Junior Bancroft Players (Ages 8-13)

Our aim is to develop self-confidence, worthwhile and lasting skills, in a happy and supportive environment.

Setting A High Standard

The Junior Bancroft Players combine a fun approach to theatre with high expectations of commitment and self-discipline. Whilst encouraging them to express themselves freely and confidently, we also expect Juniors to show a high standard of behaviour. Drama is a form of self-discipline, and Juniors should show respect for everyone and behave in a responsible manner.

Activities and Projects

We plan a variety of activities to develop confidence and skills, mainly in drama, but also with singing and dance. From time to time, visiting workshops are invited, providing the Juniors with further opportunities in perhaps percussion, or circus skills. We occasionally invite in professional actors to take a session. We produce one main show a year, at the end of the Spring Term (March / April), in which all members take part, and is a culmination of our work during the year. The show is performed in the main theatre and runs for three nights.

In addition all the children take part in a Showcase at the end of the Summer Term. This is performed in the Studio, to which parents are invited. The format is to show their improvisational skills and also includes performance poetry, some singing and dancing.

Our activities are essentially a team effort. To this end, we expect all members to attend regularly, both at weekly meetings, and at extra rehearsals before out main show.

Membership and Subscription Costs

The Junior Bancroft Players range from 8-13 years of age and meet on Tuesdays (during term time) from 6.30 p.m.- 7.45 p.m. in either the auditorium or the Studio of The Queen Mother Theatre. During the middle term (from January to March/April), Sunday morning rehearsals take place leading to the Main Show (as described above). It is essential that all members are aware before joining the Group that they must attend these Sunday rehearsals. These rehearsals run from 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.

In order to get the most from these sessions, the Juniors need to arrive promptly, as we start at 6.30 p.m. and 10.30 a.m. sharp.

If an occasional absence is unavoidable, we need to know and parents should telephone one of us at least half an hour before the session concerned.

We have an annual membership subscription of &163;80.00. Occasionally parents may be asked to contribute a small amount to assist with the cost of a trip or an expensive visiting workshop.

We have a long waiting list, membership is on an annual basis and commitment and self-discipline will be taken into consideration when Juniors apply for renewal of their membership in September. Potential new members will be contacted in July and asked to attend an informal interview, with a parent, at the theatre. Any decision to admit new members will be taken thereafter by the organisers of the Junior Bancroft Players’.

If concern arises over a member’s behaviour or attendance, that member will be warned, the parents informed and, if the problem persists, finally be asked to leave.

We hope that all Juniors will be happy, and take full advantage of the opportunities offered.

For more information about Juniors, please use the contact form.