Monday 17 August 2009

The Courtyard Performance and goodbyes

Fiona Clayton, Project Manager, writes:

The Youth Ensemble performed their hour-long version of The Winter's Tale at The Courtyard Theatre on Friday to an audience of 300+. I didn't think they could improve on Thursday night's performance, but once again they stepped up a gear and gave a gorgeous performance, one which proudced smiles, laughter and tears from the audience.
Following the post-show reception and presentation of certificates, we all returned to the rehearsal space to collect bags and say a final farewell. After more tears, hugs and goodbyes all 18 went their separate ways back to Cornwall, Whitby, Cumbria, Daventry, Stockton on Tees, Knutsford, Rugby, Surrey and London. They return to school in September as Shakespeare Youth Ambassadors, ready to continue the great work that's taken place in their school over the past 2 years. We wish them well and thank them for their enthusiasm and dedication over the past two weeks.

Friday 14 August 2009

Blogs from backstage!



During the Technical Rehearsal on Friday morning...performance minus 1 hour!

Nina: We are all extremely excited and nervous, and at the same time sad that it's all over tonight.

Katie: We are wearing moustaches!

Chloe: It's been really fun and exciting, and now I don't want to go!

Christian: Feeling nervous about going onstage, but my adrenalin will hopefully kick in, and I want to have a great time.

Patrish: These past few days have been intense. Our performance at the Dell went really well but the pressure is on for the Courtyard performance today. Can I say thank you to everyone involved for making this production a success.


Join us at the Courtyard Theatre at 3pm for the RSC Youth Ensemble's performance of The Winter's Tale.

Thursday 13 August 2009

Performance minus 25 hours!



Lisa, Youth Ensemble Chaperone, writes:

Every time I go into the rehearsal rooms I am amazed at the work that the young people are producing. They really are a super group of young people who have such a lot of energy! Whether it be social activities or a task in the rehearsal room, each and every one of the young people here give 110%! I have no doubt that they will produce an amazing performance and I hope that lots of people can come and show their support.
Keep up the good work guys!


Kayleigh, aged 14 from Cornwall, writes:

These past two weeks have been amazing and I have made fab friends! We perform today at The Dell (the RSC's outdoor space, Thursday 13th at 2pm) and again on Friday (tomorrow!) at the Courtyard Theatre (Friday 14th at 3pm). I'm going to miss everyone who we have worked with. Thank you for a fantastic time!


Emily, aged 12 from Stockton-on-Tees, writes:

I am so excited about Friday when we perform in the Courtyard Theatre - and I have to say, our costumes are so cool. I have to wear a shawl and a bum roll, and in a different scene I wear two big basket things on my hips (so funny!).


Photo by Rob Freeman

Booking information
Tickets: £2 adults, £1 children, £5 family ticket
Tickets available from the RSC Box Office on 0844 800 1112
This event will be followed by a Q&A with the RSC’s Artistic Director, Michael Boyd

Tuesday 11 August 2009

Week 2 begins


Katie, aged 15 from Cornwall, writes:

On Sunday evening (our activity day) we went bowling. Lots of people who are working with us over the two weeks came along and we all had a fun night. One highlight was when Nik threw the ball and it bounced over to the next lane. The other lady didn't look too impressed!
Christian, aged 15 from Northamptonshire, writes:

I have had a great time since I've been here. The highlights were meeting all the fellow actors that came to the Youth Ensemble, and doing all the fun games e.g. Penguin Race and Bounce, Boing, Whizz. The part I have is pretty good even though I get eaten by a bear and I don't speak that much. The Youth Ensemble is really fun and I know I'm going to miss it and all the people I've met and the experiences I've had. I'm amazed at the fact I'm going to perform in the Courtyard Theatre [Friday 14th, 3pm] - I just know it's going to be brill!


Jay, aged 14 from Surrey, writes:

Yesterday we were back at rehearsals after a very relaxing day off. In the morning we headed off to Waterside (our rehearsal space) and when we got there we did our usual daily warm up. Then we worked on the scene where one of the characters gets killed. It's weird to see a person get killed over and over again. And then in the afternoon we talked to two of the people (Kim and Gee) who took part in the Youth Ensemble last year. And finally we did a 'stumble through' of some of the play. It was great to do that because it was the first time we had seen it come together. I am so excited for the performance now! Everyone's going to do a great job! Can't wait to see what the next day brings...

Booking information
Tickets: £2 adults, £1 children, £5 family ticket
Tickets available from the RSC Box Office on 0844 800 1112
This event will be followed by a Q&A with the RSC’s Artistic Director, Michael Boyd

Monday 10 August 2009

The Youth Ensemble enjoys a well-deserved day off!

Chloe, aged 12 from Stockton-on-Tees, writes:

On Sunday 9th August, on our day off, we went and had a picnic on Chapel Lane after watching a really good performance called Hamlet. At 2.45pm we got on the bus to go to Mary Arden's Farm. There was a falconry display. I was the first one to hold the falcon out of all of them and I was really proud of myself. After Mary Arden's Farm we came back to the hostel to get ready to go bowling. Jay, Emily, Katie and Chris won the first round at bowling, and Lawrence, Emily, Katie and Chris won the second round. Bowling was one of my favourite activities we have done so far.

Sara, aged 15 from Knutsford, writes:

Yesterday was our day off so some of us went to watch the Gloucester Youth Players' production of Hamlet at the Dell, the RSC's outdoor theatre space. I liked the performance a lot more than I thought I would and with it being sunny it was even better. In the afternoon we all went to Mary Arden's Farm. Along with looking at the animals and the house, we went to watch a falcon display - some of us even held a Harris Hawk. I really enjoyed both the day and the sunshine!


Photos by Rob Freeman
Booking information
Tickets: £2 adults, £1 children, £5 family ticket
Tickets available from the RSC Box Office on 0844 800 1112
This event will be followed by a Q&A with the RSC’s Artistic Director, Michael Boyd

Sunday 9 August 2009

Saturday's rehearsals

Giz, Youth Ensemble Chaperone writes:

Here we are halfway through the process and it's amazing what the youth ensemble have achieved already. It is astounding that a week ago these people didn't know each other. These young people are grasping each opportunity they get and making the most of exceptional creative team they are working with, combining the RSC's talents with thier endless energy, enthusiasm, and imagination.
I am getting more and more excited each day at the prospect of the performance that is soon upon us and cannot wait to see the end product.


Nik, aged 13 from Daventry, writes:

Today we have been doing our play and I have 2 girls called Dorcas and Mopsa chasing me! (Clown)


Tania, aged 15 from Cumbria, writes:

It's day 9 here at the Youth Ensemble and everyone is very tired from working so hard at rehearsals. However, all our spirits are still high - as always, lots of smiley faces everywhere. One of the highlights of my time here was meeting Cicely Berry at 'Cake Friday' along with loads of other amazing people! Everyone needs to come and see our performance! [Friday, 14th August, 3pm at the Courtyard Theatre.]

Friday 7 August 2009

S Factor Party

Being in the Youth Ensemble isn't all about Shakespeare! A highlight in the programme is the legendary Superhero party!! Every actor has to design their own Superhero and perform on the S Factor catwalk in front of our S Factor judges. Here are their highlights!!! Enjoy!!

After a day off, the Youth Ensemble are ready to go again!


Rochelle, aged 15 from Wimbledon, writes:

On Wednesday we had our day off and we visited the RSC Collections and saw costumes worn by the famous, such as David Tennant and Simon Callow. We also saw an actor in the flesh which was amazing. We also visited the production warehouse after a long cold wet walk to the Waterside space. What was so amazing was that we saw props eing made for the show that we're going to see on Friday. It was astonishing to see how much detail goes into the costumes.


Andy, aged 15 from Cumbria, writes:
The other day the Youth Ensemble found out our parts for our performance of The Winter's Tale [on Friday 14th August at 3pm at the Courtyard Theatre]. I am Autolycus (the funny guy!). All our rehearsals have been hard work but great fun. We have had a lot of laughs and I'm really excited to go back to rehearsals, because Wednesday was our day off. We were given a tour of the RSC's costume hire warehouse and the RSC's archive. They were both really interesting and between the tours we had a Tesco feast, yummy! I have been line-learning as well with Nik for a scene we have together. I am loving the experience and everyone is class!


Lawrence, aged 17 from Whitby, and Holly, aged 13 from Daventry, write:

We didn't realise the RSC was that big. We had a tour around the production warehouse and got to see what happened in the engineering, design, costume hire, props, woodwork and paint departments. On our tour around the archives we saw a real BAFTA and a real Oscar OMG! We also saw historic objects like David Tennant's costumes. They made us realise how much detail and planning goes into everything.



Photos by Rob Freeman

Booking information

Tickets £2 adults, £1 children, £5 family ticket
Tickets available from the RSC Box Office on 0844 800 1112
This event will be followed by a Q&A with the RSC’s Artistic Director, Michael Boyd

Thoughts from the RSC Youth Ensemble on the course so far...

Patrish, aged 15 from Wimbledon, writes:

On our arrival it was quite nerve-racking as we all didn't know each other. I would never have thought that within 4 days we would all be as close as we are now. It's great because everyone is friendly and we are all like one big family. The activities that we did during the first few days and in rehearsals really contributed to this.


Jodi, aged 15 from Rugby, writes:

This whole process so far is amazing. We had casting the other day and I am overjoyed with my part. Everyone who is part of the ensemble have become a new family to me - so I'm so glad to be able to put on a performance with them.


Kayleigh, 14, and Katie, 15, both from Cornwall, write:

We've found out our parts so are looking at learning lines and exploring characters. Rehearsals have been tiring but we work hard as we all want to do our best towards our performance, have this rare experience, and just have fun!

Photos by Ellie Kurttz and Rob Freeman

Wednesday 5 August 2009

Youth Ensemble members talk about their first few days


Nina, aged 17 from Whitby writes:

Today is our fourth day - I think everyone will agree that the experience so far has been amazing! As a group we get on very well despite some of the age differences, and the group work taking place in the rehearsal room is very impressive and exciting.

Today we were all told our parts in The Winter's Tale, I think they were chosen very well - we all seem to 'suit' our roles and will no doubt create some astounding characters in an excellent finishing performance!

Spending six hours a day rehearsing is extremely exhausting; however I have complete confidence that the time we spend rehearsing will pay off in our performance of The Winter's Tale and I'm looking forward to our first proper rehearsal on Thursday (despite the slight pressure of trying to learn our lines in one day!)

Tania, aged 15 from Cumbria writes:

I'm finding my time here a really enjoyable experience. I have learnt so much already and met so many amazing, inspiring people. I would urge anyone and their Granny to come to our performance on Friday 14 August at 3pm! It's going to be immense!! :-)


Booking information
Tickets £2 adults, £1 children, £5 family ticketTickets available from the RSC Box Office on 0844 800 1112This event will be followed by a Q&A with the RSC’sArtistic Director, Michael Boyd from 4.15 - 5pm

The Youth Ensemble are here!

Fiona, Project Manager of the Youth Ensemble writes:


The Youth Ensemble has been in Stratford for 4 days now. After initial nervousness and trepidation, 18 individuals are now one ensemble, sharing leisure time, forming new friendships and working hard in the rehearsal room.
Yesterday in rehearsals they began to discover the story and the worlds of The Winter’s Tale and in evening, they saw the RSC’s production. Sitting, as I was, on the other side of the stalls to the group it was amusing and fascinating to watch their reactions when, for example, they heard the piece of text they’d worked on during the day. What a great start and what a bright and interesting group…I’m so looking forward to seeing how their production unfolds. Hopefully more from them soon.






Wednesday 29 July 2009

Just to wet your appetites here are a few pictures from last year's performance at the Courtyard Theatre.
Hello and welcome to the 2009 Youth Ensemble Blog! The Youth Ensemble will arrive on Saturday and will be posting information daily about their rehearsal process as they prepare to perform on the Courtyard Stage in Stratford on 14 August.