Call for all Aspiring Artists, Performers and Musicians for Down Arts Centre Summer Schemes

There’s still time to spring into Down Arts Centre to check out the range of exciting Summer Schemes. On offer this year is a range of music, art and performing arts for young people of all ages.

Rock School Week takes place from Monday 23 to Friday 27 July, from 10am to 4pm, for 7 to 11 year olds. The week is all about energy, vibes and the spirit of music and will give children an opportunity to learn how to rock, and experience the thrill of performing live on stage, to an enthusiastic crowd. This year the bands not only get to play a concert of their own but will get to perform at the Sunflower Festival on 29 July and Belfast Guitar Festival on 4 August.

A second Rock School Week will take place from Monday 20 to Friday 23 August from 10am to 4pm for 11 to 18 year olds and the young people will also have the opportunity to perform live before an appreciative audience.

Specialist Performing Arts Week runs from Monday 30 July to Friday 3 August, from 10am to 4pm, for 12 to 18 year olds. The young people taking part will explore a range of acting techniques and styles from method acting to contemporary physical theatre, develop skills in creating a character, work on the process of putting a scene ‘on its feet’ and develop physical and vocal skills.

As part of this week, the young people will develop dance techniques and skills in a range of styles including musical theatre, focus on performance skills required to perform to an audience, develop self-choreography skills and build confidence through movement on the stage.

For those interested in the ‘behind the scenes’ work of a theatre, there will be an opportunity to investigate a variety of stage design styles, create mood boards and a model box, gather materials, develop scene painting skills and create a stage set.

Monday 6 to Friday 10 August is Intermediate Performing Arts Summer School, from 10am to 4pm for 7 to 11 year olds. Those participating will enjoy a fun filled week of acting, dancing, singing and art, making new friends, developing skills and building self-confidence. The week will culminate in a performance based on scenes from ‘Frozen’ and will be performed for parents and friends.

The Arts Summer School runs from Monday 13 to Friday 17 August, from 10am to 12noon for 4 to 6 year olds. Children will explore a range of craft activities, be inspired by story-telling and poetry, and go home each day with a wonderful artwork, from sandcastle creations to rocket ships.

To enquire about one of the classes or other activities and events taking place this season at Down Arts Centre, contact the Box Office on 028 4461 0747.