World renowned Musical Director Douglas Whyte has teamed up with ‘The Company’ youth music theatre to lead a workshop for young, budding performers at Birmingham’s MAC Arts Centre on Sunday 12th June.
The one off workshop is designed for young people who are just starting out at drama school, and aims to introduce them to people right at the top of their professions including West End and industry professionals.
This rare opportunity to speak to and gain guidance from one of the most experienced professionals in British Musical Theatre is being offered by award winning youth music theatre company ‘The Company’ who are also hosting a workshop with Stephen Metcalfe, Head of Music Development at Cameron Mackintosh Limited in London on Sun 5 June. Later this year, The Company will make their London performance debut, when their production of Mack and Mabel comes to The Greenwich Theatre from 25 – 27 August.
Douglas Whyte is a talented and versatile musician. He is an experienced musical director and conductor, a highly sought-after pianist and has composed and arranged music for film, television and theatre. Since gaining two degrees in music, Douglas has worked extensively in theatres in the west end of London and on tour for Cameron Mackintosh, Andrew Lloyd Webber and the Royal National Theatre and in television and radio he has worked for the BBC and ITV in Glasgow, Manchester and London.
Douglas Whyte said: “I was honoured to be asked to lead a workshop by The Company. I’ve been struck by how far the organisation has come in its short history and I’m sure it is destined for great things. I was introduced to The Company’s work at their gala cabaret at the Prince of Wales Theatre in January this year and was really impressed by the talent and commitment of the performers. I am a big fan of The Company’s ethos of inclusivity and offering opportunities to young performers and those who are trying to break into the business and I’m delighted to be able to help in some way by leading this workshop. I’m really looking forward to speaking to and working with the young people who are taking part in the workshop and to seeing The Company’s production of Mack and Mabel at the Greenwich Theatre in London at the end of August.”
The workshop will also include skills workshops led by Caroline Leslie, Dan Swana and Lee Crowley Director, Choreographer and MD of The Company followed by intensive work on scenes from The Company‘s 2010 production, Jason Robert Brown’s Parade.
Another unique aspect of the day will be the chance to engage in Q & A with Ollie Matjasz who played Leo Frank in Parade at the BRIT school and went on to RADA. He has just completed his course and is about to start work at the National Theatre.
Previous participant Richard Southgate from London said: “The Company Music Theatre offers a really unique experience. Not only are all the practitioners absolutely fantastic at what they do, constantly challenging you throughout the rehearsal process and really working you hard, but all of them are great friends and this comes across so clearly and makes a huge difference to the process. You get the experience of being worked like professionals, by professionals, but who clearly enjoy it just as much as we do.”
There are still a limited number of spaces available for this unique opportunity. Anyone who is interested is asked to contact 07778 457661.
