Peer Productions
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Peer Productions is a youth arts training company, which specialises in peer education through theatre, based at Woking Youth Arts Centre. Peer Productions was founded by Woking based theatre artists Nina Lemon and Jason Orbaum. The company runs a full time vocational course for those aged 16 - 23 years as well as a thriving youth theatre for those aged 8 - 23 years.
Workshops in Schools
Peer Productions offer a wide range of workshops for schools, teachers and community groups. All workshop staff have a full CRB disclosure and have been trained to work with young people. They offer activities like working with puppets, improvisational workshops and new initiatives like Play In A Day.
Graduation Showcase
This year Peer Productions had a very successful graduation showcase, consisting of many productions, many written and performed by the members of the full time course.
The Full Time Course
Peer Productions Certificate in Peer Education through Theatre is a practical course for young people aged 16 – 23 years interested in theatre and education. During the course, students learn the skills they need to succeed in the performing arts sector and have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of productions and community projects.
The new course was launched in 2007 as a two term pilot project before expanding to three terms for the 2007/2008 cohort. The courses were free.
As a vocational course the emphasis is on practical learning and evidence of learning can be submitted in DVD/video or audio format for students who find written assignments challenging or uninspiring. Peer Productions is dedicated to providing a broad learning experience and loosely categorises students learning in the following ways:
Performance
Students learn voice, movement, textual analysis, character building, devising and directing techniques as core components of the course. They also received master classes from industry professionals and where appropriate, coaching for drama school audition speeches.
Industry
Students benefit from regular ‘How To’ sessions to help prepare them for a career in the performing arts. These include ‘Managing Finances and Tax,’ ‘Safeguarding Children’ and ’Preparing a Professional CV.’
Educator
Students learn key skills to help them facilitate their peers’ learning. They are taught how to structure and deliver workshops and discussions, including how to use icebreakers and games effectively, as well as how to manage behaviour and dissolve conflict. They gain practical experience delivering work with young people with and without disabilities and learnt how to liaise with teachers and youth workers in school and community settings.
Experience
All students have the opportunity to take part in both touring and fixed venue performances and to deliver community projects as well as taking theatre trips to the West End, London Fringe and beyond.
Accreditation
All students have the opportunity to have their learning accredited through the Arts Award Gold accreditation. This is a level 3 qualification recognised by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. Suitable candidates over the age of 18 years were given the opportunity to attend chaperone training sessions with Surrey County Council to enable them to look after children and young people backstage and on film and TV sets.
The course included the following projects:
The Homophobia Project
Peer Productions students have worked with three youth groups for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, Intersex and Questioning young people to devise imaginative drama. This work then toured secondary schools in Surrey informing and challenging students on homophobia. This project received £7,000 from the Local Network Fund and the Youth Opportunities Fund and was created in partnership with Sam King from Connexions and Sue Sanders from Schools Out.
The Xclusions Project
Peer Productions students worked with three groups of young people identified as excluded or at risk of exclusion to create a film exploring their stories. The film became part of a multimedia touring performance project for Key Stage 3+. This project received £10,000 from the European Social Fund.
The Histories Project
Peer Productions students worked with the Surrey History Centre to research local history. Year 6 pupils used their own research to devise an interactive drama project. The production toured Surrey junior schools where pupils were be invited to board a time machine and interact with characters in period dress using genuine artefacts from the Light Box Gallery. The aim of this project was to bring history to life for both the peer educators and the young audience members.
The Carwarden House Project
Peer Productions students ran a weekly arts club for students with moderate learning disabilities from Carwarden House School. By working with their peers they increased this group’s confidence and promote greater social understanding.
Bear - The Musical
This was a new innovative musical written by people in the local area. It led to a performance at Wokings Rhoda McGraw Theatre after 2 weeks intensive rehearsal.
Youth Theatre
Peer Productions Youth Theatre runs at Woking Youth Arts Centre (the WYAC), Trinity road, Knaphil. All activities take place on a Sunday. All terms are ten weeks, with a half term timed to coincide with the first Sunday of the school half term. The youth theatre will perform at least one major production a year at the Rhoda McGaw theatre in Woking as well as staging more intimate productions in the WYAC’s own 60-seat studio theatre. The classes will all be taught by Nina Lemon, Jason Orbaum or Chris Bryant with a variety of fully police checked assistants.
His Dark Materials
Earlier this year the youth theatre put on their first production, His Dark Materials Part 1 and 2. It was greatly hyped by the cast and it went on to receive good reviews from the local press.
Future Productions
The Youth Theatre Productions coming up are:
- Oklahoma! - 28th February - 1st March 08
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream - 20th - 21st May 08
- The Grimm Fairy Tales - 20th - 21st May 08
- Young at War - 23rd - 24th May 08
- Gold Arts Award Showcase week - 29th June - 5th July