Updates from Theatretrain
Blog and Events
Change of Scene
A house move can be exhausting, surprising and full of unexpected endings and beginnings. In this week’s blog, Kevin reflects on the memories we carry with us, the things we leave behind, and a small act of kindness from his childhood that has stayed with him for years. He also…
Why Am I More Nervous Than My Son?
Oliver has always been a performer. I'd love to take the credit for his talent, but to be fair, he was dancing in the womb, so I don't think I can claim much responsibility! He's always had a real flair for singing, dancing and acting, and of course he attends…
Musicals and Young People
Musical theatre brings acting, singing and dancing together to create the excitement of a live show. But the fun isn’t just about the biggest roles or the most lines. It’s about becoming a character, daring to be bold and discovering how every performer helps bring the story to life.
Why is learning to work with other children important?
Working with other children isn't simply about being part of a group. Sometimes you lead, sometimes you listen and sometimes you help somebody else find their place.
The Strange Thing About Hands
What do you do with your hands when you're standing in front of an audience? It's a surprisingly common question, particularly among young performers! In his latest blog, Theatretrain Artistic Director Kevin Dowsett explores why something as natural as using our hands can suddenly feel so awkward when we're performing.…
Why is it important for children to know it’s okay to get things wrong?
Some children would rather stay quiet than risk getting something wrong. But when you're learning something new, mistakes are going to happen. Here's why I want children to feel confident enough to have a go.
The Lost Art of Looking Up
When was the last time you stopped looking at a screen and really noticed the world around you? In his latest blog, Theatretrain Artistic Director Kevin Dowsett reflects on how technology has changed the way we connect with others. From a frustrating encounter at a hospital reception desk to the…
Why is creativity important for children?
Why is creativity important for children? Because creativity isn’t only about being artistic or coming up with big ideas. Sometimes it’s simply having the confidence to try something, change it and see what happens. When we think about creativity in children, I think it’s easy to imagine the child who’s…
It’s About Other People
What happens when we make mistakes, lose confidence or feel we've let others down? In his latest blog, Theatretrain Artistic Director Kevin Dowsett explores the extraordinary strength of belonging to a supportive group. Drawing on a memorable mishap from his own performing career, Kevin explains why kindness, empathy and standing…
Should children’s activities challenge them as well as being fun?
Children's activities should be fun, but does that mean everything should be easy? Here's why I think a little challenge can be a very good thing.
People in Public
How much can we learn about people simply by watching how they behave around strangers? In his latest blog, Theatretrain Artistic Director Kevin Dowsett explores the fascinating unwritten rules of public spaces, from choosing a seat on the Tube to avoiding eye contact at rush hour. For actors and theatre-makers,…
What does my child actually learn in a performing arts class?
Singing, dancing and acting might sound fairly self-explanatory. But there's a lot more going on in a performing arts class than learning songs, steps and lines.
Making an Entrance
How much can we learn about a character before they’ve even said a word? In his latest blog, Theatretrain Artistic Director Kevin Dowsett looks at the importance of those first few seconds on stage and how a simple entrance can immediately spark an audience’s curiosity. He also considers why first…
How Do Children Build Confidence?
Some children stand at the back of the room when they first arrive. They aren't trying to avoid joining in, they're trying to feel safe. The lovely part is watching what happens next.
Happy Birthday, NYT
In his latest blog, Theatretrain Artistic Director Kevin Dowsett reflects on the National Youth Theatre as it celebrates its 70th anniversary. Drawing on his own experiences, and those of his daughter Tamsin, Kevin explores the lasting impact of youth theatre, from confidence and self-belief to collaboration and belonging. Inspired by…
Why Do Children Sometimes Listen to Other Adults More Than Their Parents?
Why do children listen to other adults, even when their parents have been saying exactly the same thing? A little while ago, one of our students auditioned for a solo in our summer show. He walked into the room full of energy. He performed with confidence. He threw himself into…
The Performer’s Handbook
A year ago, I told our company that I wanted to write a book for our students — one that would explain all the important things we teach at Theatretrain. I set to work, knowing that my wide target audience, aged 9 to 18, wouldn’t thank me for page after…
Why Does My Child Keep Asking the Same Question?
Some children ask the same question several times before a new experience or an important event. It can feel frustrating, but over the years I've realised they're often asking for something much more important than the answer itself.
Dreams and Realities
In this thoughtful blog, Theatretrain Artistic Director Kevin Dowsett explores this year’s theme, Dreams and Realities, and the powerful role theatre can play in bringing imagination to life. From acting and singing to dance, he considers how young people can explore hopes, fears, different perspectives and the question, “What if?”…
How to Help a Child Cope With Making Mistakes
Every child gets things wrong sometimes. The difference isn't whether they make mistakes, it's how they learn to respond to them. Here's one approach that's worked well over the years.
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