Arts & Culture

After moving from Theatre Square to the Health Hydro, Shoebox Theatre are preparing to launch an open day for youth theatre classes.

The Shoebox Theatre will open its doors to young performers aged 4 to 18 on January 26 to launch their new youth theatre programme and offer free drama taster workshops.

Luke Marquez, Artistic Director of the Shoebox Theatre, said: “Over the Christmas holidays, we have been busy re-locating the Shoebox from our previous location in Theatre Square to our new space at the Health Hydro and can’t wait to welcome young people into the new studio!

“Our offering for young people will range from fun and confidence-building drama workshops for ages 4 to 6 to a professionally-led young company for performers aged 15 to 18.”

The open day will give students and parents the opportunity to meet the Shoebox team and find out more about classes, as well as giving students the opportunity to take part in a free theatre workshop for their age group.

Luke added: “We have been running classes and masterclasses for actors aged 18+ for a number of years now and people travel from all over the country to train with us. We wanted to give younger students the chance to train with us as well. The classes will help to build the confidence of our students and introduce them to a wide range of disciplines and techniques, ensuring they become well-rounded performers.”

The Shoebox Theatre has a progressive track record for nurturing the careers of young actors and over the last couple of years have seen students successfully audition for Drama Schools including East 15, Rose Bruford and Fourth Monkey, as well as Universities.

Managed by Wrong Shoes Theatre Company, the Shoebox is a 50-seat studio theatre located within the Health Hydro. It produces and programmes professional theatre and provides training opportunities for young people aged four and above, and adults. Award winning actress, Billie Piper became the Patron of the Shoebox, when it officially launched in February 2017.

She said: “Venues like the Shoebox are really wonderful and important. When I was growing up in Swindon, I came through the traditional drama training routes, which are great, but the Shoebox Theatre offers alternative ways of developing skills and gaining experience, which is really, really exciting.”

To find out more about the open day and classes visit www.shoeboxtheatre.org.uk or email shoebox@wrongshoes.co.uk