Getting to Know: Bristol Academy of Drama
Posted on: 27 Jul 2017Bristol Academy of Drama is a 5 star rated children's drama school offering exciting, creative and practical drama lessons which aim to build confidence, encourage teamwork and improve creative thinking skills. We were lucky enough to chat to Claire Vincent, Founder and Drama Facilitator, about BAD's ethos and their set-up in Brisol.
.jpg "Kids having fun at one of BAD's workshops")
When was Bristol Academy of Drama set up and what are its main aims and objectives?
"We launched Bristol Academy of Drama (B.A.D.) in February 2017. The aim at B.A.D. is to offer theatre in its many forms. We do not focus on the musical theatre genre, although there are movement and voice work during our classes. Drama is so much more than just performing, it requires imagination, teamwork, along with focus and B.A.D’s aim is to ensure that no matter what level of experience or ability, by working together, we can create inspiring and memorable theatre, both for those performing and those watching."
What is it like being based at in 1532 Performing Arts?
"We are so lucky to be able to rehearse and perform in such an inspiring Arts space and it is wonderful to be able to offer our students the chance to work in such a professional environment."
Can you tell us about some of the experience your faculty and staff have?
"As the Artistic Director, I have been involved in theatre, both on and off stage, for over 20 years. I have directed, produced and acted in award winning adult productions and worked with students as director and producer for many productions from Shakespeare to Grease. Our facilitators are from a background of theatre, either as performers or trained drama facilitators. We have our own Writer in Residence who adapts all our plays especially for our students. She also works as a professional actress in London and enjoys coming and visiting us whenever she can. We also bring in specialist teachers to work on specific theatre styles from stage combat to shadow theatre."
What is your favourite part about teaching children’s drama?
"The wonderful imagination children have and how they can take an idea and create a unique and inventive interpretation. Always something new and exciting to explore."
Do you have any major events or activities coming up?
"We will be presenting our main production in February which will be James and the Giant Peach adapted especially for us by our own writer in residence, Beatrice Vincent. A wonderful tale full of amazing characters from a violin playing grasshopper to a ladybird ... oh and an enormous peach!"
What kind of response have you had from the community with all your endeavours?
"We have been to visit some of the local brownies and guides and had such fun working with them on team work and confidence building. It is inspiring to see children who are too shy to say their name out loud at the start, build in confidence and by the end of just a one-hour session, is happy to shout their name from the rooftops. We will, of course, be opening our main shows to the public and hope they enjoy watching as much as we will enjoy bringing our production to life."
Have there been any performances that are personal favourites?
"As a Director, a recent performance of Much Ado About Nothing for the Shakespeare in School festival was very memorable. Such a vibrant story and it was a pleasure to work with children, aged 11-14, who threw themselves into the play and were not afraid to take on the Shakespearean language and brilliantly bring the story to life. As an actor, I have very happy memories of a wonderful play called “Vincent in Brixton”. A fictionalised account of the period when the artist, Vincent Van Gogh, lived and worked in London. I was lucky enough to win the Rose Bowl Best Actress Award for my portrayal as Ursula Loyer, a character in the play. As an audience member, I will never forget seeing “Every Brilliant Thing” at the Edinburgh Fringe – a truly inspiring and life-affirming production about one young man’s wish to make those he loves happy."
Is there any advice you would give to any kids that want to get into drama and acting?
"Acting is about teamwork, if you are selfish when you perform you will struggle to be the best you can be and will have a negative impact on the performance as a whole. No matter how large or small your part, your presence at all times is essential and you should be at every rehearsal. Some of my favourite parts have been small roles and so the larger the part does not mean the better the role. You should also ensure that you learn your lines and listen carefully to direction and your other cast members. You should also remember that the stage crew are the ones who make you look good on stage so always be patient and listen carefully and been good to them during a tech rehearsal!"
Where do you see BAD in five years time?
"We hope to be offering drama workshops and performances to all age groups, not just Key Stage 2 and 3 as we are at the moment. We are also wanting to introduce training for those interested in working backstage or as a theatre technician."
If you were mayor of Bristol for one day, what is the one thing you would change?
"To ensure that priority is given to funding for the Arts... naturally!"
So, if you are interested in anything that BAD had to offer bristolacademydrama.com/classes. You can also email them at bristolacademyofdrama@gmail.com.
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Matt, originally from Belfast, has only lived in Bristol for a year now and is studying Media & Journalism at UWE. He wants to concentrate his writing and media skills in Bristol's culinary culture, delving into what fine feasts the city has to offer and where the best places to go for food really are. Along with an aspiration to interview some of the influential people shaping Bristol and some who are simply passing through, Matt really is trying to make Bristol his new home! For any other info check out his Facebook or Twitter.
