Grand Bahama Island - Last year the Regency Theatre and the Freeport Players' Guild hosted an intense two week Theatre Arts Summer School for 10 to 16 year olds which was widely acclaimed as a phenomenal success.  And now, the Regency Arts Theatre School, or RATS as it is affectionately known, is set to go once again and is accepting applications.

Under the direction of Jackie Dack and Sheena Moree, together with other professionals, the school runs from 30th June to 12th July, 2008 and aims:

• To teach all aspects of theatre arts including performing (drama, music and dance), technical aspects, including lights and sound, follow spot operation, backstage work, set design, props, make-up, costumes, production, direction, promotion, theatre management, how to audition and how to handle failure and frustration, success and stardom.
  
• To teach young people essential "life skills" including self confidence and self esteem, poise, communication, timing, the importance of team work, accountability and responsibility, respect for others and for property.
  
• To put on two public performances of the award winning comedy musical Honk Jr.  Last year, Twinderella was successfully staged by 36 children who were responsible for making the show work, including their own props, make-up, costumes, cleaning up and putting the theatre back to its original state, or better, after the show. 
  
• To strive for excellence and discipline in all aspects of the Summer School and to foster a passion for the arts.
  
• To provide a common bond for young people from all walks of life. Last year the Summer School was attended by 36 young people (with equal numbers of boys and girls) who came from 14 different schools on Grand Bahama.  RATS is actively promoted in all Government schools on the island, and is fortunate to have the support of teachers in all sectors who encourage the most suitable children to attend.
  
• To direct the students' enthusiasm and talents to attaining new and exciting goals. To rival the best in international theatre arts schools.

There are exactly 36 places.  The scheduling of the summer school and the commitment demanded of all who attend is intense, and all students are expected to be focused and to display a positive attitude.  Each space is valuable.

If you are interested, please read the RATS 08 Information & Application Form and follow the instructions provided. 

If you know any one who is interested, please forward this page to them.

If you would like, and it is a very fabulous thing, to sponsor a suitable child to take this course, please email Erica Paine, RATS Scholarship Director at the address below.

Any requests for scholarships must be emailed directly to Erica at ep@gtclaw.com

Related articles:

Regency Arts Theatre Summer School coming soon!

Grand Bahama youth get hands-on theatre experience

Twinderella is a HIT!