A few weeks ago Kevin Spacey wrote in The Stage bemoaning the lack of young people attending theatre and that theatre “has become an exclusive club”. This comes after Spacey has just secured a sponsorship deal which allows his theatre – London’s Old Vic – to offer £12 tickets to people under 25 years. He carries on to suggest that if there is no one to replace the current generation of theatre goers then the theatre industry won’t survive.
Now, I for one think there are more nuances to this argument. I’ll be the first to agree that the majority of theatre audiences across the country are over 45 years old – but this doesn’t mean theatre is a dying art form - or worse doesn’t attract young people. When I started working in theatre many years ago the question always being asked was “How do we get young people to attend?” with a sense that theatre won’t survive without them. Fast forward and the question is still there.
There are several reasons for this, one being that theatre is low on some young people’s list of things to do in their spare time. Some might want to be on stage rather than watch it, others just want to socialise or take part in more active pursuits. Once they get a bit older they may become parents and time and money become an issue – as well as trying to find a babysitter. When the kids have flown the nest, that’s when people start to relax again and think about what they want to do with their new found spare time.
The truth is that a majority of people mature into becoming regular theatregoers but that doesn’t mean young people don’t watch theatre. The Coliseum is offers a lot for young people and we actively encourage them to get involved in the theatre whether that’s on stage, backstage or coming to watch a play. A Night Less Ordinary (the Arts Council free ticket initiative) was a great success here and it genuinely had a direct impact in young people seeing theatre in Oldham.
The work that we do with young people not only increases their confidence and skills for life but also engages their interest in theatre, some might go on to be the next Benedict Cumberbach, some might attend theatre more regularly but some might have an interest in theatre ignited that they’ll revisit later in life.
Theatre is universal – far from an “exclusive club”; the themes and emotions that run through each play can resonate with all ages. There is a myth that young people find theatre intimidating but nothing is further from the truth. Once young people are through the door they engage with the play and experience just like everyone else.
Kevin Shaw
Artistic Director
Thursday 27 September 2012
Thursday 6 September 2012
Back to school...
It’s back to school time for young people across the borough. As with every new term, both Oldham College and University Campus Oldham host an introductory week to welcome students and let them know what opportunities there are in the local area.
Look out for the Coliseum stand at UCO’s Fresher’s Fayre on Tuesday 18 September. They’ll be a range of organisations with information on how you can enhance your university experience with extracurricular activities.
If you are enrolling at Oldham College next week, members of the Coliseum team will also be on hand to let you know about all the different ways you can get involved at the theatre which will not only be fun but will look great on your CV.
The Coliseum has large selection of opportunities for young people who are interested in drama and the theatre. This includes TheatreLAB for young thespians and DigiLAB for people more interested in the technical side of theatre. There is also a group for 5 – 12 year olds – Drama Daze – that is perfect to develop kids’ skills and confidence. Not forgetting Full Circle, our ever popular over 50s group.
Not only are there a wide range of drama classes for all ages and abilities, there is also the chance to volunteer and be part of the Coliseum team. So if you are looking for new and exciting ways to spend your time this academic year, make sure you contact our education and outreach department at education@coliseum.org.uk for more information on everything we have to offer.
Usually here at the Coliseum we would also be starting our ‘new term’ with the first production of the autumn/winter season. However, the building is still undergoing the final stages of the renovation work so we’re holding tight until the end of October when we can open our doors to the public.
Of course, I’m keeping myself busy directing the tour of Jane Eyre which opened this week. The cast had a fantastic run at Shaw Playhouse, Oldham Central Library and tonight they’re playing in Chadderton. If you want to catch this community tour of Charlotte Brontë’s classic love story then we’ll be at Slaithwaite Civic Hall tomorrow evening and Marsden Mechanics for our last performance tomorrow. Call 0161 624 2829 to book your tickets.
Kevin Shaw
Artistic Director
Look out for the Coliseum stand at UCO’s Fresher’s Fayre on Tuesday 18 September. They’ll be a range of organisations with information on how you can enhance your university experience with extracurricular activities.
If you are enrolling at Oldham College next week, members of the Coliseum team will also be on hand to let you know about all the different ways you can get involved at the theatre which will not only be fun but will look great on your CV.
The Coliseum has large selection of opportunities for young people who are interested in drama and the theatre. This includes TheatreLAB for young thespians and DigiLAB for people more interested in the technical side of theatre. There is also a group for 5 – 12 year olds – Drama Daze – that is perfect to develop kids’ skills and confidence. Not forgetting Full Circle, our ever popular over 50s group.
Not only are there a wide range of drama classes for all ages and abilities, there is also the chance to volunteer and be part of the Coliseum team. So if you are looking for new and exciting ways to spend your time this academic year, make sure you contact our education and outreach department at education@coliseum.org.uk for more information on everything we have to offer.
Usually here at the Coliseum we would also be starting our ‘new term’ with the first production of the autumn/winter season. However, the building is still undergoing the final stages of the renovation work so we’re holding tight until the end of October when we can open our doors to the public.
Of course, I’m keeping myself busy directing the tour of Jane Eyre which opened this week. The cast had a fantastic run at Shaw Playhouse, Oldham Central Library and tonight they’re playing in Chadderton. If you want to catch this community tour of Charlotte Brontë’s classic love story then we’ll be at Slaithwaite Civic Hall tomorrow evening and Marsden Mechanics for our last performance tomorrow. Call 0161 624 2829 to book your tickets.
Kevin Shaw
Artistic Director
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