Our students are now enjoying a well deserved break from sessions after a highly acclaimed performance at the Royal Opera House last Friday (28th May). The show - based around mutli cultural tales and travelling - was enjoyed by audience and performers alike at this, our 10th anniversary appearence at the prestigious London venue. We were joined by some very special guests including Who Wants to be a Millionaire host Chris Tarrant who praised our students mass of talents. Diana Moran (AKA The Green Goddess) was also there and wrote a lovely review of the show on her regualar blog (see below).

 Whether you attended and want to re-live the memories or missed out on this student penned performance, visit the Pure View Photography website to see photos from the evening. A percentage of sales goes towards our Bursary Scheme.

All Over the Place, by Diana Moran (taken from primetimelife.tv)

Orpheus presents...

 ‘All Over the Place’

on Friday 28^th May  

Orpheus’ 10^th Anniversary Performance at the Linbury Studio Theatre, The Royal Opera House 

Our students are now well under way rehearsing for ‘All Over the Place’, a performance based on traditional stories from around the globe. The show features both Orpheus students and non-disabled people from a wide mix of cultures and countries working together to present an innovative and original piece of theatre, written especially for our 10th Anniversary performance at The Linbury Studio Theatre at the Royal Opera House.

 Tickets are still available so please come along, dress up in your finery and support us on this memorable night. 

Call ROH Box Office on 020 7304 4000 or visit www.roh.org.uk/whatson/production.aspx?pid=14311

The Orpheus Centre is now running training days for anyone looking to develop their skills and knowledge in using theatre and drama processes with disabled people. The Introduction to Inclusive Practice training day has been developed to support drama and theatre practitioners who may be new to working with disabled participants.   

This day will be particularly useful for teachers, lecturers, youth-workers and workshop-leaders who want to develop their inclusive practice.  You will get the opportunity to:

 ·         Undertake practical work with Orpheus students, young disabled people with a variety of physical, sensory and learning impairments

·         Explore how drama / theatre can develop independence, communication and functional skills

·         Explore how to adapt drama games and exercises, so that they are accessible to disabled participants

·         Develop understanding of how to work creatively with support workers and enablers.  

All participants will receive a certificate of attendance and a resource pack of practical ideas that can be applied to a range of contexts. 

The next dates available are Monday 7^th June OR Monday 28^th June 

THE TRAINERS 

Danny Braverman is the Centre Director at The Orpheus Centre.  Previously, Danny was Senior Theatre Officer at Arts Council England and Head of Education at Theatre Royal Stratford East.   Danny has also worked extensively as a director, writer and educationalist for, amongst others, the National Theatre, Graeae Theatre Company, Theatre Centre and the London Bubble.  His book, Playing a Part; drama and citizenship was published by Trentham in 2002. 

Rosie Emanuel is currently Drama and Arts Award Coordinator at The Orpheus Centre. She is a state-registered Drama therapist and Drama Practitioner, with a range of experience working in the field of special educational needs and disability arts.  Rosie has worked extensively for companies such as Polka Children’s Theatre, Spare Tyre Theatre Company and Mousetrap Theatre Projects. Her first publication, The Stories Within: developing drama and story-making in SEN and care settings, is due for release in July 2010, published by Hinton House.

 COST 

·         £125 per person

·         £95 “early bird” rate for bookings received before 21^st May 2010

 This cost includes lunch, refreshments and all associated resource materials  

For more information or to book, call Paul Margrave on 01883 741 428 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

We’ve had a very busy weekend for fundraising with both the Orpheus Big Jump and the London Marathon taking place. 

·         Everyone, including our founder Richard Stilgoe, landed safely back in Maidstone on Saturday 24^th April after our sponsored Skydive. Thank you to everyone who came to support the Jumpers, the weather was perfect and it was a lot of fun even with feet firmly on the ground. Look out for photos and film clips coming soon.

 ·         Russell Harrop, the step-brother of an ex student, ran the London Marathon for us in her memory. After some serious training and hard work he managed to run it in 3 HOURS 16 MINUTES AND 15 SECONDS – as a lot of people run the 26 miles in 4 hours or more, this is really very fast!  

To find out how you can get involved in fundraising for the Orpheus Centre contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 01883 744664

Fundraising Events coming up - The London 10k run on the 11th July, places still available on Team Orpheus!