local community, local life ...............
When The Lights Go Up
6
by Rona Simpson
We are lucky to have so many excellent local theatre groups in our area including the award-winning PACE Youth Theatre, Kilbarchan Kirk Drama Group, Johnston Phoenix Theatre Groups and Kilmacolm Dramatic Society. However, with auditoriums empty and no funds coming in, over the last year many have employed unconventional ways to keep audiences engaged. From online pantos to community workshops delivered through zoom, these groups have pushed the boundaries of storytelling in our communities. PACE Theatre Company, based in Paisley, was founded in 1988 and is a non-profit making theatre specialising in work with young people. It is the largest youth theatre in the UK. Jenni Mason, Artistic Director had this to say, “As for everyone, this has been an unprecedented year for PACE. Young people were quickly identified by children’s charities as being particularly vulnerable, and it was obvious to us that the arts had a key role to play ... Lockdown prompted a re-imagining of our core activity last March and we have been successfully running online drama classes and building a creative community for new and existing members since then … members have had access to online videos, audio adventures, podcasts and digital theatre.” But you don’t need to be a member to take part in some of PACE’s online workshops. Connected: A multi arts project for families, has proved very successful. Family groups are invited each Monday at 8pm to explore movement and share stories of Paisley, which is edited into a short film. It is also completely free. The group also runs a series of musical fitness classes for kids twice a week, allowing kids to connect in person and get fit!
Another winner was their amazing, free, streamed Christmas Panto, “Lost in Pantoland”, which brought much needed Christmas cheer in November of last year. Despite the pandemic, PACE and Renfrewshire Council are pushing ahead with the conversion of 33 Sneddon Street – site of the old Mannequins night club – to be restored as Exchange, a community theatre space for children and young people. For more info on this exciting project check out this link: www.pacetheatre.com/exchange/ As the realisation dawned that there would be no performances for the foreseeable, Kilmacolm Dramatic Society, established in 1945, decided to take matters into their own hands. The team have written a series of excellent monologues and passed them to members to perform. Stand outs include SDCA Monologue and The Doctor. These often funny, moving and well-observed slices of drama can be found on their website kilmacolmdramaticsociety.co.uk/ or facebook page. Johnstone Phoenix Theatre Group, originally known as The Johnstone Operatic and Dramatic Society, was formed in 1963 by founder Tom Carmichael. In 1993, daughter Margaret Carmichael created Johnston Youth Theatre. Both organisations have brought communities together through innovative and entertaining allowing children and adults alike the opportunity to explore the creative arts in a fun environment. They have a fab facebook page full of funny memes, streamed theatre, and links to local castings. Culture and arts are the beating heart of any community and when local theatre gets the green light to open, we should all do our best to support them. Not only will you have a great night out, but you get to share this experience with neighbours and friends. A truly magical connection that we have all sorely missed. Photos by Alex Brady
06-11 FEATURES 313_SPRING-APR21.indd 6
01/04/2021 14:33:47
