A free Saturday Club for young people aged 13-16 has some spaces remaining on its programme of drama and theatre activities at Wychwood School in Oxford.
Hosted in Wychwood’s main hall every Saturday morning during term time between 9am-11am, the sessions are open to club members aged 13-16 and explore theatre through workshops and performances.
Suitable for teenagers who have a passion for drama and theatre, sessions are delivered in partnership with The Oxford School of Drama and the National Saturday Club, a UK-wide charity which provides opportunities for young people to discover subjects they love for free.
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The independent all-girls school has opened its sessions to the public and pupils at all Oxfordshire-based state schools as part of its commitment to engaging with the local community.
Andrea Johnson, Head at Wychwood, said: “It was fantastic to see participants accomplish achievements and develop new skills and friendships in the first year of our Saturday Club.
“Now, we’re on the lookout for more passionate students to join our engaging sessions. This unique opportunity to learn from drama experts at no cost sits at the heart of our work to connect with the local community and we look forward to welcoming everyone to Wychwood in September.”
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It’s hoped the Saturday Club, which starts in September, can provide a platform for teenagers to build lasting friendships and work with like-minded people. Participants can also choose to take part in national events with leading industry professionals and attend an end-of-term summer show in London.
Saturday Club leader Rebecca Velickovic added: “We are a fun, friendly and inclusive club passionate about encouraging teenagers to explore theatre in a safe and supportive environment.”
Edward Hicks, principal of the Oxford School of Drama, said: “We are delighted to be involved with this project by providing acting students to help teach the free sessions.
“Our students have loved sharing the skills they are learning with Saturday Club participants. As several of our students discovered acting through youth groups and drama clubs, we strongly believe free drama classes like the Saturday Club play an important role in developing the next generation of talent.”
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Established in 1897, Wychwood School is an independent day and boarding school for girls aged 11 to 18.
The school boasts successful alumni including writers, directors, filmmakers and actors who have worked on shows including Bridgerton and The Umbrella Factory.
Spaces are free and applications can be made by visiting saturday-club.org/club/oxford-school-of-drama-at-wychwood-writing-talking
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This story was written by Andy Ffrench, he joined the team more than 20 years ago and now covers community news across Oxfordshire.
Get in touch with him by emailing: Andy.ffrench@newsquest.co.uk
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