All aboard the Theatretrain!

The stage is set for a performing arts company to open a new training centre at St. Peter’s Church of England School in Exeter.

Theatretrain, the ever popular Saturday morning performing arts school is opening its doors to budding young dancers, actors and singers on Saturday 7th October at 10am and will be managed by local actor and director Paul Clark.

Paul is highly experienced in the performing arts and has worked with both young people and adults to create high-calibre theatrical events. He has made numerous appearances in the West End and has directed many youth productions across the country. He was a teacher at Theatretrain for 8 years before moving to Devon in 2014. Having now settled in the area, he is very keen to pass on his experience to the young people of Exeter by opening his own branch of the successful theatre school.

Theatretrain was established in 1992 and has over 65 schools across the UK. Its mission is to give children the opportunity to have fun while learning the performing arts. Every year, each child in Theatretrain’s schools’ has the opportunity to perform in a production either locally or at one of the prestigious theatres in London’s West End.

“This is an exceptional opportunity for any young person aged between 6 - 18 years”, said Paul. He went on to say, “We take children from the age of six and teach them one hour of dance, one hour of drama and one hour singing between 10am and 1pm every Saturday during school term time. This usually culminates in some kind of performance combined with skills based work, however, everyone who joins Theatretrain will be in next year’s show”.

The groups are set in three separate classes of 6–9’s; 9–12’s and 13–18 years and rotate for the three hours with specialist teacher/performers.

Many Theatretrain young people do go into the profession and have appeared in large scale productions. Although Theatretrain never promises stardom to any one, they will encourage young people who want to, to attend auditions. One 10-year old from Luton Theatretrain and one 11-year old from Milton Keynes Theatretrain, were sent to audition for the King and I at the London Palladium. They were both cast and starred next to Josie Lawrence. Others have had major roles in Whistle Down the Wind and other west end shows, plus TV and film work.

Theatretrain never auditions a child. Everyone comes to Theatretrain not because of his or her ability, but because they want to have fun while they learn, every show is geared to everyone enjoying themselves.

Anyone interested in joining Theatretrain Exeter on 7th October should visit www.theatretrain.co.uk/exeter for more information or contact Paul on 01392 914066 or exeter@theatretrain.co.uk and request an information pack.