By HELEN COMPSON

Last updated at 10:10, Friday, 05 February 2010

HEXHAM is set to make a dramatic impact on the county with the launch this summer of the first Northumberland Youth Theatre Festival.

The event will build on the Queen’s Hall’s reputation as a centre of excellence for drama, said arts development officer Holly Clay.

The two week festival – which will culminate in a theatre production – will be aimed at young people in the 15 to 19 age bracket.

“I know people here who go to London for the type of residential programme we are going to offer – but why should they have to?” Holly said.

“I’m sure that is a valuable experience for some, but it would be a nice alternative to be able to attend something of the same quality locally.”

The age range had been chosen because it was a pivotal time for young people investigating their possible further education and career choices.

The festival might confirm some participants’ aptitude for drama and theatre production, she said, but for others it might simply help develop their self-confidence.

Working in tandem with the Royal Society of Arts, the Queen’s Hall will host the event from July 25 until August 6.

The successful applicants for the 40 places on offer will be selected during a workshop set to take place at the arts centre on Sunday, March 7.

With word rapidly spreading across the arts scene, applications are already coming in from as far afield as Blyth, Alnwick and Berwick.

Holly said: “This festival is part of our response to the fact we are now operating under a unitary authority.

“More and more we are working on county-wide projects – the Queen’s Hall is an amazing and valuable resource for Northumberland as a whole.”

Professionals are now being lined up to deliver the two week programme, including former actor and director with the Royal Shakespeare Company Bill Buffery.

He will be joined by Gill Nathanson, his partner in the small-scale touring theatre he runs, ‘multi story’, and further appointments are yet to be announced.

On day one, the professionals will help the participants identify and devise a story which will then be worked up into a full production during the following fortnight.

There will be opportunities to sample all aspects of the process, while those particularly interested in music can opt to work with a music director for the fortnight.

“The Northumberland Youth Theatre Festival is designed to inspire young people to become more involved in theatre,” Holly continued.

“There is a great history of dramatic talent in the North–East, with the likes of Tim Healy and Robson Green, and we hope that this will encourage young people to continue that tradition.

“The people we are looking for will be passionate about theatre and prepared to commit themselves to two weeks of intensive work.

“Ultimately, we hope the festival will have a profound influence on their career aspirations.”

Accommodation for participants travelling from outside of Tynedale would be provided with local families.

Holly Clay can be contacted for further information and application packs via email on holly.clay@queenshall.co.uk.

First published at 09:38, Friday, 05 February 2010
Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk