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With the novelty of online quizzes and family video calls worn thin after the first lockdown (!), Dramatis community drama school has launched Family Nights In to help different generations of the family stay connected in the safety of their own homes.

Combining the nostalgia of traditional games with the convenience of technology, these one-hour sessions use Zoom to bring family members from different households together to play a series of games and activities led by Dramatis.  Having an impartial leader take charge of proceedings (and scores!) means families can simply sit back and enjoy the fun.

Family Nights In include a series of games which test acting, singing and memory skills (for example the Conveyor Belt game in which a series of objects are shown on screen that contestants then have to recollect in a set period of time). There are also activities which focus on family knowledge and teamwork (like Freeze Frame in which contestants are given a moment in time that they have to capture in a frozen statue position).

Having moved their programme online in the first lockdown, Dramatis has now welcomed over 75 Sussex adults and children for virtual drama classes and courses. This experience with their private groups means they can now extend their services to be able to offer this more flexible family format.

Family Nights In are for up to five households (suitable for ages 5 to 95!). Participants simply need a computer/laptop/iPad and access to Zoom. One-hour sessions cost £50 (for all 5 households).  For more information or to book one for your family, CLICK HERE.

When lockdown was first announced back in March, we were quick to adapt our programming and move to a virtual format. The new Zoom led online programme included workshops and courses for residents of all ages which culminated in filmed performances that were featured on the Dramatis Online Stage (our You Tube account).

The unexpected highlight of the programme was the introduction of our adults play-reading group; ‘Wine and Wilde’. This online activity had such an overwhelming response, that we decided to keep it running post-lockdown and are considering introducing an ‘IRL’ version in a local wine bar once government guidelines allow.

Wine and Wilde is ideal for adults who are completely new to acting or nervous about committing to a course. There are no lines to learn, and no stages to perform on! Participants are pre-assigned characters in scenes from an Oscar Wilde play which they then read through as a small group. In keeping with the informal nature of the group, participants are encouraged to bring along a glass of wine or alternative beverage of choice.

As Janet, one of the attendees, explains: “I was hesitant at first as I’m quite self-conscious, but I had so much fun!”. Marty, another attendee, adds “It’s been great to meet new drama lovers and have something to look forward to” while Mandy says, “Everybody’s really friendly and supportive”.

In a climate in which the impact of loneliness has been acutely felt, groups like this have become a lifeline.

As Dramatis Principal, Suzy Duxbury, explains: “our online playreading group aims to keep residents connected during these uncertain times and provide a much-needed space for escapism and laughter”.

The performing arts industry has been hit particularly hard by recent events and so we were delighted to see our Wine and Wilde group featured by UK News Group and Drama & Theatre alongside fellow industry friends, The Playground Theatre, Nick Hern Books, Belgrade Theatre and Up Ere Productions.

Wine and Wilde Play-reading Group
Format: Online sessions run via Zoom (in blocks of four)
Date/Time: Fridays from 7.30pm to 8.15pm
Price: £10 (per block of four sessions)
Upcoming sessions:
25 Sept/2 Oct/9 Oct/16 Oct: Lady Windemere’s Fan
6 Nov/13 Nov/20 Nov/27 Nov: An Ideal Husband

For more information about Wine and Wilde, CLICK HERE.

In response to the current climate, Dramatis, we’ve adapted our programme and moved online. In addition to running discounted youth drama classes through Zoom, we’ve introduced a new (free!) adults play-reading group and a free video messaging service that people can use to send personalised messages to friends and family celebrating a special occasion.

Our new weekly Youth Drama online classes begin with a group Zoom session where students run through 15 minutes of warm up exercises together. Pupils then log back in at their allotted time for a 20 minute one-to-one session. During this, they are given a series of monologues and personalised tuition on skills that help them to get the most out of the text. At the end of the nine-week term, pupils perform a chosen monologue to camera. This ‘Self-Tape’ is uploaded to the Dramatis Online Stage (a You Tube account) so they can share their work with friends and family. With a recent report from Theatre Industry publication The Stage, confirming that ‘Self-Tapes’ are now the most favoured audition style required by Casting Agents and Drama Schools, it’s an excellent discipline for young students to get experience in. Prices for the nine-week term are just £60 (a 40% reduction on the usual price).

Currently there are three Youth Drama classes due to start at the end of April. The Globe group is for ages 10-12 and runs every Monday from 27th April to 22nd June (from 2.30pm). The Royal Court group is for ages 7-9 and runs every Tuesday from 28th April to 23rd June (from 2.30pm). The Barbican group is for ages 13 plus and runs every Friday from 1st May to 26th June (from 6pm).

To keep adults entertained and help ease the loneliness of social distancing, Dramatis is launching Wine and Wilde on Monday 4th May. This low pressure (and free!) play-reading group will bring people together via a Zoom each Monday at 7.30pm to read through a segment of an Oscar Wilde play together. Attendees are encouraged to bring along a glass of wine (or alternative beverage choice!) and enjoy a de-brief of the text together afterwards.

And to spread the joy of drama to the wider community, Dramatis principal (Suzy Duxbury), is running a free personalised video message service. Know someone who is celebrating a birthday or special occasion in isolation? Suzy will create a 30 second video message (in the style of a famous dramatic character!) for you to send them that will make their day! Choose from Poppy from Trolls, Long John Silver or Corona Caveman.

If you’d like to learn more about any of our online activities or sign up your child to a free online  taster session, please contact us on info@dramatis.co.uk