Redlands Young Actors Group

The Redland Young Actors Group (RYAG) is open to children from 8 years of age. The objective is to provide an enjoyable and versatile program for those who love to perform and who wish to enhance their personal presentation skills whilst building confidence and self-esteem. We aim to stimulate creative imagination and assist in developing clear and effective speech by indicating the importance of vocal expression and body language, group communication, stagecraft, teamwork and meaningful interaction with others.
 
At each monthly session students spend two and a half hours working on a variety of planned drama activities, after which, parents, family or friends may take the opportunity to return for a thirty minute drama presentation demonstrating skills that the children have acquired during their afternoon workshop. The performance takes the form of a ‘Theatre Restaurant’ where guests may sit and relax at tables and enjoy being entertained by young, amateur actors. If wished, tea, coffee and other refreshments will be available for purchase or can be pre-booked for convenience.
 
New students may join at any time throughout the year. Enrolments may be made by completing the Registration Form found below. At their first drama workshop all new students are required to take part in a simple audition process. This involves a short and easy, one page reading which is presented with a current member of RYAG, preparation time is given. In August/September students have the opportunity to enter the Redlands Speech and Drama Eisteddfod. There may be other performance opportunities during the year.
 
Due to sport and other co-curricular activities that may present restraints on families, RYAG has found that many parents prefer their children to attend a once monthly drama workshop that lasts for three hours, rather than a weekly session that only runs for an hour. Having a three hour window available for drama segments is certainly beneficial to the students.
 
 
RYAG TEACHERS
 
VALERIE WARWICK: Valerie has been involved with all aspects of the stage, as a performer in the UK and later as a writer of performance works and the producer of many large cast musical productions. Valerie has taught primary drama students for many years but holds a special interest in early childhood and their development of confidence and self-esteem through the performing arts. She has also provided workshops for teachers demonstrating the important inclusion of drama in the curriculum.
As a founder member of the Redlands Academy of Dramatic Art, she developed a drama program for Downs Syndrome and for students with special needs.
 
Valerie is the owner of Playtime Productions, which was formed in 2001 to provide written drama resources to schools, junior theatre groups and drama teachers. Valerie has been involved with education for approximately 30 years covering the area of school marketing and public relations which has given her the opportunity to diversify and write in many other genres, adding to her experience as a writer. Valerie is the holder of a Blue Card and a full member of the Speech and Drama Teachers
Association of Queensland.
 
 
TERRY LARSEN: Terry has lived in the Redlands since 1980 and is an accomplished Speech and Drama teacher. She has over twenty years’ experience in teaching students of all ages and abilities both at her private studio and at schools. Terry established her private studio soon after the arrival of her eldest son but has in more recent years closed her studio to concentrate more on teaching in various schools. Her students have been successful at eisteddfods and in exams in both individual and large group performances. In her spare time, Terry writes poetry, children’s stories and plays many of which her students have performed.
 
Terry is the author and Chief Examiner of the innovative St. Cecilia’s Speech and Drama syllabus, known as PASS, the St. Cecilia Performers’ and Speakers’ Syllabus. PASS came about because Terry felt that there was a need for a more vibrant, student based exam program that offered an increased level of student ownership. RYAG, Redlands Young Actors’ Group came about in a similar way with Valerie Warwick and Terry recognising that there were few drama opportunities available to children in the Redlands. Terry is the holder of a Blue Card and is a full member of the Speech and Drama Teachers Association of Queensland.
 
 
DRAMA WORKSHOP DATES
 
Saturday - 9 March
Saturday - 20 April
Saturday - 18 May
Saturday - 15 June                                
Saturday - 20 July
Saturday - 24 August
Saturday - 14 September
Saturday - 19 October
Saturday - 16 November

Download RYAG Registration Form (.docx)

 

VENUE:    Drama  Workshops  and  Classes will  be  held  at  The  Artist  Tree 14/99 Bloomfield Street, Cleveland Q 4163
Whilst we are aware that family events, sickness and unforeseen appointments occur from time to time, we do ask parents to make a concerted effort to commit to a six month membership for their child. This not only helps us to plan our presentation workshops but it also gives your child the opportunity of regular interaction with other RYAG cast members, helping all to acquire important oral presentation skills.
 
The fee for the three hour drama workshop is $30 per month which is payable on arrival prior to each workshop. Fees should be placed in a sealed envelope with the child’s name clearly marked on the outside. There will not be facilities available for change. Cheques payable to Playtime Productions. If preferred, the fee may be pre-paid online.
 
EISTEDDFODS AND ADDITIONAL CLASSES
 
If your child wishes to enter the Wynnum Manly Eisteddfod (end of May) and/or the Redlands  Eisteddfod (end of August) they will be required to attend additional sessions. All lessons will run for 30 minutes and are normally held once a week. Individual lessons are $30; Duo lessons (two students) $20 per student; Mixed Media (Up to six students) $10.
 
RYAG is considering the formation of a ‘Performance Group’. This would be for students who are looking for an opportunity to work on performance pieces that can be presented at various local event throughout the year. The commencement of this group is dependent upon numbers; a minimum of 10 would be required. RYAG Performance Group would attend a weekly lesson at a fee of $12 per student.
 
 

Enquiries: info@playtimeproductions.com.au
Playtime Productions, PO Box 2040,
Wellington Point, Queensland 4160

Or telephone

Valerie Warwick: (07) 3488 2756 or 0416 174 447
Terry Larsen: (07) 3286 4242 or 0409 480 547

 
 

GALLERY 

 

    

 

RYAG CODE OF CONDUCT
 
Speech and drama requires discipline as well as the ability to interact with others of mixed ages. It is important that all students adhere to a code of conduct that will benefit all members. Therefore we request students to follow these simple rules.
 
  • Respect needs to be show to all members, regardless of their age or ability.
  • Respect must be shown to teachers as well as to the venue and to all props and items belonging to others.
  • Students who do not pay attention, act inappropriately or appear to be disruptive to the class, will be given a warning. If behavior does not improve after three warnings, parents will be informed. If a student continues to misbehave, they will be asked not to attend future classes.
  • If students do not wish to be a part of RYAG, they should not be made to attend, as a negative attitude can affect the entire class.
 
We ask parents to make a concerted effort to commit to a six month RYAG membership. This gives children a better chance to interact and master their communication skills and enhance their dramatic ability.