Banbury-based theatre group launches series of summer musical theatre workshops for young people

Voices Across Time expert musical directors and choreographer, Emily Sloan, Joe Cummings and Georgia Brooks are hosting an exciting opportunity for young people this summer using music and dance to create their very own music videos.

Voices Across Time have launched ‘Spotlights’ - a series of eight one-off workshops for young people aged 7-11 and 12-16.

After months of ‘virtual’ music making, learning and communicating via screens there was a massive buzz of energy and excitement among everyone involved in the first workshops held at the beautiful tennis club in Adderbury.

No one can deny the huge importance technology now has in our day to day lives and this is what inspired Voices Across Time to link up music, dance and theatre workshops with technological skills to make brand new music videos using West End favourites as well as music, lyrics and choreography devised by young people.

Musical Director Joe Cummings said: “Fitting with this week’s theme of ‘ambition,' together with the participants we’re focusing on making and performing really high quality work, and learning and developing exciting skills to achieve this, whether it be writing stunning lyrics and melodies, singing at the top of your voice or creating choreography which tells a story all by itself.

"With the future of live performances in a very fragile state Voices Across Time want to give young people hope and encourage them to continue to develop and learn music and theatre skills both for careers in the arts industry, but also the huge benefits these skills can have in many other areas of life.

"This might not be the first you’ve heard from Voices Across Time this year as they have just finished producing a 12-week interactive radio series entitled ‘Bring Me Sunshine’.

"Aired weekly on Radio Horton, Bring Me Sunshine was designed for hospital patients and care home residents featuring sing along favourites, physical exercises and conversation topics to help stimulate listeners and boost conversation with friends and relatives who couldn’t meet face to face during lock-down.

"As part of this project, Founding Director, Harriet Wells has been creating ‘Musical Memory Capsules’ with local residents in Banbury discovering that “music has an incredible power to unlock memories, emotions and imaginations that people may have forgotten or never felt before. No matter what your age or background music is a great way to communicate."

‘Spotlights’ has been inspired by other projects the Voices Across Time team have worked on with other arts organisations including Garsington Opera, Hoxton Hall and The Royal Opera House who strive to make opportunities such as these available to children from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Voices Across Time are incredibly grateful to the kind people and organisations who have sponsored young people to attend these workshops.

Voices Across Time Executive Producer Flo Taylor said: “There is so much to be gained from collaborating with people from different backgrounds and these workshops are ideal, all you need is an imagination and as a group we can make something amazing.”

There are sill openings at any of the workshops. Cost is £45 per workshop. The workshops take place at the Adderbury Tennis Club.

The remaining workshop dates are August 14 and August 21 for ages 7 to 11 and August 13 and 20 for ages 12 to 16.

For more information contact Voices Across Time through the following email: [email protected] or call 07948769568. To book visit their website www.voicesacrosstime.com