Every Summer we welcome a group of young people to Bodens on Monday mornings, and send them off at the end of the week hoping they have enjoyed a week of their summer. They make new friends, at least for the week. They appear to grow in confidence, standing on a stage of sorts in front of some people, taking risks, achieving personally etc. etc. etc... and they grow creatively, well they must, because after all, we've been doing 'stuff' to do with the 'arts' and... things. But how do we know all this? How do we know they've grown in confidence because of the project they've undertaken? How do we know their confidence wouldn't have grown more in other areas by staying at home and freeing eleven hostages in an X Box provided situation? How do we know they've grown in creativity? I was in Pinnochio once. I remember wetting myself backstage. That's all I remember. I didn't grow creatively, and if I said I did, then perhaps my nose would be growing, but not creatively. How do we know the project will have any affect on a young person whatsoever in a rapidly changing world becoming more and more difficult to prove the impact and sustainability of anything when so many factors play a part in so much of the development of our young people.
Most of the time we can't prove the impact in the present, or the
sustainability in the future.... but we do know it's there... because we can
see it. As Theatre Practitioners working with children and young people, we see
it present in their shiny eyes. We see it throughout the week as they begin to
take more moments. We see it during the lunch break as the inhibitions vanish
and relationships blossom. We see it behind the stage, and then on it.
And we know it works. Because we're not just out of work actors, singers who
have sung their last aria, or dancers that have hung up our ballet shoes. Our team at
Bodens is a team of teachers. Take me... I'm actually an Applied Theatre
practitioner specialising in the development of young people through the
provision of safe risk in a theatrical environment. Sounds good, doesn't
it. It should do. I spent ages on it. I know it works because that's my
craft. It's what I do. How I teach. We don't just put on a little show... Well
we do... But it's how we do it. How we provide the young people with a platform
to perform as themselves... to have a voice that is heard. How we give them
opportunities of safe and manageable risk so they can step outside of their
comfort zones and increase their sense of achievement, growing their
self-belief. Drama isn't the soft subject. It's an incredibly important
opportunity to grow as a person, achieve amazing things, and while you're at
it, put on some really, really good theatre.
Our 2015 devised theatre course started from scratch and ended up embroiled in the world of the Cambodian street children. A group of thirty incredible young people created a story of hope, fear and understanding. They didn't just create an astonishing and powerful piece of theatre... they thought about the world, and their position in it. They made others aware through their research and performance. They gave children from half way across the world a voice here, through verbatim work. Additionally, they raised money for a Cambodian street child. That's a perfect example of Applied Theatre. It entertains, informs, opens dialogues, and where it can, it's nice if it educates us all in some way, staff and students alike... after all... we're also on the summer course. We might as well learn something too.
For one of this year's courses we're going a step further and in a
different direction, with a film production week. We'll be writing and
shooting an entire film in just one week, and after a couple of months
off, returning for a premier cinema screening. Even the young people on
our popstars course will be shooting a music video to accompany their
Saturday night theatre performance. Even within a week of choreography
paired with singing performance and technique, there's still room for
personal challenges and ways to maintain a sense of fun, crucial to
keeping our young people engaged from start to finish. For the youngest
students, aged 4 - 6 years, they all get individual chances to shine in a
safe environment as their confidence builds throughout the week as we
explore some incredible stories and immerse ourselves in adventure and
play.
And that's some of what we'll be doing this summer. It was great last year. You're more
than welcome to come along and join us. Here's a little video that shows some of what we got up to last year.
From what age can you start Bodens Performing Arts?
Our classes are open to students aged 3 to 19 years: our preschool dance classes for 3 years, our STARter Performing Arts for 4-6 years, and the remainder of our timetable is suitable for children and young people aged 7-19 years.
Can I try Bodens before committing to a full term?
We offer a free trial in all of our classes. We then recommend that parents pay on a weekly basis for the first few weeks to give them time to settle before moving onto monthly or termly payments.
How long is a term at Bodens?
Our term lengths vary depending on the London Borough of Barnet school term dates, ranging from 12-15 weeks, including a break for half term.
How much does it cost to attend classes at Bodens Performing Arts?
Prices range from our cheapest thirty minute classes at £6.00 per session, up to our three hour classes priced at £24.00.
When do Bodens classes take place?
We offer classes seven days a week; evening classes running from 4pm-8.30pm weekdays, and weekend options taking place from 9am-6pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Classes take place during the Barnet School term.
What does my child need to wear at Bodens?
While we have branded Bodens merchandise available, students can also attend in any casual clothes that don’t restrict their movement. Syllabus dance classes have a uniform that is available for purchase at the studios from other dancewear stockists.
Does my child need to bring anything with them?
There is a short break midway through our longer performing arts classes, and so we recommend students bring a drink/snack; we have a vending machine on site at our Barnet studios. Students should use a journal/notebook to record their classes and bring a folder to keep hold of scripts, lyrics and worksheets.
What should we do if we are unable to attend one of our Bodens classes?
It is useful if you can contact the office on 020 8447 0909 or at info@bodens.co.uk so that we can let the class tutors know. Students are more than welcome to make up for any session missed, by attending an alternative session that week, though this must be arranged in advance.
What payment methods are available at Bodens Performing Arts?
Payments can be made by cash, cheque, card, childcare voucher or BACS using the following details: Bodens Performing Arts, Sort: 09-01-28, Acc: 47558952
Do you accept childcare vouchers?
Yes, please contact the office on 020 8447 0909, or info@bodens.co.uk to discuss this payment method, to ensure you have the correct provider references.
Are there any discounts available at Bodens Performing Arts?
Yes, there are three schemes available.
Siblings: 25% off the second child’s fees, 50% off the third child and so on.
Multiple Classes: Students attending multiple classes at Bodens, get the third one half price
Recommending a Friend: Current students get 25% of what their recommended friend pays in their first term, off the following term’s fees.
How do you safely recruit teachers?
As part of our Safer Recruitment Programme, and in line with our Safeguarding and Risk Assessment Policies, new staff members complete a full induction process and probation period.
The Senior Management Team review all CVs, conduct a face-to-face interview and undertake reference checks in the first instance. On completion of this, potential candidates participate in training to support the guidelines outlined by the DofE, ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education,’ which includes Safeguarding and Prevent training. DBS Checks, and a review of Bodens Performing Arts’ policies also take place at this stage. As part of the probation period, tutors run workshops, which are observed by a member of staff and once appointed, our tutors are monitored regularly within our CPD Programme, which includes training in Lesson Planning, Class Delivery and Student Feedback to ensure our students are able to achieve their potential throughout their time at Bodens Performing Arts. Tutor Observations are undertaken by a member of the Senior Management Team on a regular basis to ensure high standards are maintained, and learner progression is effective.
Do you do exams/dance syllabus?
We provide students with the opportunity to participate in a variety of classes; some aimed at taking exams, and others focused on performances and our tailored programme to support student progression. With regards to our syllabus classes, we are accredited by the Royal Academy of Dance (Ballet), Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (Tap & Modern) and Trinity College (Acting & Musical Theatre).
Are you Ofsted Registered?
Yes, we are, and our registration number is EY461575.
Do you offer Holiday Courses?
We provide week-long holiday courses throughout the summer, ranging from Film Production Acting Courses, through to Musical Theatre. More information can be found using the Summer Courses link at the top of our website.
What if my child is considering leaving classes at Bodens?
Please contact a member of our team on 020 8447 0909, who will be happy to discuss the options available.
Can they bring a friend?
Absolutely! We offer free trial classes, which can be booked in advance by contacting the office on 020 8447 0909. There is a discount available, enabling current students to get 25% of what their recommended friend pays in their first term, off the following term’s fees.
Are you associated with an Agency?
Yes, for over forty years, Bodens Agency has been representing children and young people for professional work in Theatre, Film and Television. We represent talented and capable young actors with experience and an ability to deliver real and truthful performances, on stage or screen. Our staff recommend students to our lead agents regularly throughout the year.
Why do you separate the children into classes of smaller age groups than other performing arts providers?
Within our classes, the groups are determined by a child’s school year to enable our staff to prepare lessons targeting specific learning objectives, most appropriate for the age group. We see the best progression when the age bracket remains smaller, as the teaching approaches, repertoire and styles used are specifically designed to enhance the learning experience of the individuals in that class.
Do you do shows?
Our students work towards productions on a regular basis; ranging from contemporary and classical plays through to musicals throughout the year, we also provide termly watch-week sessions for our dance classes, certificate presentations for our examination students and an annual awards ceremony. Many of the shows take place in our own Scaffold Theatre, although we also provide students with the opportunity to perform in other venues, most recently Jacksons Lane (Highgate) and Cockpit (Marylebone).
What development can I hope to see in my child?
The majority of children and young people in our classes show varied improvement in the development of their confidence and communication, knowledge and application of techniques, and overall improvement in their ability as a performer. The level of growth in these areas depends on the individual student and their initial capabilities and confidence. Just as important as these areas are the transferable skills the classes also target: creativity, focus, grit and determination, empathy and self belief. Through the teaching approach at our school, the students learn to confidently perform as themselves.
Bodens Performing Arts, Unit 713, 275 New North Road, Islington, London N1 7AA
020 8447 0909 info@bodens.co.uk 07545 696 885
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