Curtain Raisers
The Curtain Raisers are the vibrant youth theatre section of Weymouth Drama Club. Providing fun and exciting weekly workshops for children and young people aged between 7 and 18 years old. Exploring a variety of drama techniques and practices while more importantly developing key skills in teamwork, creativity and self-confidence.
There are many performance opportunities throughout the year including end of term showcases, large scale club productions and a Curtain Raisers favourite ‘A Play in A Day’. There are also chances to take part in skills workshops led by industry professionals and venture out on theatre trips!
Our Curtain Raisers have the opportunity to not only tread the boards but also learn about the many roles backstage that bring a production together. Learning about stage management, wardrobe, sound and lighting design to produce their own performances and also wider club productions.
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
Testimonials
“I was very nervous when I joined but now I am always excited to go each week and they make everyone feel welcome, I have made some good friends. Each week is different, playing different drama games and improv which I love. I love it!” Molly (Curtain Raiser)
“ I can’t thank my drama group enough. I wouldn’t be at the skill level I am today without them. And I have made so many friends there that I know have the same interests as me. The Dick Whittington pantomime is a memory that I’ll never forget. Performing infront of a real audience was amazing! I want to be on the West End one day an I know my drama group will definitely help me get there.” Mylie (Curtain Raiser)
“Curtain Raisers has been life changing for Mylie. Her crippling anxiety that is caused by her autism is left at the door when Mylie enters drama club each week. She can be herself. To watch her transform as she acts is really emotional and she has found her passion and her thing. Curtain Raisers and the gorgeous Becca and Jacqui put so much energy enthusiasm and passion into making sure they get the best out of every child. I can’t say enough good things about the club it is a phenomenal place for aspiring young actors to bloom and find themselves. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. “ Emma (Parent)
“I would love to share how much the community created at drama club has supported Lily all the way through secondary school. Lily will be going on to study film and TV media studies at college and the club has inspired her aspirations throughout. Tuesday is her favourite day of the week when drama is on. We cannot thank the drama club enough for the support and mentorship given to the young people.” Fronde (Parent)
“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 (Past Curtain Raisers)
‘Its Snows’ by Bryony Lavery and Frantic Assembly
National Theatre Connections Festival
“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 (Past Curtain Raiser)
‘Emil and the Detectives’ by Eric Kastner, Adapted by Carl Miller
‘A Series of Public Apologies (in response to an unfortunate incident in the school lavatories)’ by John Donnelly, National Theatre Connections Festival
Curtain Raiser Shows
Early Man
Hannah Vincent
A group of school kids spend a day at the local museum and are left to their own boisterous devices. They are left to tease, disobey the rules, betray one another, break confidences, set a world record for lock-jaw, fight over love interests and the last thing they want to do is learn about boring museum artefacts. That is until Sam’s encounter with a two thousand year old Bog Boy where an unlikely friendship blossoms.
Sunday August 17th 2025 2:00 pm
Sunday August 17th 2025 4:30 pm
Cast –
Bog Boy – Mia Neve
Sam – Evie Carr
Danni – Lily Halsall-Crenell
Louise – Phoebe Borton
Becky – Lola Symonds
Lucy – Jess Windsor
Liam – James Britton
Wesley – Rebecca Washington
Around The World In 80 Days
By Arrangement with Nick Hern Books
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.
