What do we do?

a brief outline of our key activities and aims and objectives

Classes

We run weekday classes in Bournemouth and Ringwood in syllabus and non-syllabus programmes. The styles of training vary according to the discipline taught and also the objective of the class.  There are opportunities for students to take Acting and Speech & Drama examinations under the LAMDA syllabus, and also to take R.A.D. ballet and I.S.T.D. tap and modern jazz examinations.   There is no pressure for any student to take an examination and we also offer internal BIGLITTLE assesments to help measure progress. 

Youth Theatre

Rehearsing mostly on Saturdays each week during term time, BIGLITTLE Youth Theatre now comprises five different companies catering for ages from 8 - 19 and includes the senior Professional Development Programme, and the FOCUS ensemble acting company.  All Youth Theatre companies perform a showcase performance at the annual FESTIVAL event in March, and the Musical Theatre companies take to the stage at the Pavilion Theatre in Bournemouth each July for the hugely popular and highly energised NOW THAT'S WHAT I CALL SHOWTUNES song & dance productions, not be confused this year with 'In The Spotlight', an unrelated show being held at the Pavilion the week before our show!

Professional Development Programme

BIGLITTLE students are eligible to audition for our senior Youth Theatre company - the Professional Development Programme. This programme prepares students who are seriously considering a career in the performing arts for that future career and for entrance into drama schools and colleges.  A highly vocational course of study covers ensemble performance, acting through song, and vocal technique, alongside combining the individual skills in acting, singing and dancing.

Summer Schools, Workshops & Masterclasses

Each Summer BIGLITTLE runs a series of highly popular and succesful Summer Schools.  The Junior summer schools for students aged 5-11 have been in existence since the school started and have developed into a fantastic starting point for many students who have gone on to join the Youth Theatre.  In addition to this we run throughout the year various one off events, workshops and masterclasses to enhance the students training.   Mostly these are for BIGLITTLE students, but sometimes we open these up to allow non BIGLITTLE students to experience something of what we offer.

VISION

The performing name of the school's PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, throughout the year VISION present a varied programme of musical theatre at concerts and events throughout Dorset & Hampshire.  VISION has gained an excellent reputation by performing at prestigious events including alongside the veteran performer Max Bygraves, the legendary composer/songwriter Tony Hatch and the raconteur/comedian Barry Cryer.