Wigan Pier Theatre Company - Acting Up In The Community

Tuesday 5th September 2006 (ref: WLCT 10106)

If you enjoy acting, have a passion for drama, love improvising, writing scripts, or storytelling then there is a drama workshop starting soon in a neighbourhood near you, thanks to Wigan Pier Theatre Company (WPTC).

Whether you are eight or 80 and even if you have never tried drama before, attending one of the workshops could help open the door to a world where you could become the next Sir Ian McKellen or Dame Judi Dench. You will get top acting tips from professional theatre workers and most of these sessions are absolutely free.

WPTC, part of Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, are now organising nine satellite youth theatre groups for young people aged eight and over across Wigan Borough, including Hawkley Hall, Shevington and Wigan Pier. Youth theatre activity will also continue on the Higher Folds estate in Leigh and new groups will be starting in Hindley and Abram.

Maura Flatley, aged 14, who attended the Wigan Pier Youth Theatre last year, says, “Since starting drama I have been offered lots of opportunities such as going on a week-long residential drama trip to Wales and performing in Manchester and around Wigan”.

It’s not just young people given there chance to shine, there are also two community theatre groups for adults – one at Wigan Pier on a Wednesday evening and one at Higher Folds on a Friday evening. The Wigan Pier group has now been firmly established since 2003 and has performed three major pieces of theatre, including the recent “Seven Deadly Sins” project in June, which toured local high schools.

Sue Dean, one of the group’s regulars, says “Becoming a member of Wigan Pier Community Theatre has enabled me to learn new skills, build my confidence and make new friends. It has also given me a rare opportunity to work with professional actors and directors. Above all, it’s good fun!”

The drama workshops commence from Monday 11 th September and the theatre company will be happy to register any new members at the session of their choice. Those who want to trial the workshops will be welcome to attend, although a commitment to one session every week will be expected when rehearsing towards a performance. If you would like any further information, please telephone Martin Green or Stewart Aitken on 01942 709305 during office hours or e-mail s.aitken@wlct.org.

Full timetable of theatre groups from September:

Group	Day	Time	Venue
Abram Age 8 – 11 Age 12 – 15	Monday	4.30 – 5.30pm 5.30 – 7.00pm	Holy Family Primary School, Wigan Street, Platt Bridge
Worsley Mesnes Age 8 – 11 Age 12 – 15	Tuesday	6.30 – 7.30pm 7.30 – 9.00pm	Hawkley Hall High School, Carr Lane, Wigan
Wigan Pier Age 15 – 20	Wednesday	5.30 – 7.00pm	The Way We Were museum, Wallgate, Wigan
Community Theatre Adults 20 plus	Wednesday	7.00 – 9.00pm	The Way We Were museum, Wallgate, Wigan
Shevington Age 12 – 15	Wednesday	7.00 – 8.30pm	Youth Club, Highfield Avenue, Shevington
Higher Folds Age 8 – 11 Age 12 – 15	Thursday	6.00 – 7.00pm 7.00 – 8.30pm	Community Centre, Stirling Close, Leigh
Higher Folds Community Theatre Adults 16 plus	Friday	7.00 – 9.00pm	Community Centre, Stirling Close, Leigh
Hindley 12 – 15	Friday	5.00 – 6.30pm	Hindley Sports Centre, Borsdane Avenue, Hindley

Notes To Editors

For further information on this News Release please contact Chris Dunbar, Public Relations Officer, Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust on 01942 486937. Images to support this news release are available on request.

Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust

Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust is a charitable trust working on behalf of Wigan Council to manage and support Leisure and Cultural facilities, initiatives and events for 300,000 residents across the Wigan Borough.

Getting Wigan Active

Getting Wigan Active is WLCT’s vision to ensure that people across the Wigan Borough have the opportunity to become more physically, mentally and creatively active. It also aims to increase community activity and to encourage good citizenship.