Urban Young Actors
URBAN YOUNG ACTORS is a drama group for 12-16 year olds based at Roundhill Community College in Thurmaston. Weekly workshops take place between 12-2pm every Saturday, where members have a chance to improve their drama skills through drama games and improvisation.
UYA is designed for "Real kids with natural ability" and has been modelled on London based drama groups. The group's leader, Melissa Simpson, works as a professional actress herself. Whilst working in London, she realised that young people down there had better opportunities, and so set up UYA in Leicester, to fulfill the need for a "real" drama group.
Members of UYA have had many opportunites thrown at them through their involvement with the group: three of the boys have starred in photoshops for "Sugar" magazine; all of the members have taken part in filming for a Leicester City Council DVD on anti-social behaviour, to be shown in schools; most of the members recently took place in a drama competition at The Little Theatre in Leicester, with many winning prizes in their categories. Alongside this, the group has teamed up for two holiday-courses (last summer and easter), with it's Nottingham-based sister group, "Inspire". Not only this, but Melissa has been able to point some members towards auditions for stage musicals in London, plays, etc.
I went along to observe the group's session one Saturday, and was impressed by not only their acting ability, but the supportive and friendly atmosphere, which helped those who were a bit nervous to feel more confident acting in front of others.
I had a chat with the group to find out what they think of UYA.
How did you find out about Urban and what made you want to join?
Many found out through their school drama lessons, or through posters and leaflets around school. Some of the members joined because friends were already their, whilst others found out about the club through the internet or by hearing Melissa's interview on Leicester Sound.
How do you think it has helped you to develop as a person, and develop your skills in drama? Do you enjoy it?
The group has given it's member's confidence and self-esteem that they didn't have before. One of the main things they seemed keen to tell me, and in particular the boys, was that it was better than school. At school, especially for boys, acting is seen as less cool (and can lead to teasing apparently!), whereas at Urban, they feel they can be themselves, and nobody will laugh at their aspirations, because they are all there for the same reasons. The group is supportive and doesn't judge, so acting isn't embarassing. Not only this, but at Urban, the members have been able to meet new people and make new friends. It provides opportunities, such as filming and competitions, and one member said that he spent all week looking forward to coming. Also, as well as being able to learn new drama skills, the members feel like they learn from each other- life skills, different opinions and different perspectives.
What opportunities has it created for you?
By getting to know names, faces and places in the industry, the members feel that they are getting a good insight into the world of acting, at a young age. This will help them to prepare for any acting career they may have when older. They had the chance to meet "Skins" star Joe Dempsie, a personal friend of Melissa's, at a recent performance, where he gave them advice for the future, telling them to stick at it and not to quit.
Not only this, but the boys who had a chance to star in "Sugar" magazine have had a chance to experience small-time fame! One even said he had been recognised on the street, and they agreed that it gave them definate cred with the ladies.
The summer and easter courses with the "Inspire" academy gave the young actors a chance to try out dancing and singing, as well as having a chance to act with a new set of people.
Finally, when competing in the competition, the group were able to spur one another one and there was a real sense of team spirit. Several of the members did extremely well and even for those who didn't win anything, the competition was a good experience.
Are you keen to pursue a career in acting now?
The answer to this question was a resounding "YES!" Whilst some preferred the thrill and excitement of stage-based acting, others said that they were keener to go into televeision based acting, where it is more relaxed and less pressured. However, all agreed that performing to an audience who actually WANTED to watch you gives a greater rush, and feels more intimate and special.
What would you say to anyone aspiring to act who is thinking about auditioning for Urban?
Just go for it- there's nothing to lose! If you want to act, then don't even think about it- audition ASAP. The members said that Urban is better than lots of groups because you can be yourself and it is made up of interesting individuals, all with a shared passion. You will be made to feel comfortable and at home and get the chance to make new friends. You will gain confidence and self-esteem and people won't laugh at you if you make a mistake- there is a real sense of family and community.
And, as well as the weekly sessions, you could get the chance to perform in competitions, be filmed, etc. Sessions are reasonably priced and, as said by one member "We're amazing!"
For anybody interested in joining the group, please contact Melissa via the UYA website below. Auditions are held regularly and if you can show natural acting ability, willingness and enthusiasm, there is a good chance that you will get a place.
Melissa also runs an earlier session for 8-11 year olds, between 10am and 12 midday on a Saturday.
By Rosanna