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Dateline: 22nd May, 2006
Guildford Theatre Saves Drama Group Guildford's Yvonne Arnaud Theatre has saved The Discover Drama Group from extinction after the group lost their funding and venue in April 2006. Their classes will now take place fortnightly at the Mill Studio. The Discover Drama Group was formed in January 2001, specifically for young people aged 16+ from Surrey, West Sussex and Hampshire who are 'moderately' learning disabled. Members of the group have the opportunity to develop communication, co-ordination and social skills, to build confidence levels through performing and visual arts activities, and to increase their knowledge of theatre skills through workshops and performance. They meet each fortnight during term time for drama, dance, mime, music and mask workshops. Some members also take part in the holiday workshops run by the Yvonne Arnaud Youth Theatre. The group is administered on an entirely voluntary basis, and in recent years was part funded by Adult Learning in Guildford. This funding ceased in April of this year so Guildford's Yvonne Arnaud Theatre have decided to save the group by giving them a new home in the Mill Studio, bringing them under the umbrella of the Yvonne Arnaud Youth Theatre The workshops will be led by Nick White and Emma Fisher who, after graduating from Bretton Hall, University of Leeds, set up their own company Whitefish which focuses on Theatre in Education. They have provided workshops for the Probation Service, children with special needs (amongst others) covering such topics as healthy eating, bullying and raising self-esteem. General Manager at the Theatre Brian Kirk said, "The Yvonne Arnaud is thrilled that it can be of assistance to The Discover Drama Group whose work we have always admired. We all feel their work must continue and flourish". Speaking of the new partnership, Senior Youth Officer Adam Forde commented, "We're so pleased to bring The Discover Drama Group to the Yvonne Arnaud. Members from the group have been regulars at some of our holiday workshops so they're not strangers to us and the theatre. It certainly wasn't a difficult decision to help out with a venue and tutors. We're really confident the group can go from strength to strength and become a permanent fixture at the theatre." Jay Forsyth from The Discover Drama Group said, "The Group is delighted to receive such a positive response from the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. Participation in these workshops will not only benefit existing students but will offer other young people in the community with additional needs the chance to experience drama and performance based activities. There are very few drama and youth theatre groups in the area who are willing to offer such opportunities on a regular basis. We are very grateful to the Youth Department at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre for their enthusiasm and co-operation." The Discover Drama Group's classes recommenced in their new home at the Mill Studio on Sunday 21st May. For further information about the group or details on how to join please contact the Youth Department on 01483 565191. Please note that all three Archive indices are very long and will therefore take some time to download.
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