Thirty-eight enthusiastic local musical theatre students were recently given the opportunity of a lifetime – getting an idea of what it’s like to spend a week in the shoes of a real performer-in-training in London.
‘A Week In The Life’ is the brainchild of DLS (De La Salle) Productions and Maltese musical theatre actor Ben Darmanin, who is now based in London.
“I wanted to create a platform for students to be exposed to top tutors in the industry and to immerse themselves fully into musical theatre training,” says Mr Darmanin, “I think the students managed to get a glimpse of what life in musical theatre is really like. Most of them discovered that it is possible and accessible.”
The workshop aimed to give participants a jam-packed timetable - working on dance styles, acting improvisation, solo singing and, most importantly, the integration of acting and singing.
The students were able to work with leading coaches in the industry such as Mary Hammond, Karen Rabinowitz, Vivienne Saxton, Kerrie Dearlove and vocal coach Kevin Fountain, who also came to Malta to give some preliminary workshops.
“The welcome from the De La Salle group was quite overwhelming, both in the sessions and in the general hospitality. It all made for a very positive environment for learning. The speed at which the group learnt the music and harmonies was also remarkable,” Mr Fountain says.
According to Mr Fountain, working with very different tutors and subjects showed the students the diversity of this industry.
“I thought that the general abilities of the group were of a good standard - some individuals were of an excellent standard for their age. I think the workshops also gave the students a realisation that everything is possible with practice, self-belief and hard work,” he asserts, “It was such a pleasure to have shared creative time with such wonderfully committed students and I hope to be part of something further in the future.”
Noel Zarb and Lucienne Camilleri from DLS Productions explained that focusing on a varied class timetable ensured that the participants got a taste of what a week in the life of a musical theatre student feels like.
“The participants were exposed to some of the best tutors in the field. They learnt the importance of time management, scheduling, discipline, commitment and above all, team building,” says Lucienne, “Performing is not only about entertaining and enjoying oneself. It is about recognising your skills and perfecting them in the correct environment with the correct guidance.”
Noel adds: “I am sure that given the success and given the feedback which the participants - and their parents - gave, this is something that will definitely be organised again.”
More information about the workshop may be found at www.dls-productions.com/weekinthelife, on Facebook (DLS Productions) and on Twitter @dlsdrama.
What the students said…
“I enjoyed this week very much. It was an amazing experience which only comes once in a lifetime. We were very lucky to get this opportunity at such an age through DLS productions and for that I am very grateful. I've learnt very much and improved and I think others have as well.” Hannah Grech Pirotta
“I loved the tutors and the classes that were chosen. They made the experience brilliant.” Dean Ellul
“I really enjoyed every minute of it, I feel like I have improved during this week as regards attitude and theatrical skills. I feel that because I worked with professionals, I was more focused and had a greater sense of determination.” Edel Pauline Pace