Summer News
Firstly, I want to say a massive thank you to all of you who have supported Levy Little Theatre during this trying time. Just before Lockdown we were all set to perform our production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. All groups had really healthy numbers of children participating which meant our micro-community of mini-makers was really growing as was the young performers' confidence, drama skills and talent. It was deeply saddening to have to pack up Levy Little Theatre and say goodbye to the Old Library and my weekly meets with your brilliant children, so I was so heartened to have so many of your children join me as we ventured online to do our classes via Zoom. Despite the disappointment at not being able to perform the show, you and your children really made the last 12 weeks or so incredibly enjoyable and productive. So, thank you!
The term has now ended as the official summer break has now started. The plan is to get cracking in person again in September but the guidelines, restrictions and measures are ever-changing, as you know, and so I will have to keep you updated on this. Obviously, if we are able to go back, I will have to limit numbers to accommodate social distancing so I will give you as much advance warning of when I open bookings so that you can secure your childs' place.
I am also hoping to run a summer school (of sorts) at the beginning of August but I am still working out the logistics of this so will keep you in the loop on any decisions on that too. If it does go ahead it will most likely be in the outside space of the Old Library under awnings but this is all to be confirmed.
Sadly, when and if we do go back 'in person' our amazing assistant, Elli Kypriadis, will no longer be with us. She is going to embark on a Theatre and Performance course at Bristol University. It has been Elli's passion to be involved in the arts for many years. As many of you will know, she is incredibly talented at artwork and she made all of our shower curtain backdrops from scratch for us. This course sounds perfect for Elli as she is able to continue her passion for set design and combine this with performance work which she excels in. I have taught Elli acting since she was in year 7 and when she left high school we continued a tutor / pupil relationship as she auditioned for drama schools. We both joked that our sessions were often just an excuse to see each other and chat about the arts and the industry. She was my first choice when I needed an assistant and has become a wonderful friend. I will miss her tremendously as I am sure will the children she worked with. I know she was incredibly popular and the TOTS especially enjoyed having Elli there to hold their hand if they felt a little nervous. If you have any messages that you would like me to pass on to Elli please send them over. I know she'd love to read them.
Levy Little Theatre is, however, hugely excited to announce that we are now a CIC (Community Interest Company) so you can be safe in the knowledge that any profit Levy Little Theatre makes goes straight back into Levy Little Theatre. Our sole aim is to make sure that we are of the maximum benefit to our community and to bring the community together through theatre. This also means that we are in a better position to be able to apply for funding thereby increasing our ability to put on larger scale events and productions and we hope to offer fully paid places and assisted places for those who need it also.
And lastly, I am immensely happy to confirm that Chris Brett is now co-director of Levy Little Theatre. Chris has been working with our YOUTH group for two terms now and has occasionally worked with TOTS and KIDS too. I know everyone loves him already but I am genuinely thrilled that Chris is taking a co-lead with me on how the future of Levy Little Theatre looks as he has such a strong theatrical vision and has a real passion for innovative theatre work with young people.
So, whilst things are still uncertain and at times scary, there are some real positives for Levy Little Theatre at the moment. We continue to strive for top quality community theatre and to aid in opening doorstep access to the arts for all.
I really hope that you and your families are all coping well and keep my fingers firmly crossed to see you all back in September.
Enjoy your summers!
Gemma x