Senior youth group meets on Friday evenings between 7.30 and 9pm during term times for 13 to 17 year olds.  In a relaxed atmosphere it presents youth members three performances a year as well as opportunities to be involved in SPT productions (pantos,musicals).  All activities of stage craft are covered during the course of a year - including acting, staging, make-up, singing, dancing as well as theatre games.  At £15 per year, it offers excellent value for money.  Although the group is full at present there is a waiting list for anyone who would like to join.  

For further information please contact: Gordon Bird, senior youth group leader on 07831 476 892 (mobile), 0118 966 2934 (home) or gordonbird.62@virgin.net

Junior Youth Group Leader Required - See Below

Youth Group Show  9 - 10 July 2004
The Youth Group production has been cast and we will be starting rehearsals when we return from the Easter break. There are three items, JYG - The Egg Quest, MYG - The Wacky Weather Show and the SYG - A Series of One-Act Plays 

Senior Youth Group - Theatre Trip to see Chicago
Having watched the film I knew what to expect, one red and straight haired girl, one blonde and curly. An easy way to tell which character is who. Or so I thought, they just happened to be the exact opposite of the film. Despite this, the plot was easy to follow and very enjoyable. I especially liked the performances of 'Mister Cellophane' and 'razzle dazzle'. In my opinion, the musical is far superior to the film in all aspects, including the actors. The set was minimal, but having the orchestra on stage really gave it a showy touch and kept the music as the focus. The dancing, acting and singing were all to the highest standard. Despite having to sit next to my little sister, the whole evening was a pleasant and fun experience, thank you very much Gordon for arranging to take us. 

Ruth Chappell

Senior Youth Group Open Evening
"At one point, I was in tears!"
"That poem was so funny"
"Excellent value!"
"I was not sure what to expect - but thoroughly enjoyed the evening."
These were just some of the comments received from the audience of a recent open evening performed by the Senior Youth Group (Friday 2nd April) where 17 youth group members performed a variety of songs, sketches, poems, monologues, duologues and dances to their parents, relatives and friends. The evening started with the youth group performing some warm up exercises and then John, Duncan, Emma and Emily entertained us with some very inventive improvisation scenes. Charlotte and Emily sang a lovely rendition of "I Know Him So Well" from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Chess followed by some monologues (Hannah Bray and Ruth), duologues (Hannah Banks and Sarah) and a hilarious poem from Nathan Chishick. A couple of entertaining dance numbers from the musical Grease, choreographed by Jane Murphy were performed before the evening closed with an impressive rendition of "The Cell Block Tango" by Becky, Gemma, Hannah, Hayley, Laura and Sarah from the musical Chicago. A youth group member also assisted backstage with Ellen making her debut in
the lighting box and expertly produced lighting and sound throughout the evening. The evening made £50 for youth group funds and was exceptionally well received by all those who attended.  My sincere thanks to all those that took part, assisted front, back and on stage! 

Gordon Bird, Senior Youth Group Leader

Youth Group 'Chicago' Dance Workshop
During the February half term I ran a dance workshop for the JYG and MYG Groups. We concentrated on songs from shows such as, Grease, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Lion King. This was such a success that the parents requested another course during the Easter holidays. I attended a four-day workshop on the show Chicago during the 1st week of Easter in London. I worked on two numbers with members of the cast and a previous Musical Director of the show. This was then showcased on the Saturday morning to a select audience of 150 at The Adelphi Theatre, The Strand.
This experience was not to be missed and although extremely hard work, was exciting and rewarding. With all this knowledge fresh in my mind I decided to use what I had learnt with the children. I took both musical numbers on a smaller scale and directed the groups, JYG performing Razzle Dazzle and MYG performing All that Jazz. Both groups were enthusiastic and relished the thought of performing routines straight from the West End Stage. Parents and friends watched a fab performance at the end of the two days with the leaving cry of 'When's the next one?' from both children and adults! 

Hannah Spiers

SHINFIELD THEATRE JUNIOR YOUTH GROUPS

As many of you will know, Rosemarie Dawes, who has run our Junior Youth Groups for the past nine years, has announced her intention to resign at the end of this season. Rosemarie has done a fantastic job educating and entertaining our youngsters and developing their undoubted talents. She
deserves much credit for all the work she has put in. However, she now wishes to take a deserved rest.
 
This leaves us with the problem of finding a replacement for Rosemarie. There are currently two junior youth groups, one for 8-11 year olds that runs from 5.30pm to 6.30pm on a Wednesday evening, and one for 11-14 year olds that runs from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. There are currently about 30 children in these two groups. The Senior Youth Group for 14 year olds and above is run by Gordon Bird, who has announced his willingness to continue in that role for another season.

We desperately need to hear from people who would like to try their hand at running the Junior Youth Groups. It is not the easiest of roles and in these unfortunate times, it will be necessary for any potential leader to undergo police checks, etc. However, it can be immensely rewarding and is ideal for those who love working with and educating children. Due to the nature of our theatre, the position has to be a voluntary one, although the theatre will reimburse any expenses incurred.
It would be tragic if we were unable to continue to run our Junior Youth Groups. These children gain a great deal from the experience, not the least a massive boost to their confidence and self-belief. Many parents have expressed amazement at the change in their children's characters as a result of the training they receive. We would therefore seriously ask you to think whether you know anybody who might be prepared to take on this role and if so, to contact Rosemarie (0118 969 6391) or any member of the Committee. The Committee will take other steps to publicise the position, but the best chance of finding a replacement will come through our own membership.
Rosemarie has indicated that she will be happy to continue to provide assistance and advice, so any new leader should not feel that they are "on their own".

Please help us with this request, or we will lose a very important part of our theatre's activities.

NIGEL DAWES
pp Shinfield Theatre Committee