A SERIES of creative workshops for young people is being run over the Easter holidays at the Neeld Community Arts Centre in Chippenham, by Rag and Bone Arts CIC and Knapsack Productions. The project is supported by funding from the National Lottery and the government’s Million Hours scheme to help young people to work with a wide range of arts and creative professionals from theatre, music, comedy, film, and visual arts.

Laura Graham-May, director of Rag and Bone Arts, says the workshops “will help Chippenham’s 11 to 18 year olds to explore their potential and learn from some of the best local and regional talent that exists. Each professional is hand-picked by us for their experience in their field and skill at working with young people positively.”

The workshops began on Monday 7th April with a drumming session, continuing  9th, when the focus was on acting and improvisation with Emile Clarke, and stand-up comedy with Angie Belcher, a comedian and coach.

On Tuesday 15th, there were workshops on lighting design and operation with Luke Emmett, and writing for performance with Florence Espeut-Nickless, an award-winning writer and actor who grew up in Chippenham and whose work has been performed at the National Theatre and Bristol Old Vic.

On Wednesday 16th April workshops are make-up for stage, with Anna Rand, covering stage make-up and special effects, and public art with Charlie Graham-May – an opportunity to help brighten Chippenham’s streets by creating small art pieces to decorate steps and kerbs around town.

As well as the workshops, there will be a music cafe open each day from 3 to 4.30pm, offering a relaxed space for young people to hang out. No tickets are required, and attendees from earlier sessions are welcome to stay. This initiative is led by Tom Mallard at Riverbank Studios.

Pictured: A costume and make-up workshop; an art workshop with Charlie Graham-May.