Some years ago, we attempted our very first large scale immersive,
promenade event as we took to the woods of Oakhill Park with thirty 7-12 year
olds, to tell Roald Dahl's versions of Little Red Riding Hood and The Three
Little Pigs. It was an extraordinary start to our summer, and the incredible
response and personal growth in our company members throughout the process led
us to question what exactly had been the special ingredient that had heightened
the impact of this event on our students.
As they led the audience from sticks to bricks, hiding in the bushes or forging
ahead to the next location, there was certainly an element of independence;
tutors kept a safe distance away to allow the performance to flow, and every
single company member was responsible for themselves throughout the show.
Being immersed within a different world brings with it a sense of the unexpected,
and while the constructed world itself is of course as safe as houses, within
the imagination there can be a sense of excitement, sadness, danger, happiness
and other emotions throughout.
It was later, through research carried out within the fields of youth and
immersive theatre, I was led to explore areas of neuroscience, and RISK caught
my attention.
Within the field of neuroscience, a multitude of research projects can be found
linking risk taking with the development of young people, and the actual need
for them to take risks. Risk taking is a positive thing for our children,
but as a risk prevention society we continually construct barriers that
prevent them from doing so safely. There is a possibility to provide them with
safe opportunities to take risks, particularly when you consider that as long
as they perceive the risk to be a risk, it has the same benefit to their
development. So, the trick is to provide them with safe and manageable risks
that they perceive to be not so. Within drama we often present our students
with risk. Getting up in front of your peers and reciting a script, joining an
improvisation, or showing your new costume can all feel risky, and it is up to
us as practitioners and facilitators to ensure these risks tend to lead to
successes and not failures (though failing is often part of the learning).
These immersive theatrical experiences can provide the participants with
heightened versions of the risk taking opportunities they normally undertake
within a dramatic process; being independent and responsible for a theatrical
production, having lines to deliver, props and staging to move, costume changes
to undertake, hitting the note, flowing the floss. But additionally, being
within an imagined constructed world can present participants with the
perception of all manner of risks within the dramatic experience.
Here, I am paraphrasing thousands of words of research into a more manageable
coffee accompanying blog, but hopefully you get the gist. At Bodens Performing
Arts we are creating really good theatre that the students enjoy, but we are
also ensuring all of the young participants have dialogue, opportunities and
responsibilities that help them overcome their fears, and improve their ability
and confidence through achievement and learning. Then we place all that within
an imagined, immersive world, add a promenade audience wandering from set to
set, take a few steps backwards, and let them fly. It's amazing. So why not
also make it a brand new musical and see what happens? www.visithamelin.com
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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