What is First Draft?
Free Events
Thursday 1 to Saturday 3 July 2010
A Drama Worker and Literary Officer from Live Theatre visited Christ Church Primary School in early 2010 to deliver a series of interactive workshops giving pupils the chance to discover all of the ingredients that go into making a good play.
Thursday 1 July, 8.50pm
First Draft
The 30 children involved selected their six favourite stories and the lucky authors then spent an exclusive weekend at Live Theatre working on a one-to-one basis with a professional writer to develop their story into a 10 minute script for two actors to perform. The children then got to meet their cast and director and have the final say on how their tales are told. The aim is that the young people involved will have an experience they will never forget. Above: David Whittaker & Micky Cochrane in The Subaru Impretsa Race for the Title by Matthew Boyle (2008)
“This exciting education and new writing initiative, now in its seventh year, has resulted in some of the most creative plays ever to be performed at Live Theatre. Respected and valued as much as all of the organisations other main house productions, First Draft has become a highlight of Live Theatre’s programme.” Paul James, Director of Education & Participation “It was exciting and each week it got more exciting, with new games and more writing. It was a great experience. It was once in a lifetime one.” Jordan Nixon aged 9 who wrote Just Want a Friend which was performed as part of last year’s First Draft
“There was a general recognition that the young writers had returned to school with more ‘fire in their belly’... First Draft is possibly one of the best experiences that I have had in primary education. I have never seen anything like it”. Barrie Russell, Head Teacher Wellbeck Primary School
Meet the Team Want to delve even deeper into the fantasy world of First Draft? Then join Paul James, Director of Education & Participation, as he introduces this unique project, members of the cast, directors and even one or two of the young writers. Discover all you need to know about the First Draft process; find out what the young playwright’s used as inspiration and hear how the professional actors approached playing such weird and wonderful creations.
Six new plays written by pupils from Christ Church Primary School, Newcastle
DURATION: Approx. 30 minutes Saturday 3 July, 11.30am Crazy Character Creations Create your own magical character through a series of drama and art activities designed to let your imagination run wild! What would it look like? How does it move? Then, come to the show and see what pupils from Christ Church Primary School conjured up. DURATION: 1 hour 30 minutes SUITABILITY: 7 to 11 year olds These events are free but tickets must be booked via Live Theatre’s box office on (0191) 232 1232. Places are limited, please book early to avoid disappointment.
Ever wondered what really goes on in the minds of 8 to 11 year olds? Left: Helen Embleton in Different Daisies by Lauren Fradgley
Tickets: £4 to £6 Family ticket: £16 (2 adults & 2 children)
Box office: (0191) 232 1232 Book online: www.live.org.uk