activ8 Youth and Community Theatre Gala

15 Dec 2011

The Octagon’s learning and participation department, activ8 finished off the year on a high by putting on an impressive gala performance over the weekend with a series of plays based on our current production, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Over 200 young people aged 5-18 from activ8’s Youth Theatre and Community based groups were given the opportunity to perform in the auditorium on the set of the festive show. The one day event, which took place on Sunday 11th December, was divided into two halves with a group of 5-11 year olds taking centre stage before the second group of 11-18 year olds performed. The two groups performed exclusive work written by the Octagon’s Incubate writers, playwrights on attachment, and activ8 artists.

Stephen Parry, father of one of the Youth Theatre participants, commented about his son, Morgan’s, involvement: “This is the face of a young man who is flourishing in the environment activ8 all work so hard to create. A great end to a great day and a fabulous year.”

Lisa O’Neill-Rogan, Head of activ8 at the Octagon Theatre, commented: “The end of year Gala event is an opportunity for the Youth Theatre groups to share their work with each other and their families, this year we have fully integrated the work we also do in communities and our bridges group for young people with disabilties. In celebrating and sharing their creativity the young people we work with from many different backgrounds and groups found a shared passion and common ground. Performing in their local theatre in the main auditorium is a fantastic opportunity.”

The activ8 department lead a range of projects at the Octagon Theatre, in Community Settings and Schools which people of all ages can participate in. To find out more about activ8 click here, or call Helen Keenan on 01204 556501.