Centrestage aims to enable anyone of any ability, background or experience to learn musical and performance skills and techniques in an environment which encourages everyone to work together to attain the highest possible standards, individually and collectively. The majority of classes work towards an on-stage end of term “report” to showcase their work.
What are the Centrestage Facilities?
Centrestage offers a large, fully equipped stage and band pit, with an auditorium capable of seating audiences of 300+. The reception and foyer lead to a large rehearsal and dance studio, technical workshop, sound and lighting booth and further smaller practice and rehearsal areas. There are over 25 car parking spaces belonging to Centrestage and numerous additional parking facilities in the surrounding areas.
Term dates for 2009/10
Terms last an average of 9 weeks and follow school term structure:-
Autumn Term 8 wks: Week beginning Mon 17th August to week ending Sun 11th October 2009
Winter Term 9 wks: Week beginning Mon 19th October to week ending Sun 20th December 2009
Spring Term 11 wks: Week beginning Sat 9th January to week ending Sun 28th March 2010
Summer Term 10 wks: Week beginning Mon 12th April to week ending Sun 20th June 2010
Classes will not run on the following term dates:
Saturday 30th January – due to the S1/2 Music Theatre production
Monday 1st –Saturday 6th March inclusive – due to Senior Music Theatre production of Beauty & the Beast
Saturday 29th May – due to the P6/7 Music Theatre production.
Fees
Fees are payable termly. If two termly paid classes are booked at the same time by a family residing at the same address, a 10% discount is applied. For three classes or more a15% discount will be applied to the total fee due. Adult classes (18+ years) can be paid weekly. Fees will only be refunded on production of a medical certificate. Extra rehearsals may be called on Thursday evenings or weekends, when Music Theatre & Acting Skills students are working towards the full scale in-house productions. A nominal fee of £1 will be charged for each additional rehearsal outwith the normal timetable , payable on the day.
How long a commitment must I make?
All classes are filled on a termly basis and there is no requirement to sign up for more than one term. All class members will be guaranteed a place in the following term’s activities unless we are advised otherwise. Please ask for an amendment form at reception if you wish to change or cancel classes.
How are the courses structured?
Each course aims to maximize the performance opportunities for each student so new material will be covered each term, culminating in fully staged performances in the Centrestage auditorium at the end of every term. Choral Group performs twice a year; at Christmas and in the spring. Acting Skills students will be invited to present two staged plays each session. All dance classes will showcase their work at the end of each term, either as part of the wider end of term reports or as part of the Dance Madness performance. (Classes which do not work towards performance are marked in the class schedule.)
Extra rehearsals may be called when students are involved in performance showcases. Students will not be billed for these.
I enjoy singing but I don’t think I’d enjoy the acting/dance. What can I do?
Our Gospel and Soul Choir, which rehearses on Friday nights, concentrates on powerful choral singing, and is aimed at all ages, from 13 years and above. The Choral Group is for anyone who enjoys more traditional choral music ranging from Mozart to Rutter and Rossini to Lloyd Webber. It takes place on Wednesday afternoons and includes refreshments. We also offer a Children’s Gospel and Soul Choir for 9-13 year olds and this runs at the same time as the Adult Gospel & Soul, so you could use it as a pro-active childcare facility! Our Pop Choir meets on a Monday at 1.30pm-3pm and is an informal group which sings a range of current styles from easy listening to pop & soul classics.
I think I’m tone deaf / have no experience. Can I take part?
Definitely! Centrestage aims to have something for everyone, whether you love the spotlight or just want to be part of the team. All abilities, from the beginner to the most able will be catered for in performance classes and all aspects of backstage and front of house activities will be offered in the Technical Theatre and i-Theatre classes.
Will Easter/Summer Schools be offered?
In addition to normal evening classes taking place, a wide range of courses are offered throughout the school holidays.
What should I wear?
For Health & Safety reasons, all school age pupils MUST wear a Centrestage top in the appropriate colour for their class group. No other uniform is required although appropriate shoes should be worn to classes. (Trainers are fine!) Tops can be ordered at the time of registration or from Centrestage reception. All adult classes may choose to wear Centrestage t-shirts or polo shirts but there is no obligation to do so.
AGE GROUP
COLOUR
Tiny Tots to Age 6
Yellow/Pink
Primary 3-4
Yellow/Pink
Primary 5-6
Red/Pink
Primary 6-7
Black/Pink
S1/2
Yellow/Pink
S3/4
Red/Pink
16+
Black/Pink
Technical Theatre – all ages
Black
Are full musicals produced?
Yes. We aim to provide as many opportunities for our students to perform as possible. In the last session students have staged “Anything Goes”, “Bugsy Malone”, “Guys & Dolls”, “Rent” and “Annie”. This session all students from Senior Music Theatre, S3/4/5 Music Theatre, S1/2 Music Theatre and P6/7 Music Theatre classes will be able to participate in at least one fully staged musical, in addition to their end of term showcase report. Participation in the end of term showcase reports allows the students to build the skills necessary to participate in the “big shows”! In their show term, students will not participate in a concert performance.
Dates for these productions are as follows: S3/4/5 Music Theatre - 17th & 18th October;
S1/2 Music Theatre – 30th & 31st January; Senior Music Theatre – 3rd – 6th March; P6/7 Music Theatre – 29th & 30th May; Senior Music Theatre beginning of July, dates to be confirmed. A nominal fee of £1 will be charged for each additional rehearsal outwith the normal timetable, payable on the day. Students may be asked to provide a nominal fee towards their costumes.
Production times are carefully planned around the demands of the school curriculum with the S3/4/5 production scheduled in the October holiday, well before the prelim time; and the Spring Senior Music Theatre production taking place well before the SQA exams commence.
Backstage @ Centrestage
All aspects of stage production are covered in the Technical Theatre classes. When students have reached an appropriate level of competency, they will be invited to join the CS Stage Crew and participate in the productions.
i-Theatre @ Centrestage
i-Theatre encapsulates all aspects of the media that is used in theatre today. Using industry standard software packages, students will learn techniques such as filming and editing movie and powerpoint presentations and recording and editing music for use in shows and productions. i-theatre helps to create full length multi-media packages for shows and dance medleys.
SQA Qualifications
During the 09/10 session, Centrestage will be offering SQA Qualifications in all aspects of Technical Theatre, with the potential for students to obtain a fully accredited SQA Award. This is a course that is currently only offered in colleges. There will be no lower age limit. Additional SQA qualifications will also be offered over the course of the year. Further details are available from Fiona McKenzie.
For the security of all students and staff, only Centrestage staff and students can be in the rooms at rehearsal times. All Centrestage staff have been vetted by Disclosure Scotland. For pre-school classes parents may remain at their own discretion.
Can I hire the venue?
Yes – you can hire the space for a variety of purposes - details of availability and cost are available from Centrestage staff.
