The balletLORENT Youth Academy, initially launched as a one-year pilot in the summer of 2021 with funding from Newcastle Culture Investment, has now celebrated four successful years. The free program was created to provide exceptionally talented children, identified through our workshops in Newcastle schools and communities, with the opportunity to develop their dance, theatre, creative, technical, and performance skills.
Our Youth Academy participants have worked closely with our artistic team and guest collaborators. The program goes beyond training in movement, fostering confidence, creativity, and involvement in all aspects of show-making, including design, music, choreography, and dance. The academy continues to thrive, nurturing the next generation of talented performers.
Juniors 7-12 yrs
The balletLORENT Junior Youth Academy offers children a unique free opportunity to develop their dance, choreography, and creative skills through close collaboration with our artistic team and guest collaborators. Beyond movement training, the academy focuses on boosting the confidence and creativity of its members, encouraging them to take part in all aspects of show production, including design, music, and choreography.
Many of our Junior Youth Academy members have had the incredible experience of performing alongside the professional company in community casts for our fairytale productions such as Snow White, Rumpelstiltskin, and The Lost Happy Endings. For most, this is a rare chance to engage in dance and creative activities, which might otherwise be inaccessible in their communities.
Currently, the Junior Youth Academy benefits 20 members aged 7-12 years, and we believe that many of these children will develop a deep interest in the arts. Some may even pursue a professional artistic career, potentially joining the ranks of balletLORENT in the future.
Entry to the Youth Academy is by invitation, following creative dance workshops in schools and communities groups around Newcastle. Participation is free to all members, and we provide chaperoned transport, food and refreshments.
Creative Studio 13-18 yrs
Creative Studio is for young people aged 13-19yrs living in the west end of Newcastle interested in theatre and art and want to create their own work, or collaborate with other like-minded young people.
With access to dance studios, film and photography studios and equipment, sound recording studio, musical instruments, film and sound editing suites, costume and prop making studio and materials and mentoring from theatre and art professionals, you will be given opportunities to:
- Create your own artwork and projects. (For example, music, dance, theatre, costume, films etc)
- Organise your own performances and events. (For example, art exhibitions, gigs or performances, film screenings, at balletLORENT or other venues/sites)
- Request workshops and mentoring from the company to develop your artistic skills and knowledge. (For example, tutoring in film and sound editing software, workshops in dance and choreography, tutoring in how to design music for performance etc)
- Share your work online. Through developing your own website/social media platforms or through balletLORENT website/social media platforms
Creative Studio members need to be committed, excited to learn about theatre and art, and confident to try new things and explore their own ideas.
**No specific skills or qualifications needed in any art form needed to apply**
There is a very simple application process. For details, email james@balletlorent.com or whatsapp 07308 160 383
We will invite you to have a very informal chat. This is an opportunity for us to get to know you better and for you to ask us questions about Creative Studio.
We want to talk with you about:
- Why do you want to be a part of Creative Studio?
- What theatre arts are you interested in?
- Do you have any specific ideas for projects you would like to develop through Creative Studio?
- Would you like to develop any specific skills through Creative Studio?
- Can you talk about, show pictures, films or perform live any of your previous work or art projects?
**Please note that there are limited spaces available so we may not be able to take everyone, please don’t let that stop you from applying**