Short Courses in the Arts at York St. John University Theatre & Performance Music & Singing Dance & Movement
What do we do?
Courses and workshops
In 2008 York St. John University set
Theatre & Performance
up a course offering an Introduction to Theatre to people in recovery of mental illness. The course was run by staff and students with an emphasis on offering a high quality learning opportunity for those involved and to offer an insight and potentially a route back into Higher Education.
Introduction to Theatre An eight week course which offers a good overview of styles, skills and techniques in Theatre. It will provide an introduction to: • • • • •
Staging and lighting techniques How to create a character Devising theatre Script and text based work Performing to an audience
The course was so successful that the University now offer similar
Working Towards Performance
courses in Dance & Music and two
This is a successive course open to students who have completed the Introduction to Theatre Course and are interested in continuing to make work.
successive courses in Theatre as well as supporting the work and development of Out of Character Theatre Company formed by some of the original students of the courses.
This course guides students through a careful process of creating a performance of their own using their existing knowledge of devising and scripted work, whilst continuing to learn and gain new skills in performance. The work produced on this course is usually performed as part of the University’s annual arts festival in May.
Dance & Movement Introduction to Dance & Movement This eight week course offers participants a taste of both technique and creative expression. The course is designed for anyone of any fitness level or ability.
Why Dance & Movement? • Dancing is great fun! • It’s a gentle form of exercise and improves posture and balance. • You will experience different styles of dance and methods of creating movement. • Dance is suitable for all ages, abilities, shapes and sizes. No previous experience in dance is necessary, we believe that dance is for everyone and everybody can dance!
“ The best bit of the course was the exercise and working with the dance sequences gradually building up a repertoire.” student of the introduction to dance course
Music & Singing Lunchtime Concert Series During the academic term, York St John students host weekly lunchtime concerts which are open to the public. For the latest programme of events, to find out more or to arrange for a student representative to meet you please contact us.
Music Courses If you’re interested in music and singing please contact us to find out more about the courses and opportunities available. Like all our courses the music workshops are designed to suit any level of ability and where possible we may be able to tailor opportunities to your interests and skills.
“ I really did surprise myself…each session I’ve become more confident and it really brought me out of myself.” Student of the Introduction to Theatre CoursE
Other Projects and Opportunities We run a number of one off short courses which have previously included: • • • •
Comedy master classes Theatre Summer School African Drumming Workshops Placements for technicians and backstage staff working alongside the theatre courses.
There is always potential to find an opportunity that matches your interests so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
OUTof CHARACTER T H E A T R E
C O M P A N Y
EXPLORING The fine line between madness and genius We make challenging work for inquisitive audiences with the aim of transcending the boundaries of modern theatre and your perceptions of mental health, occupying the territory between inspiration and medication. Formed in January 2009, Out of Character Theatre Company developed from a group of performers who wanted to take what they had learned on our courses further. They retain strong links with the university and perform both nationally and locally offering a strong repertoire of work which educates and entertains.
Contact Us
How do I apply?
If you’re are interested in booking a
You can also contact us directly to find out more information, to book a place on the next course of your interest or to leave your email address to receive regular updates about future opportunities.
place, finding out more or joining our email list for future updates please get in touch: Gemma Alldred g.alldred@yorksj.ac.uk Telephone: 01904 876902 (Please leave a message)
We also regularly advertise our courses across the mental health services available in York and your support worker may be able to provide you with more details.
How are the courses run? The courses are taught by staff and students of the University. They normally run for a set duration of between 8–10 weeks, although we also offer one off projects which may take place over two workshops or as an event such as the summer school which takes place over 3 days. The majority of courses run at the same time as the academic year with most courses starting in September and then again in February.
What can I expect? We hope that the courses will provide you with an opportunity to develop new skills and to work in an open and supportive environment.
Some of our previous and current students have also felt that the courses have: • Improved their confidence and physical wellbeing. • Given them the ability to join other groups independent of mental health services. • Helped them consider applying for other educational courses. • And staying true to the student experience, a better social life!
“ The theatre workshops have helped rebuild my self confidence. Being in a group environment where you feel safe again has been a significant part of my recovery period.” Member of Out of Character Theatre Company These courses are supported by the NYYPCT Recovery Team, City of York Council and the Faculty of Arts at York St. John University. This brochure was printed by Our Celebration. Supporting recovery from mental ill health.