‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jnr’
Here at Doorstep Arts, we put on a lovely big summer musical every 2 years – this year we have the creative challenge of bringing Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to life!
In recent years, the cast has been made up of our DAS Musical Theatre groups, however, historically, Doorstep Youth Theatre (DYT) would contribute original, devised material. So after a few years working on separate productions, DAS and DYT are coming back together!
Theatre Buddies
We are thrilled to launch our new programme called ‘Theatre Buddies’. This programme is all about encouraging young people to attend the theatre and experience productions that they may not have had the chance to see before.
We are increasingly aware that with the cost of living considerably rising, many of the young people in Torbay haven’t had the opportunity to watch live theatre performances in and outside of the region.
Which raises the question ‘How can we expect young people to create original, imaginative and innovative theatre if there are multiple barriers simply getting to the theatre?’. With this in mind, we aim to make the theatre an affordable, memorable, accessible and sustainable experience for the young adults we are working with.
Life On The Edge – South Devon National Landscape
We are the cultural partner for the Life On The Edge project – a multi-partner project funded by a development grant from Heritage Lottery Fund. We were commissioned to support the design of their arts engagement programme during the development phase. The project aimed to restore thriving populations of some of the UK’s rarest insects living along the South West Coast Path between Berry Head and Wembury – working with residents, parish councils, schools and land owners to protect and restore precious Coastal wildlife and connect communities with nature.
Theatre of the Mind
In 2018-19, Doorstep Co-Director Jade Campbell and Associate Artist Becky Dobson worked at Brixham College over a year in a long term residency model to pilot an innovative new programme. The sessions supported Year 8 pupils in their PSHE courses, supporting the development of positive mental health, wellbeing, and awareness. The sessions use Boal and Forum Theatre drama techniques to rehearse tactics, coping strategies and communication skills linked to positive mental health cultivation.
This programme is now available for other schools, either as a 3 or a 6 week residency. Email polly@doorsteparts.co.uk or visit the Theatre of The Mind Page to find out more. You can also read our blog post about why theatre of The Mind is needed after the pandemic here.
Moor to Sea Early Years Collaboration
A special and imaginative weekly musical playgroup for Early Years children and their childminders, parents or carers at the beautiful site of Torre Abbey Historical House and Gardens. Sessions are tailored for children aged 0-4 with a focus on group music-making, multi-sensory imaginative play, fun musical games and songs. Co-hosted by Moor to Sea Music and Doorstep Arts, we offer a safe space for a parent or childminder to relax, have a cuppa or join in with the fun, whilst children immerse themselves in musical play.