that can be showcased at Mareel and beyond. Each group will work on techniques as well as having the chance to get creative. The groups are for 12-19 year olds.
These groups are perfect for those who may be interested in a career in the arts. There will be two performance opportunities per year and intensive opportunities throughout. Shetland Youth Dance Company meets on Mondays, Film Crew on Tuesdays and Shetland Youth Theatre on Wednesdays, all at 5.30pm.
Shetland Arts’ Creative Project Manager, Kathryn Spence says:
“Regular training is so important for young artists. These companies create opportunity to continually progress technique and creativity skills, and to build rapport with your company members. Once we have the companies in place, we will then recruit visiting artists to work with them during intensives, allowing them insight to different artistic practice and guest practitioners. The pieces that will be created with them can then be entered into national conventions. These companies begin as weekly classes, but what really excites me is the potential for them to go further. The opportunity to work with a range of visiting choreographers, directors and filmmakers is really exciting. It is amazing to work with a variety of different arts professionals, and to learn their skills and approaches.”
Shetland Arts’ new Inclusive Performing Arts class will meet on Wednesdays in the Green Room at Mareel. The class will focus on music, drama and movement. There will be some signing and Makaton incorporated in the classes. If you have experience in sign language and would like to be involved in class delivery, please do get in touch ([email protected]).
The drop-in Contemporary Dance class will run on Mondays 7-8pm and give adults the opportunity to learn contemporary dance whilst getting fit.
The popular Wellbeing singing and craft classes are also back for the autumn and winter, to be joined by creative writing later in the year. Our Creative Lab: Life Drawing (16+) sessions restart in Mareel on Monday evenings from 9 September. For younger children (7-11) Creativity Club also returns with Crafternoons on Saturdays 1300-1500 offering a variety of fun craft activities.
