User:Chriscuthbert/Stage2

Stage2 Youth Theatre Birmingham's busiest and biggest youth theatre with such a wide range of options that they guarantee there's something for everyone. They meet at Millennium Point in Birmingham's Eastside and follow the standard school year, with terms beginning in January (Spring), April (Summer) and September (Autumn). Membership is open to any 7-21 year olds and there is no audition for places, absolutely everyone is welcome!

Company History

Stage2 was founded in 1988 by Liz Light and has since built a fantastic reputation in Birmingham, as well as nationally across the theatre industry. They are still working to the same ideas and principles and are very proud of, and thrive on, the attitude, level of discipline and commitment of their Members and Tutors. It has always been an important aspect of the company that membership is open to all. For example, they guarantee that each term every child who wishes, can take part in a production, with no audition. The main rule is that no one is ever left out and Stage2 has a zero tolerance of any kind of bullying. Everyone should feel totally at home at Stage2; it has proved to be a safe and supportive environment where members can develop at their own pace and to their own standard. A good attitude, enthusiasm and a willingness to take part are valued above everything else. They have always listened to members' requests, kept up with the requirements of the National Curriculum and the needs of the industry and tailor their activities accordingly. In 2002 Stage2 launched itself as an independent company (no.5317309) and registered charity (no.1108213) governed by a Board of Trustees, a change which has opened up new avenues and allowed them to take on new ventures. With an established reputation; an excellent track record, high quality shows, happy kids, good exam results and tight financial control, Stage2 was thrilled to be invited to move to the Birmingham School of Acting in 2006. When it became affiliated to Birmingham City University (formally UCE) the school then moved to Millennium Point and Stage2 are very pleased to have accompanied them to Eastside, especially at a time of huge redevelopment in the area. They now work alongside an ever-expanding network of fellow professionals and organisations. They have collaborated with (amongst others) the late Laurie Lee, Claire Dowie and Colin Watkeys (now Stage2's Patrons), Stan's Cafe, Metaphysique, Midlands' Youth Theatre Network, Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, The Shakespeare Institute and The Mentoring and Befriending Foundation. Since 1993 Stage2 has run foreign exchange programmes with Germany, Spain and America.

Productions

Over the years Stage2 has presented an extremely broad spectrum of work - from classic texts in traditional styles to stylized adaptations of contemporary plays. But they are also committed to presenting brand new writing, their own adaptations and devised work Each show is carefully selected for what it can teach members and will have its own set of learning outcomes.

Sometimes, these are specific‚ • Ionesco's Rhinoceros - taught members the history and theories of Theatre of the Absurd. • Les Liaisons Dangereuses, gave members the chance to research period costume, movement, manners and etiquette. • A Midsummer Night's Dream - had the entire company (aged 9+) learning iambic pentameter. • Tom and Viv‚ introduced cast to the writers and artists of The Bloomsbury Group and sometimes general‚ • Once a Catholic‚ satire. • Adult Child Dead Child, synchronised movement. • Two, caricature and stereotypes. Members tell tutors they like to explore issues under the guise of a production • The Crucible, peer pressure. • Much Ado About Nothing‚ relationships. • Equus, mental health. • Lord of the Flies‚ bullying and exclusion. A diverse range of production ensures that children with a diverse range of abilities all have a chance to shine! Well-known and established productions are balanced with the more unusual and obscure. Stage2 has re-worked screenplays (In the Bleak Midwinter, Daughters of Albion), undertaken research projects (Cider With Rosie, Picasso's Women) and commissioned new adaptations (Claire Dowie's Adult Child Dead Child and Steven Berkoff's Requiem for Ground Zero).

Work Experience

Stage2 Youth Theatre is perhaps most famed around Birmingham for its high quality performances. The acting and technical ability frequently displayed by the members is arguably more impressive due to the active equal opportunities policy that the company upholds; allowing children of all ages and abilities to be in productions without audition. Moreover, theatrical success is not the only notable characteristic of Stage2. Behind the scenes the youth theatre offers an intricate work experience programme, which includes committees, Mentoring and Trainee Tutor schemes and office based work experience. These activities are made available by a compassionate group of tutors who are available to any member at any times to help with both work and personal matters. Every term, alongside shows and workshops, Stage2 runs both a Marketing and a Fundraising committee. The Marketing Committee is open to all members and completes a large variety of tasks with a quick turnover, these involve, writing press releases, assembly notices, termly updates for schools as well as designing print, organising events, planning photo shoots and writing websites and online content. This variety of tasks allows members to stretch and develop their skills in writing, proof-reading, creative design and business planning through real work experience alone or with others. The Fundraising Committee is also open to all members but requires a greater time commitment with the focus being largely on researching charitable trusts, foundations and grant organisations that Stage2 can approach for funding. Being a charity, donations are the only way this unique youth theatre can continue to run and to offer a subsidy to all children who cannot afford the termly fees or any other aspect of this hugely diverse company. Both committees meet twice termly as well as in smaller groups to complete tasks. These key meetings are minuted to a professional and legal standard by members themselves and proofed by everyone present; as is common business practice. Being part of the Marketing or Fundraising Committee at Stage2 teaches members to be impeccably well organised and provides them with a wealth of academic and business experience which is highly relevant in later life and the competitive job market. As well as the two committees, members can choose to do their school work experience at the Stage2 office, learning about the fundamentals behind such a busy charity. For two weeks they may write letters or be given projects that contribute to the mechanics of the company. This can be hugely beneficial to Stage2 members who wish to set up their own companies in the future. Older and more experienced members can be invited to become Trainee Tutors who can be responsible for large aspects of the company. They are treated as members of staff and are given training in a multitude of different areas according to their roles, allowing them to flourish outside of school or college.

These opportunities are unusual and highly beneficial to all the members of Stage2 and are only made possible due to the support offered to every member by the responsive and engaged members of staff who can be relied on for tuition in all areas of work, from mastering a text to designing a poster. Furthermore, Stage2’s child protection policy allows any member to approach the leader at anytime if they need support, knowing that the subject will be treated with the strictest confidence. Stage2 is a supportive company through and through and has now become the only youth theatre nationwide to have a Mentoring and Befriending Foundation accredited Mentor scheme - also coordinated by a trainee tutor. Overall, the opportunities that this company offers extend well beyond the theatre space and develop not only the acting and technical skills of the members, but also a work ethic and understanding of company structure that is unique to Stage2.

Support and Training

Stage2 offers full support for anyone who wants to take their interest in drama further, advising members about auditions and interviews for the National Youth Theatre (NYT), National Youth Music Theatre (NYMT), Drama School and University. Numerous Stage2 members have joined the NYT (past London productions featuring a Stage2 Macbeth, Romeo and Puck) and the success rate for drama school entry is extremely high. Stage2 is often approached by casting directors interested in auditioning members for TV and film roles. During their time in Stage2 members have appeared in Anita and Me, The Grimleys, Angels and Insects, Doctors and as a presenter for CITV. Stage2 also helps older members to get paid work or unpaid experience in various organisations including Theatre in Education companies, Arts Centres and Drama Schools etc. After leaving Stage2 many members have gone on to professional work, playing Buddy in "Buddy the Musical" ‚"Lord of the Rings the Musical"; ‚"Guys and Dolls"; "Shaun of the Dead"; and working at the RSC to name but a few. The vast majority of tutors are ex-members who, after gaining professional qualifications, or working in their chosen field come back to work for Stage2. Stage2 has several training positions within the company where members take on projects and work along-side other practitioners in drama, admin and project management. Stage2’s aim is to help every child that passes through Stage2 find their own niche and their own way to succeed. They strive to cater for everyone as an individual while still working tightly as a company and having fair and consistent expectations and rules.

Stage2 has nearly two hundred members and countless five-star reviews, this company is packed with opportunities for any young person, especially those with an interest in a career in theatre. This is the time for many 16 year-olds to choose which subjects they would like to study at college, and for some of them, theatre looks to be the way forward. Stage2 strives to offer wider experience for all of its members, and with opportunities such as work experience, one-on-one tuition, teaching in life skills, business practice and emotional support, potential theatre candidates would be wise to consider joining this amazing company.

“Everyone has to start somewhere and if you begin with Stage2 you are clearly in with an excellent chance of making a good start. There are a front of house team, a Marketing team, a Fund Raising team. There is Mentoring, Technical Training, leaflet design and distribution. Above all there is professional discipline." Evening Mail

For many college students, wider experience in synoptic exams is crucial. For the actors and English students, Stage2 provides workshops paraphrasing every word of Shakespeare plays and regular productions of set texts give a firm footing for exams and coursework. As well as these, Stage2 also offers “world class” LAMDA examination tuition for anyone in the company: this greatly improves every actor's knowledge and practical skills, looks great on a CV and higher grades count towards UCAS points.

Skills learnt at Stage2 are transferable and beneficial to any career: acting on stage helps build presentation skills and confidence; technical roles require discipline, organisation, diplomacy, communication skills and the ability to be an approachable and authoritative figure; The Fundraising and Marketing committees learn about the big, wide world namely, how to present themselves and the company in the best way, write letters, learn business etiquette, carry out research and conduct themselves maturely at meetings.

Technical Theatre

Meanwhile, Stage2 also offers training in technical roles which most establishments are unable to give: for each of Stage2's productions each year (at least three), all technical roles are carried out by members of the company, this means that the members of the Technical Team run every show with practically no need for help from adults. This invaluable experience would set any candidate apart with so much knowledge and practical familiarity. “If you're thinking about technical training you should join Stage2 since it's fun, you make loads of friends on the way and you learn a lot.”

Mentors

The Mentors are around all day – from the moment members arrive to when they leave at the end of sessions – and are easy to spot. They wear bright red t-shirts with the word ‘Mentor’ in big letters on the front, and a badge with their name on.

The Stage2 Mentors are welcoming, committed and trustworthy. Each of the Mentors has received professional training to help them be there for other members and enabling them to offer however much (or little) support is needed. Professional organisations have recognised how effective the Stage2 Mentor Scheme is – It is the first (and currently still the only!) youth theatre in the UK to be considered an Approved Provider of Safe and Effective Mentoring Practice by the Mentoring and Befriending Foundation.

LAMDA

There are numerous reasons why people should do LAMDA. LAMDA is a great way of expanding theatrical knowledge and practical skills, achieving something that is really worthwhile and gaining experience on a more personal level. Members don't even have to go it alone, LAMDA is so flexible in the exams it offers and the different combinations available..

• LAMDA gives members the opportunity to receive tuition on a one to one basis, teachers have more time to focus on individual development, as opposed to a show option where the director is working with 100 young people at once!
• It is easier to track individual improvements with each grade that undertaken...
• It gives members opportunities to show off their talent! Stage2 is always thinking about casting for shows.
• The choices are endless, there are exams in acting, singing, mime, verse and prose and devising and any can be done with any number/combination of people.
• LAMDA is seriously recommended to anyone applying for drama school. Tutors guide members through areas for improvement and help you to build a fantastic repertoire of diverse pieces.
• For those applying to university, LAMDA is an equally valuable experience. More and more universities are looking for well-rounded individuals with enthusiasm and lots to talk about. LAMDA can spark conversations about writers, favourite plays, context and research in interviews.

Stage1

Stage1 is aimed at members aged 7-10 and creates a fun environment where members play games and learn some acting skills along the way. Children make friends here very quickly and if and also get assigned their own Mentor Buddy – someone who checks in with members as the term progresses to make sure they’re happy and having fun.

There are a whole range of games that are big favourites with Stage1 members: Park Bench, Freeze, Blob and Dungeon-Keeper are just a few.

The number one rule at Stage2 is that “no-one is ever left out” and Stage1 also takes this as its main focus. Tutors want everyone to be nice to each other, to look out for everyone else and generally have a lovely time playing and learning.

Having asked Stage1 members what they liked about Stage1, it’s clear that four things immediately jump out: “everyone is NICE here;” “you make new friends;” “you play great games” and “you learn bits about acting”. That is pretty much what Stage1 aims for! As a result, children should be happier and their confidence should grow!

Policies

Aims and Objectives

Stage2 is totally committed to:

• Allowing each member to achieve their full potential
• Creating a wide range of opportunities within workshops and shows
• Producing challenging work with high expectations of members achievement
• Offering technical, backstage and design training
• Encouraging members to be involved in the administrative side of the company e.g. press, marketing, budgeting etc.
• Enabling members to study for qualifications
• Offering a "ladder of opportunity" so members can progress from members to assistants to leaders
• Discovering and developing members' new, and existing, talents
• Developing members' life skills e.g. communication, organisation
• Encouraging socialising between ages, sexes, cultures, and all levels of ability and experience
• Encouraging individuality and self expression by providing a friendly, supportive environment where members can discuss ideas at any time
• Running an effective peer-led Mentor Scheme
• Ensuring personal confidentiality at all times (within legal restrictions)
• Complementing school and parental values (they never condone missing homework or lessons for rehearsals etc.)
• Keeping members up to date with local initiatives and events
• Helping members in their move to further education or with their chosen career options
• Supporting members with schoolwork and activities by stimulating interest and excitement in learning generally
• Supporting members with their activities outside the company, e.g. setting up their own theatre companies or helping to promote events
• Acting as an opportunities medium with other organisations, work experience, placements etc.
• Passing on professional casting information
• Maintaining Equal Opportunities in all areas of the company including; ensuring a member's financial situation is never a hindrance and providing extra, discreet, support to any member at any time
• To ensure everyone is, and feels like they are, a valued and important member of the company.

Key Values

• Promotion of self belief and confidence in young people
• The importance of empowerment and responsibility
• The importance of commitment and loyalty
• The importance of a sense of achievement and pride
• The benefits of self discipline
• Promotion of good group awareness and dynamics
• The desire to always be well prepared
• Promotion of good communication and social skills
• The value of positivity and enthusiasm
• The value of the arts to the community and individual well being
• The importance of participation as well as observation
• The importance of education for its own sake
• A commitment to equality of access to our activities
• The importance of a happy membership and staff
• The establishment of a fair and supportive environment
• The maintenance of high standards in all areas of the company
• The value of diversity and variety in all areas
• The need to constantly monitor, evaluate and adapt
• Clear communication of rules and policies at all levels
• An openness surrounding future plans and current systems
• A degree of flexibility in all future plans
• That all aspects of the company must be completely fair
• The importance of good memories and positive experiences

The welfare and happiness of members of the company is, at all times, of paramount importance.

Equal Opportunities

Stage2 Youth Theatre Company is committed to promoting equal opportunities, to pursuing non-discriminatory policies and practice and eliminating unfair discrimination on grounds of age, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, class, nationality, creed, colour, ethnic origin, political belief or disability. Stage2 undertakes and promotes equal opportunities in everything it does including auditions and interviews, in the execution of its curriculum, in employment and in teaching, ensuring all staff and members have rights and responsibilities in relation to the promotion of equality. Stage2 aims to provide excellent, flexible, accessible and relevant education that is suited to its location and external spaces. Applicants who identify themselves as having specific needs, including any disclosed disabilities are offered appropriate support provision and facilities to ensure they can fully participate in Stage2.

Subsidy Policy

In line with Stage2’s Equal Opportunities Policy and mission statement that no-one should ever be left out for any reason, the company operates a Subsidy Fund. Any member of the company is entitled to a subsidy contribution for any major aspect of the company that costs money - their fees, LAMDA tuition (though the candidate must pay for the exam), outings, productions, trips, drama school auditions etc. Wherever possible the applicant must make a contribution to the cost and the Subsidy Fund will meet the balance. This will help ensure that the money goes as far as it can and helps as many people as possible. Stage2 raises the money from trusts, companies and individuals to maintain the Subsidy Fund and are therefore accountable for every penny spent.

Child Protection

Stage2 operates very vigilant Child Protection measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children in their care and using their facilities. Stage2 has a very detailed Safeguarding Young People Policy which is made available at their weekly sessions and is given to any persons who requests it.