Curtains up for theatre school's fifth birthday celebrations

Sunday 02 July 2023

The Theatre Workshop is taking centre stage as the local theatre school celebrates its fifth birthday with a host of shows at Haute Vallée school this month.

The Theatre Workshop was established in Jersey in 2018 with the hope of bringing professional musical theatre training to local students to allow them the same opportunities as young performers based in the UK.

On the 15 and 16 July 2023, The Theatre Workshop (TTW) will be celebrating five years of running by putting on a weekend of shows titled: 'The Best of 5'.

When it started five years ago, the school had 45 students. The number has since grown to 170, with a waiting list for almost every class.

Students include those who are training professionally, students who come to boost their confidence, as well as those who attend just for fun. 

The Theatre Workshop Jersey founder, Scott Livingstone said: "I believe TTW has played a huge part in the life of many of its students.

"I think one of the most important things we have achieved is giving our students the opportunities to train and be taught by a huge variety of different teachers."

Despite its popularity, the school has continuously struggled to find a permanent home.

Scott noted there is a "lack of facilities on the island". 

"We're also rehearsing in venues which are not fit for purpose on an island with so much wealth and influence," he admitted.

However, in spite of this, the school has thrived and the upcoming 'Best of 5' showcase is a highlight production of what TTW has achieved over its first five years of operating in Jersey.

It will include all 170 students performing a variety of musical numbers, dances, and scenes.

Pictured: Some of the young performers who are part of The Theatre Workshop.

The Theatre Workshop will also be holding their first Advanced Academy showcase this year.

The Advanced Academy is a course run for students between the ages of 16 and 18 years old and who wish to pursue a career in musical theatre, acting, or dance professionally. 

Unlike the usual classes, students must audition to gain entry to the Advanced Academy.

The showcase will be a short one hour, formal showcase of musical numbers, duets and duologues that will highlight Jersey's up-and-coming talent.

The 'Best of 5' showcase will take place on Saturday 1 July at both 15:00 and 19:00. 

The advanced showcase will be held on Sunday 2 July at 17:00.

This article was written by Lela-Mintaka Taylor (16), who is on work experience with Bailiwick Express.