Explode!
- October 2010
We have been commissioned by Central Bedfordshire Council to run a creative play performing arts project for students who have a strong interest in the arts and performance, and are excited about devising new pieces of theatre. The project is for students in Years 11 - 13 who are living or studying in Central Bedfordshire.
The students will work as a whole company and also in 3 groups, one having a dance focus, one a drama focus and one a song-writing / music focus. Over three Sundays, they will work as a company, taking part in various tutor-led workshops, including drama games, vocal workshops and movement sessions. They will then decide on a common theme, something that the group as a whole has a passion to explore creatively.
The project will culminate in an intensive four day course during October half-term. This is when the students will split into the separate discipline groups and assisted by the specialist tutors devise, choreograph or compose a performance piece that will become a complete performing arts experience based on the common theme. The course is FREE to all participants.
Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis. If you would like an application form, please send us an email on the Contact Us page.
Wacky Workshops
- February and May 2010
We have successfully run two weeks of ‘Wacky Workshops’ on behalf of a group of local schools (The Hills Lower, Goldington Green Lower, Putnoe Lower, St. John Rigby Lower, Castle Lower and Hazeldene Lower).
In the first week we explored the stories of Roald Dahl through drama, dance and puppets including drama games, learning to improvise and exploring becoming different characters with our bodies and voices. We had 80 children attend each day and over the week, we saw nearly 300 different children from years 1 – 4 from the six participating schools! The week was such a huge success, we repeated it again during May half term and focused in different themes such as Superheroes and Mythical Creatures.
“My daughter, attended the "Wacky Workshops" that were arranged during the half-term week just gone. Following her attendance, I would like to express my sincere thanks to you all for a most enjoyable week that she has experienced. She has thoroughly enjoyed all the sessions and has already said that if ever arranged again she would definitely want to attend! Thanking you again and to ALL the staff involved in organising and running these workshops that were a complete success for my daughter.”
Gotta' sing, Gotta' dance!
-in partnership with Bedfordshire Music
Peculiar Productions and Bedfordshire Music offered this four day introduction to musical theatre for 13 - 19 year olds. We were able to offer this course during February half term 2009 at Biddenham Upper School, Bedford and then again during February half term 2010 at All Saints Academy, Dunstable.
Throughout the four days students worked on different musicals, learning songs, dance routines and staging scenes from musical shows such as 'Glee', 'West Side Story' and 'Hairspray', culminating in a performance to family and friends on the last day.
The courses fulfilled their promise of being a fun packed four days of singing, dancing and acting with professional tutors offering the students an introduction to musical theatre.
"The Gotta Sing Gotta Dance 2010 was the best week of my life! I attended in 2009 and I didn’t think it could get better than that but it did. That week changed my whole view on life. I always have dreamt of going into the Performing Arts area but I never really believed I could do it. Now I do. I have grown-up so much and realised that if I want something I need to go out and get it and work for it."
"Many thanks for organising a fantastic half term holiday course. My daughter had a fantastic time and can't wait for you to repeat it. We thoroughly enjoyed the show and thought the standard all the children had reached after only 4 days was excellent. Well done to you all and for all your enthusiasm. I do hope you will do another course."
“Thank you so much for a great experience I will never forget.”
“This was amazing, wonna do this again.”
“I’ve had a great time thank you for much for all your enthusiasm and support.”
Opera Antics Weekend
- in partnership with Luton Music Service
Peculiar Productions and Luton Music Service were pleased to be able to offer this fully funded weekend master class for 13 - 18 year olds living in Luton. Over the 3 day course, the students learnt music and staging for sections of operas from different genres. They covered Dido and Aeneas (Purcell), Magic Flute (Mozart), Carmen (Bizet) and Pirates of Penzance (Gilbert and Sullivan). The weekend helped to improve their vocal technique, ensemble skills, helping with singing in harmony and understanding how to bring music to life through performance. This led to a performance on Sunday afternoon to friends and family.
The workshop was aimed at those wanting a taster of how an opera company works and was led by enthusiastic professionals who have extensive knowledge and experience of the opera world, who coached and guided the students through a challenging and fun weekend.
The students had a fantastic weekend...
"It was really good and so much fun."
"I would love to do this again."
"Without exception, my students had a wonderful time! I can't thank you enough for giving them such a wonderful opportunity!"
