Performing Arts Summer Sessions in the South West

A new line-up of Performing Arts Summer Sessions is coming to Exeter and the South West in August, providing fun creative opportunities for young people and banishing summer boredom.  Five-day sessions are held at Exeter University and Blandford in Dorset for students over 11 years of age, while younger children aged eight to 12 years will enjoy a selection of three-day sessions in Totnes, Devon.

Internationally renowned organisations including the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, the International Guitar Foundation and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra will join experienced arts leaders from King Edward VI Community College (KEVICC) to direct an array of creative sessions in music, dance, drama and art designed especially for young people.

David Francis, director of Arts at Dartington, told ArtsCulture: “We are delighted to be able to bring new artistic opportunities and experiences of this incredibly high standard to young people in Devon and the South West through the Performing Arts Summer Sessions.”

Sessions for 11 to 18 year olds are South West Rocks, for guitarists, bassists, drummers, vocalists and songwriters; Mr John, a new performance with music for dancers and musicians of any style; and South West Youth Orchestra, for high flying orchestral instrumentalists. Full board chaperoned accommodation is available and includes a programme of evening entertainment.

At KEVICC in Totnes, dance, drama, music and art are all on the menu for eight to 12 year olds and participants can even work towards a Bronze Arts Award in just three days.

PASS bookings are now open, with a number of financial assistance awards available for low income households applying before Friday, June 3.

Further details on all the Performing Arts Summer Sessions can be found online at www.dartington.org/pass or by contacting Sophie Swainger on 01392 460770 / projects@swms.org.uk