TIM BRAY THEATRE COMPANY
Inspiring young imaginations through drama Tim Bray Theatre Company is excited to be back at their North Shore venues in Term 1 with Youth Theatre drama classes for ages 5-16. Classes start after Waitangi Day in Unsworth Heights (Tues/Wed), Browns Bay (Wed) and Takapuna (Thurs/Fri). Tim Bray Youth Theatre is thrilled to be back in the classroom in 2022! TBYT has been offering drama classes and holiday workshops on the North Shore since 2012 and have successfully navigated the last two years with their programme of weekly classes in the studio or online during lockdowns. The classes encourage self-confidence, self-expression and focus. Drama is an enjoyable way for students to connect, explore their imaginations and harness and express their creativity. They also learn various acting techniques such as improvisation, voice, characterisation, movement and scene work. And drama is excellent for mental health and wellbeing. These classes have been so wonderful for my daughter, she loves them, and has just blossomed in confidence, and ability. - Lisa TBYT also offers classes for 5 to 19 year olds across the bridge in Western Springs at The Auckland Performing Arts Centre (TAPAC). Extraordinarily Creative Extraordinarily Creative Drama Classes are for neurodivergent children and teens to allow them to grow and shine in their own time and space in the spirit of Takiwatanga. This innovative and unique programme was launched in 2021 in Unsworth Heights. No one
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www.timbray.org.nz 09-486-2261
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Issue 127 - February 2022 www.channelmag.co.nz
could have predicted some of the astonishing outcomes or benefits this unconventional programme would have for so many of its students! To ensure tutors were expertly prepared, all staff underwent Diverse Drama training with Jeanita Cush -Hunter from the Children’s Autism Foundation. A very happy outcome from this collaboration was that Jeanita came on board as the Lead Tutor. Jeanita says, “it is an absolute privilege to work with such compassionate, dedicated and talented people.” “The teachers are amazing, supportive, genuine and caring. We absolutely recommend the classes and would love to thank everyone involved for the way they welcomed and encouraged my son.” -Caprice S., parent Extraordinarily Creative classes come together to Connect, Create, Collaborate and Care. The philosophy of the classes is underpinned by Mason Durie’s Four Pillars (physical health, spiritual health, family health, mental health). The traditional hierarchy of a conventional classroom is forgotten which allows the tutors to connect with students in a truly unique and meaningful way. They create inclusive learning spaces where they foster acceptance and focus on process not product. The relationships in the classrooms grow organically and all students are invited to collaborate and be their authentic selves. “The drama class has been the BEST thing I have ever signed my son up for. I have never seen him so excited to attend anything before. I think he just finds joy and comfort in being with like-minded peers, not having to'mask' in class and just being totally himself.I would sign him up for the next 10 years if I could.” -- Monica C., parent Tim Bray Youth Theatre is extending its after-school drama classes for autistic and other neurodiverse children and teens to East Auckland. Enrolments are now open for Term 1. 17-19yrs Performance Class The 17-19 years Performance Class launched at TAPAC in Term 1 last year under the guidance of tutor and director Suzy Sampson, with regular performances during the year. Prior to the Auckland lockdown the students gave two wonderful performances at The PumpHouse Theatre. In April they performed a collection of Shakespearean scenes and soliloquies, and the students very much enjoyed the master classes during rehearsals with theatre legend Michael Hurst. The second performance was a physical theatre piece devised with the help of movement specialist Carla Martell. Rehearsals were well under way for their third performance before lockdown hit and, unfortunately, forced them to cancel. In 2022, this exciting performance-focused class will continue back in the studio at TAPAC for young actors who need a place to learn and to perform and who are passionate about theatre and all it involves. The Performance Class teaches new skills that will carry the students into future study and future careers. To support these young students who wish to undertake further studies in the performing arts at the tertiary level, Tim Bray Theatre Company has established the Mary Amoore Gift a Seat™ Scholarship which will be available for students who have been enrolled in this 17-19yrs Performance Class. All classes are held in compliance with the New Zealand Government Covid-19 Protection Framework. For more information or to enrol please visit: timbray.org.nz/youth-theatre 09 486-2261
