Making a song and a dance for more men!

'Sure, he's cute - but if only he could sing!'

It will come as no surprise to women in the North West that there is a shortage of men out there, but what about men who can sing?

Emmerdale star Amy Nuttall (pictured above) is making a desperate plea for male singers to form part of the community choir in Bolton Octagon’s forthcoming production of The Hired Man.

Directed by David Thacker, and starring Amy Nuttall in one of the lead roles, the production includes a community chorus that is made up entirely of volunteers from the Bolton area.

However, it would seem that there is a distinct lack of vocal confidence amongst Bolton’s male population, with a staggering three quarters of the choir consisting solely of women!

The Octagon would like to redress this balance and give the men of Bolton the opportunity to tread the boards and raise the roof! So, if you think you can carry a tune, are over the age of 18, male, and willing to commit your time, then please contact Elizabeth Newman for more details: elizabeth.newman@octagonbolton.co.uk.

RECLAIM

We are working with the lovely Abi at Urbis on the RECLAIM initiative. Here is a bit about it...

RECLAIM is an award winning leadership and mentoring project designed and delivered by Urbis. Starting in 2007, the project empowers young people across Manchester to make positive changes in their communities. RECLAIM enables some of the most disadvantaged young people to engage directly with the decision makers influencing their lives and their communities. By promoting leadership and facilitating dialogue with the police, council and media it helps those who are often marginalised to realise their voice.

RECLAIM takes place over six months. A cohort of young people identified as at risk of negative outcomes are nominated by their peers, schools, parents, and Youth Offending Teams. They are partnered with an adult mentor who supports them throughout the programme.

RECLAIM begins with a four day conference Urbis, featuring inspirational speakers, community and personal challenges and the creation of a youth manifesto for their area. Over the next 6 months the young people undergo a diverse programme of activities before graduating.

RECLAIM aims:

• To raise the aspirations, confidence and attainment of young people in disadvantaged areas of Greater Manchester
• To improve relations between young people and their communities
• To increase young people’s engagement in positive activity in their community
• To improve employment opportunities and employability skills of young people

Awards

•RECLAIM Philip Lawrence Award 2008 (above)
•RECLAIM National Crimebeat Award 2008
•Ruth Ibegbuna Peace Activist of the Year, Peace Week 2008
•RECLAIM/Urbis Optimism Arts and Culture Awards 2008
•Ruth Ibegbuna Kath Locke Award for outstanding contribution, Manchester Women Awards 2009

Future Plans

RECLAIM Breightmet, Bolton

New project working alongside Bolton Octagon, with 30 boys starting October 2009. Anticipated themes for the project:

• Developing a community identity and sense of place
• Raising aspiration

RECLAIM Bolton needs you! Are you male and aged 21 or over? Are you bright, resourceful, independent minded and inspiring? Are you passionate about working with young people? Can you commit to at least 6 months of focused mentoring?

Following the success of three previous RECLAIM projects we are looking to replicate the achievement with 30 Year 9 boys from the Breightmet area. We are looking for inspirational men from a diverse range of backgrounds to share their wisdom and insight.

If you can meet this challenge, contact the RECLAIM team for more information.

Email: reclaim@urbis.org.uk
Telephone: 0161 605 8200

Step Onto the Octagon Stage this Summer

Well Swung - activ8 Summer show 2008. Image: Zoe Keenan

Our participatory department, activ8, is offering a fantastic opportunity for young people aged 14 – 25 to be part of a theatre and music production at the Octagon Theatre Bolton this summer.

A brand new piece of music theatre has been commissioned and we need 20 young actors and 20 young singers to take to the main-stage for its world premiere.


Selected cast members would need to be available on the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th August and the 10th – 15th August to take part in a summer school during which the performance will be rehearsed. This provides an opportunity to work alongside professional writers, directors, designers and musicians. The summer school costs £75. A number of free places are available. Please ask the activ8 team for further details.


Performances would take place on the evening of the 14th and afternoon and evening of 15th August.



AUDITIONS

When: 14th July

What time: 7pm -9pm

Where: Octagon Theatre Bolton.



To book your audition slot ring 01204 556501 and speak to a member of the activ8 team. There are further opportunities in the pipeline so keep an eye on the blog or if you are under 26 sign up for our enewsletter here. If you are over 26 then your can keep in touch by signing up here.

The Pink Medicine Project - Volunteers Required

Is Emily Pankhurst one of your heroes?

Do you think the Suffragettes had real girl power?

Do you believe that women are equal in today's society?

Do you have an interest in acting, drama and theatre?

On March 8 2008, a conference that looks back at the local women's liberation movement in Bolton and ask where the feminist movement is now. It will take place as part of International Women's Week.

activ8 have been asked to re-create a piece of street theatre called The Pink Medicine Show' from the 1960's that aimed to highlight women's issues.

activ8 will also attempt to create a new contemporary piece of theatre exploring how women feel about their position in today's world.

activ8 are looking for a small group of creative young women who wish to take part in this project.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Work with activ8's drama workers in a professional theatre
• Learn more about how to create a new piece of theatre from scratch
• Improve or develop new acting skills
• Have the opportunity to perform to local audiences
• Explore issues surrounding 'women's liberation'
• Play a part in this exciting lottery funded conference

The project will begin in January 2008 and is likely to take the form of once weekly, evening rehearsals. To become part of this project, or to find out more, call activ8 on 01204 556501 or email lynsey.merrick@octagonbolton.co.uk