A GROUP of young performing arts students are set for the big stage next month as Solihull’s Theatretrain Company heads to the Royal Albert Hall for a huge national show.
Theatretrain Solihull, is part of an 80-strong network of companies across the UK providing theatre training for young people, a select group of whom will be taking to London’s most famous stage on September 17.
“We’re Gonna Change The World” is its 100th large-scale production (their 12th at the iconic Royal Albert Hall) and will see young performers from across the UK taking part aged from 4-18.
Now in its 30th year, Theatretrain gives young people the space to learn key theatre skills in dance, singing and acting.
It was founded by Kevin Dowsett, who brings together 50 years of outstanding performing arts experience to teach children the fundamentals of theatre in a vibrant, welcoming space, delivered through the Theatretrain Local Company network across the UK.
There are over 80 of them, all run by skilled, qualified and experienced performing arts professionals such as Sara Shepherd, Craig O’Connor and Janine Henderson, all of whom share a passion for supporting young people with an interest in the arts.
Theatretrain Solihull students have been practising their lines, rehearsing their moves, and sharpening their vocals as they prepare for their big moment performing in a large-scale, professional production – many for the first time.
Sara Shepherd said: “We’re all so excited to be a part of this!
“It is a once-in-a-moment opportunity for our students and really is a show like no other. They will be performing a huge range of roles and taking part in an incredible variety of acts, varying from Percy Faith’s “Theme from a Summer Place” to David Guetta’s “Titanium”!”
Theatretrain’s approach ensures a crossover between all singing, all dancing and all acting. It also means a large orchestra, a massive 800-strong choir and a powerful story told in the arena.
Founder and artistic director of Theatretrain, Kevin Dowsett, said: “This show came about because we asked our students, their parents, and their teachers what they think is wrong with the world.
“We received 50 pages of A4 jam-packed with ideas!
“So out of that we built a show that looks at the problems of young people and the world but more importantly what young people can do to fix it.”
Visit https://theatretrain.co.uk/our-100th-large-scale-production/ for more information.
