Local instructors will undertake a course with Australian Theatre for Young People trainer Becky Chapman before opening the doors to the workshops in Kandos, Mudgee and Gulgong.

The program has been established via a partnership between Mid-Western Regional Council, Regional Health Services, Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP), Arts OutWest and Barnados to help children with their drama skills and give them another activity throughout the holidays.

“Drama is very good for childhood development because of its ability to articulate thought, creative thinking and listening when they are part of the audience,” Regional Health Services representative Janet Walk said. “Also it is great for social skills, being able to listen and be kind when someone is performing. And it’s fun.”

From the workshops it is hoped students will take up roles in regional performances with existing theatre groups in the area.

Ms Walk said she hopes students gain confidence and skills from the workshops that they can then put back into their social, family and school lives.

This is the first time the drama workshops have been run in the region.

“We are hoping to develop the model in this area that can then be implemented in other places,” Ms Walk said.

ATYP trainer Becky Chapman said she would get the instructors to the point where they feel confident running workshops with young people.

“The workshops will be preparation for the instructors. They can share games and exercises, different ways to work with young people via drama and learn how to build a workshop in only two hours. Mostly the workshops will focus on students sharing their work in progress and improvisation,” she said.

How to get involved:

Two drama workshops for young people will run during the school holidays, with the first running from 10am till 12pm for students in year three to year six. The second session will be for year seven to year nine students and will run from 1pm to 3pm.

Mudgee:

Workshops will be held on Monday, July 20, at The Stables, 84 Market St, Mudgee. For more information or to register contact Sam Paine on 0431 208 646.

Gulgong:

Workshops will be held on Tuesday, July 21, at The Prince of Wales Opera House, 95 Mayne St, Gulgong. For more information or to register contact Ralph Kelly on 0407 669 527.

Kandos:

Workshops will be held on Wednesday, July 22 and Friday, July 24, at KYAC, 71 Angus Ave, Kandos. For more information or to register contact Janet Walk on 6357 8119.