Bridgend County Borough Council’s Arts and Community Development has been successful in securing funding from Arts Council Wales to develop the Bridgend Young Critics’ Scheme which aims to develop and showcase the voices of young people, encouraging them to think critically about the theatrical or musical productions they produce.
Rachel Williams, a young critic from Bridgend said: “Being a young critic has opened up a lot of doors, particularly with meeting new contacts and fantastic theatre companies. Without it I wouldn’t have the opportunities in seeing so many cultural events, and having the chance to get my voice heard has been brilliant. It has already led to bigger challenges for my writing and critical skills.”
Are you aged 12 – 25? Could you create a must-read review of theatre or music? Through expert guidance, you will be able to explore the role of the art critic, coming up with different ways to respond to theatre and live art including face book, Vimeo and Twitter.
John McGrath, Artistic Director of National Theatre Wales said: “I have been very impressed by the quality of the reviews and critiques produced by the young critics involved in the programme. It is great to have young people’s voices at the centre of the debate about theatre in Wales.”
Since October 2010, the scheme has worked very successfully in partnership with a range of venues and companies including National Theatre Wales, Sherman Cymru, National Dance Company Wales, Literature Wales, Wales Millennium Centre, WNO, Theatre na Nog, Earthfall, Arts Council Wales, Night Out and Theatre Wales website.
Peter Finch, Chief Executive of Literature Wales said: “The benefits for young people participating in the scheme are clear: it encourages young people to engage with the arts, learn to think and write critically, develop writing skills and explore the importance of literature and writing as a career path in to the creative industries.”
Throughout the year, young critics are encouraged to write a number of theatrical and musical reviews.
Chelsea Gillard, another young critic from the scheme said: “Being part of the Young Critics’ Scheme has really broadened my horizons. I have seen everything from opera to interpretive dance, from time-tested musicals to new, cutting edge studio theatre. It has really opened my eyes to the wide range of careers available in the creative industries. I have developed a whole host of new skills including journalism, web-design, blogging and editing. Joining the scheme has given me the confidence to embark on a university degree in English and Drama. I would urge any young person with an interest in journalism or theatre to get involved as soon as possible. Every week there is something new to look forward to - I never knew there was so much happening so close to home!”
To get involved in this exciting scheme, please call Bridgend County Borough Council’s Arts Projects Officer Guy O’Donnell on (01656) 642727, or email: arts@bridgend.gov.uk
Copyright © 2011 Bridgend County Borough Council
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