August 10, 2010 9.36 am This story is over 163 months old

Youth theatre showcases local talent

Young talent: A week-long theatre course debuted in the city, showcasing 30 talented youngsters.

Bringing a unique dose of culture to Lincoln, a week-long residential theatre course for youngsters started on Monday in the city. The East Midlands Youth Theatre is running the programme for 30 young people between the ages of 12-20 who have been selected from 500 auditionees.

The successful candidates now have the opportunity to work with renowned director Vik Sivalingam, currently working alongside the Royal Shakespeare Company and a top artistic team. The aim is to produce an original piece of theatre shaped by the children themselves, which they will be performed at the Bishop Greaves Theatre in the city on Saturday, August 14, at 7:30pm.

Richard Boschetto, event co-ordinator from the Lincoln Academy of Dramatic Arts (LADA), explained how the children get to exercise their own creative licence.

“We are working around a theme of ‘lost and found’, and under the lead and guidance of the director the cast will be asked to draw upon their own experiences and look at other cultures to shape a brand new performance,” said Boschetto.

Before moving to Lincolnshire six years ago, Boschetto, worked in London as a casting director, and is aiming to offer opportunities to young performers outside of the capital’s monopoly.

“The event should bring high-end theatre to the youth of the East Midlands and surrounded by a top professional creative team they should produce a product of the highest level,” he said.

The students will be treated like real actors, and organisers hope that the event, after being first established last year, will attract industry talent scouts providing a platform into the limelight.

Tickets for the final show on Saturday cost £5 (£4 concessions) and you can book by calling Chris Norvill on 01522 837244.

Source, Photo: East Midlands Youth Theatre