SCHOOL TOUR
Andrea O’Neill
Drama students from Duncanrig Secondary went backstage with the town’s top amateur theatre group recently.
Twelve aspiring actors were put under the spotlight while on a tour of East Kilbride Rep Theatre’s rehearsal studio at the Village Theatre.
The students, who are studying drama at Higher level, have ambitions to advance their studies in the subject in the hope of landing a career in showbiz and were thrilled to be given an insight into the colourful world of amateur theatre.
Earlier this year, plans were announced for a scheme in Scotland encouraging schools to become involved with their local theatre by offering every primary school one free theatre trip a year.
Spurred on by these initiatives, the drama department at Duncanrig decided to offer more opportunities and support to their drama students.
And the EK Rep were more than happy to assist to help make that happen.
EK Rep stalwart Ken Lawton, who forms part of the theatre group’s publicity team, linked up with the school to set up annual support for drama classes of all ages.
The innovative initiative includes visits to some of the current season’s plays, theatre tours backstage and Q&A sessions with directors and other key production members.
Visits to the props and wardrobe departments and the rehearsal areas are one of the many highlights of this new partnership scheme, giving students the chance to gain invaluable hands-on experience.
EK Rep Theatre is one of the busiest amateur clubs in Scotland.
The long-established group puts on a two-week family pantomime, runs a One Act Play Festival in May and performs five Acting up