Marc West gets in touch with his inner thespian at a new acting class for adults

When the Rev James Grote arrived as pastor at John Bunyan Baptist Church, he found a dwindling congregation in a run-down working-class district – a world away from the gleaming spires of Oxford just two miles down the road.

Inspired by his experience in El Salvador, where art plays a colourful part in the expression of faith, he invited the Cowley churchgoers to open up their large and multi-faceted building to all – thus creating a communal space for people to discover new things about themselves and each other and so unlock their potential to create change.

Nearly 20 years on, Ark-T Centre is still going strong and it’s fitting that a brand new course has just begun where you can meet like-minded people in a fun and informal setting.

My friends would probably describe me as a bit of a drama queen and if I’m honest I’ve always wanted to explore my thespian side and try my hand at acting.

So, last week I enrolled on a beginner’s drama class for adults at the centre’s latest addition, Oxon Drama.

Having studied at Columbia College in Chicago under Broadway director David Kromer, Rachel-Mae Brady is now a professional actress with extensive industry experience – who readers may recognise from BBC fantasy drama Camelot. As an actor and instructor, she understands how nerve-wracking getting up in front of others can be.

“The aim of the school is to provide an enjoyable atmosphere for people in which to learn and create,” explains Rachel-Mae.

“Most people’s biggest worry is that they’ll be pushed outside their comfort zone, so it's really important to establish a fun and supportive group dynamic.

“This leads to students taking risks and unleashing their creativity. It's a real joy to watch people develop the raw talent they’ve always had into wonderful performances.”

And, she’s right… I was surprised at how quickly barriers were broken down, teamwork was established and imaginations let loose.

Exploring performance through a variety of simple improvisation activities, four chairs quickly became a car racing through the streets, a silk scarf became a beautiful dancing partner and two previously complete strangers suddenly adopted a scarily realistic mother/daughter relationship that would put most TV soaps to shame.

Plus, if you have some previous experience and would like to really hone your skills, you can step things up to intermediate level – where there’ll be the opportunity to cover the techniques of prominent theatre practitioners such as Stanislavski, Augusto Boal and Peter Brook – culminating with an informal show-and-tell style showcase within the group.

Suitable for all from ages 18 to 80, the current term has unsurprisingly been flooded with interest and Rachel-Mae is aiming to expand the school this summer.

For all details, visit facebook.com/oxondrama

And, you can see her on stage next month at The Old Museum.

While They’re Away is a compelling new play drawn from authentic accounts of life on the home front in Oxford during the First World War.

Playwright Jeremy Allen has worked with members of the local community and delved into the county’s archives to uncover the experiences of a varied cast of characters from the city’s past – including Siegfried Sassoon and Lady Ottoline Morrell.

Performed at Oxford Town Hall (itself once a military hospital), the UnderConstruction Theatre production will run for three nights from March 12-14.

Book your tickets at oxfordplayhouse.com/ticketsoxford

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