We have a lively junior membership for 7 to 18 year olds, including young people with learning difficulties. The membership is divided into age groups as shown below and these groups make up our Curtain Raisers. On reaching 18, some of our members stay to help run the junior groups and others progress to adult membership.

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There are opportunities to take part in youth theatre and adult productions, skills workshops, including technical skills, Festivals, most notably the NT Connections project organised by the National Theatre, end of term showcases and theatre trips. We are members of National Association of Youth Theatres. Not only do you get the thrill of being on stage but being in the Curtain Raisers is a great way to make new friends, boost your confidence and self esteem, learning how to work as a team but mainly JUST TO HAVE FUN! 

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Weymouth Drama Club's Curtain Raisers presents

Jules Verne's
Around the World in 80 Days
adapted by Laura Eason

Friday 21 & Saturday 22 October 2022 at Weymouth Pavilion

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This year we are celebrating 40 years of the Curtain Raisers with our production of Around the World in 80 Days at Weymouth Pavilion. We thought this would be a great opportunity to get in contact with some of our past members to share some of their experiences as a Curtain Raiser. 

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'Curtain Raisers has provided me with a lifetime of memories, so when I was contacted and asked to write a recollection from my time at the club I struggled to find a single one to relate. However, one of the highlights I experienced was joining the club in the National Theatre Connections project. This project challenged me as an individual to try new techniques used in physical theatre and encouraged me to explore theatre in a new dimension. Developing the show as part of an ensemble was an incredibly rewarding experience and led to a marvellous camaraderie between both cast and crew. And, as an added extra, served to instil theatrical superstition into the cast! (As seen in the form of prop mishaps after a cast said 'Macbeth' on stage during rehearsals).' Sophie Ridyard. 

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'Its Snows' by Bryony Lavery and Frantic Assembly

 National Theatre Connections Festival 

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"There are many fond memories I have from Weymouth drama club. To name a few: the dressing room buzz before performing Emil and the Detectives at Weymouth Pavillion, rehearsing It Snows in a church during winter and nearly missing our cue at our final performance in Bath as we were doing yoga beforehand, performing Find A Partner outside (due to covid) in the rain. Looking back the club gave me an invaluable skill set from growing my confidence to learning how to work and communicate with people in a supportive and inclusive environment. I had opportunities to perform both locally and around the uk (with the National Connections Project), allowing me to grow as a performer and I even got to help towards creating theatre in different styles. Not to sound too dramatic but without the drama club I probably wouldn’t be where I am now - studying drama and English at Manchester University. So a big thank you to the leaders and donators of the club for their hard work at bringing theatre to young people in a more rural community." Ruby Pruden-Medus

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"Although it can be a challenge, it is also a privilege to work with such an inspiring group of young people." Youth Theatre Leader.

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Applause (Mondays 6.00pm to 7.00pm) - Year 3 to Year 6

Bravo (Tuesdays 6.00pm to 7.30pm) - Year 7 to Year 11

Encore (Thursdays 6.00pm to 7.30pm) - Year 7 to Year 11

Fanfare (Thursdays 7.30pm to 9.00pm) - Year 12 to Year 13

 

 

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