! Little theatre school with a BIG future!
Winners of ‘West End Showstoppers’ at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Haymarket – 30th January 2011.
Caz Dolby, Principal and creator of Wildcats
Wildcats Theatre School are a regional group in South Lincolnshire teaching children aged 4-18 years Musical Theatre. Caz Dolby, from Stamford, Lincolnshire opened Wildcats in 2008 teaching just 6 children a week in a school classroom. Perseverance and determination has led the theatre school to success after success. Here they tell us their story; of how a passion for teaching children can develop and grow to become a thriving theatre school business even in this current financial climate.
Wildcats Theatre School was established in 2008 in response to requests from parents in the Stamford (Lincs) and surrounding area for drama classes that worked towards the prestigious LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts) grades, but combined this with creative, fun and lively stage activities that would appeal to a wide range of tastes and abilities, that would offer age appropriate material for children to study, and that would work to every child’s individual strengths – developing confidence and self-esteem in even the most shy of children. These things became the ethos of Wildcats, and why it has proved to be so successful.
Wildcat students in Annie routine
Since the opening of Wildcats classes in September 2008 the school has grown from one class a week and 6 students plus a few school holiday sessions to 16 regular classes a week with over 300 students plus courses open to all – current students and those wanting to try it out – in the school holidays, theatre workshops and a currently full diary of weekend children’s parties. In November 2010 the school were successfully auditioned to be part of a show in London’s West End, and on 30th January 2011, 45 students performed in a competition at Her Majesty’s Theatre, London against talented theatre schools from across the country. Wildcats proved to everyone how talented they were and won the show. The children were also commended on their behaviour and professionalism by the west end theatre crew and management, something which is part of the wildcats ethos taught within the weekly classes.
Gaining momentum at a rate that has far exceeded expectations, the Theatre School is supported by a team of Senior Wildcats – young people from the local area who volunteer their time to learn about theatre and enjoy working with children. They gain valuable experience and contribute new ideas as well as provide an extra help for the less confident young thespians.
Wildcats have also been successful in marketing and public relations, keeping the press and local community members up to date with what has been achieved. They use their contacts within the local media as well as social networking sites to promote the classes and holiday programmes. They have a professional website which offers new and existing students and families plenty of opportunities to find out what’s on, download information and read news stories. The website is updated regularly and content is current and informative.
Wildcat students
In December 2009 Wildcats Theatre School was the winner of the ‘Mars Community Award Scheme 2009’ for its work with the Senior Wildcats throughout the summer programme and June 2010 saw the group win the youth entry at Stamford Festival. January 2011 gave the school their best win yet with the showstoppers west end challenge trophy. The West End Wildcats are also performing again in December 2011 at a West End Theatre in London.
Now in the 8th set of LAMDA exams, Wildcats has gained exceptional results. The successes have lifted the bar for Wildcats to a level that any theatre school would be proud of. More than half of the students entered for an exam, who range from four years old to 15, gain the highest possible distinction grade with the majority of the rest gaining a merit.
Wildcats has also embraced the local community and taken a full and active part in local and regional events. They are also keen to support local businesses and use these wherever possible in their work as well as working with the local media to ensure that the work of Wildcats is publicised and children’s efforts rewarded by having media reports.
But above all, feedback from parents has been outstanding. They have supported their children and the school in performances, events and parties. And they have fully endorsed the programme of activities on offer which is a true reflection of Wildcats’ ability to meet the needs of people in the area. The West End Wildcats troupe have become a not-for profit organisation within the theatre school, raising funds through sponsorship and events to get the team to auditions and shows across the country. This group is run with a group of committed parents who support their children and the theatre school in its aims and objectives.
Looking ahead, Wildcats is set to open more new classes in 2011. The staff team is due to increase by another 3 with more specialist teachers joining the team in the next few months. Student numbers this term will reach new levels. The anticipated growth rate for Wildcats was 30% based on the first year’s core of 30 students. This target has already been exceeded immensely. Our vision for the years ahead is to develop the Wildcat name further afield, develop a franchise opportunity and forge partnerships with larger known names that can push the Wildcat brand forwards.
Wildcats UK
Office Mobile: 07725 915333
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LAMDA accredited theatre school classes, parties and entertainment, workshops for schools, school holiday activities and much more. Go to www.wildcatstheatreschool.co.uk for more information.
