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Bolton drama group rewarded for community work
Members of a community drama group, which raises awareness of topical issues such as illegal money lending and personal safety, have gained qualifications in recognition of their latest production.
Dramatic Action, our customer drama group, started in 2010 and its members, who are all volunteers, have produced and performed eight stories to date based on their own life experiences.
Now 19 members of the group, who range in age from 16 to 69, have earned AQA certificates, an accredited qualification for drama, after the DVD release of their first production on location.
‘Woody’s Story’ is a play about a tenant who encounters social isolation and depression.
Group members were presented with their certificates by Lofty the Lion at Bolton’s Reebok Stadium after we put them forward for the qualification.
Su Draper, a member of Dramatic Action, said: “We put our past experiences into something positive to help people recognise the signs of danger. Because we’ve experienced struggles in our lives, we’re in a position to put them on the stage or on film to encourage people to stay clear of trouble. “We get on so well as a group and have come a long way in our own development. I’ve gained a lot more confidence and self-worth from being a member of the group and the variety of projects we’ve worked on.”
Val Hulme, our Customer Engagement Officer, said: “We’re so proud of what Dramatic Action have achieved. For some of the group, these are their first qualifications. They genuinely want to help people make the right choices in life. Their passion and commitment to do all that they have done voluntarily deserves to be recognised.”
Most of the group’s plays are performed live and are interactive to encourage audiences to consider the potential consequences of choices and behaviour. They’ve performed at schools, public events, created radio theatre with Bolton FM and produced their own DVDs.
Last year, the group performed its play Stranger Danger to 23 schools and 1,400 pupils in Bolton, looking at the potential dangers through social media and on the street.
In the film ‘Woody’s Story’, the main character is exploited by others. It leaves him open to antisocial behaviour and the risk of eviction by his landlord. It provokes questions of what to do in such situations, where people can get help and what role the landlord should play.
The film will be used in our training with new tenants as part of a programme to help them manage their tenancies.
For more information on Dramatic Action and how to join them, speak with Val Hulme on 01204 327989 or email val.hulme@boltonathome.org.uk