The Victorian Youth Theatre teaching methodology combines creative drama and role play as a means of developing dramatic and personal skills. A structured curriculum is prepared for each class to develop performing skills and assist in role rehearsal.
Core Curriculum Objectives:
Classes consist of up to 18 students of similar age and ability. Each week students work on various units designed to increase dramatic skills (eg characterisation, projection, stagecraft). Students put these skills to use rehearsing and performing a scripted play written specifically for the age group and ability of each class.
All students perform on stage twice a year in June and November/December at Union Theatre in Parkville. The performance repertoire exposes students to a range of theatrical styles and ideas and to give all students the opportunity to display and nurture their performance skills.
Repertoire is chosen from a blend of original or adapted works, from the classics of Shakespeare and Greek theatre, to more contemporary texts. Other styles including Brecht and absurdist theatre are viewed to better understand the history of theatre and the development of stagecraft.
Victorian Youth Theatre training groups rehearse for 90-120 minutes each week. Longer rehearsal periods are required for advanced groups.
Students have the opportunity to move up the Victorian Youth Theatre hierarchy through a series of promotions. Promotions are based on the demonstration of skill, commitment and a positive attitude rather than years of attendance or age.
Classes follow government school terms. We share the same term holidays and our classes begin and end at the same time in the year as the government schools.
Uniform & Costumes
A rehearsal uniform gives students a sense of professionalism at rehearsals and reinforces the nature of performance as group work. The Victorian Youth Theatre rehearsal uniform consists of a rehearsal T-shirt featuring the VYT logo. We ask students to wear black trousers and black shoes.
All costumes for performances are provided. The company is extremely proud of its substantial and varied costume collection. The wardrobe department is continually working on creative and distinctive designs which enhances a students on-stage experience.
