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Students who attend a local part time theatre school have been given an insight into the professional world of performing arts by a visit from actors, singers and dancers from theatre show War Horse, TV’s Milkshake and motivational speaker, Brian Costello. Approximately 140 students took park in the theatre workshop run by Matthew Forbes, Associate Director in Puppetry & Movement for the National Theatre’s smash hit, War Horse. |
War Horse is an unforgettable theatrical event which takes audiences on an extraordinary journey from the fields of rural Devon to the trenches of First World War France. What is unique about the production is that much of the storytelling is done through puppets and the horses really do feel that they come to life with the wonderful puppetry skills of the cast. The students at Razzamataz Sheffield got the chance to learn some of these skills and exactly how they work during the show with Matthew as he explains: “The puppets play an integral part of the show. Much of the success of War Horse is down to the skills of the actors who work the puppets and it is often the smallest most subtle movement that can make the audience feel that the horses are real.” |
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The Razzamataz Sheffield students have been given the opportunity to learn this unique form of theatre to expand their range of skills in the performing arts arena. “It’s wonderful that the students at Razzamataz are being exposed to such a wide range of performing arts,” adds Matthew. “The War Horse workshop is great fun but also requires a level of maturity and understanding because it tackles the challenging subject of the First World War. The creativity and ideas that came from the students during the workshop were really inspiring and it was a pleasure to be a part of it.” The War Horse workshop was aimed at the older students who are in the Inters and Seniors classes so the Principal of the school, Helen Bell, was keen to have a workshop that would be for the younger students in the Minis and Juniors classes also. |
“It is really important that our school offers wonderful opportunities for all of our students and our guest workshops are such a great way to inspire them,” says Helen. “Bringing in professional performers gives the children a unique insight into what goes on backstage and the excitement and energy that comes from a workshop really gives everyone at the school a huge boost.” The youngsters at Razzamataz Sheffield were treated to a chance to work with Sita Thomas who is a presenter on Channel 5’s popular children’s show Milkshake. Approximately 200 children joined Sita to learn the songs and dances from the TV show as well as extracts from their upcoming live tour. “It was wonderful to be invited to come along to Razzamataz Sheffield and work with the children,” says Sita. “We had terrific fun and they were all so keen to be involved. They really impressed me with their talent, hard work and mature behaviour.” |
Finally Razzamataz brought in motivational speaker and expert in teenage anxieties, Brian Costello, to work with Senior students the week before their annual showcase. Brian worked with them to overcome inhibitions and realise they could do anything they set their mind to, this ended in them all breaking wooden boards with their bare hands – mind over matter! Razzamataz Sheffield have lots more opportunities planned for students throughout the year, including their first performance in Disneyland Paris and local performances at events such as the Sheffield Christmas Light Switch On. Classes are available for children from the age of 2 through to 18 with the next free taster session for new students being held on Saturday 16th September. For more information or to reserve a place please contact Helen on 07979 189177/0114 3030 455 or sheffield@razzamataz.co.uk. You can also visit sheffield.razzamataz.co.uk for more information. |
