The Playhouse was the first Art Centre in Northern Ireland to gain Open College Network (OCN) accredited centre status in 1997, and each year we help more than 500 people achieve OCN qualifications in the arts. Our training emphasises a practical, hands on style of learning, and is suitable for all abilities from those with no qualifications to University graduates. We have worked with long term unemployed, prisoners, lone parents, young people at risk, homeless, people with literacy deficit and disabled people.

PLAYHOUSE ACCREDITED ARTS TRAINING 2011 - 2012

Please see below full list of OCN Accredited Courses for adults which are planned from September 2011 - June 2012.  If you wish to enrol or seek additional information please contact Sharon McLennan, Education Officer at The Playhouse on 028 7126 8027 or email, sharon@derryplayhouse.co.uk.

Subject                           Start Date     No of Weeks     Fee 

September

January

FIRST CALL YOUTH THEATRE

The Playhouse's own First Call Youth Theatre begins on Tuesday 27th September and we are looking for new members aged between 16 - 25 years with an interest in drama.  Between September and December 2011, every Tuesday and Thursday 6pm - 9pm, members will undergo an accredited OCN Performance Level 3 Course and will perform and end of course play at The Playhouse Theatre.  You don't have to have experience, but those with experience are more than welcome too. 

Auditions will be held on Wednesday 21st September between 6pm - 8pm.  To book your audition slot please contact Sharon McLennan, Education Officer at The Playhouse on 02871 268027 or email: sharon@derryplayhouse.co.uk.

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOONS - TEA DANCE

Starting on the 28th September, The Playhouse can confirm they are able to offer the hugely anticipated Weekly Tea Dance every Wednesday between 2pm - 4.30pm.  The programme is targeted at those people interested in the old time dance styles, who want to meet up with friends, have a nice cup of tea and a scone whilst at the same time having a bit of exercise through dance.

Cost per session is £2 (includes your tea and scone) and we have disabled access to our purpose built Dance Studio.  To book your place, please contact Sharon McLennan, Education Officer at The Playhouse on 02871 268027 or email: sharon@derryplayhouse.co.uk.

The Playhouse offers an alternative approach literacy training, by using the arts as an alternative medium to develop literacy skills. The Literacy curriculum encompasses the following Core Elements - Speaking, Listening, Reading & Writing.

Artskills offers young people the opportunity to participate in creative training that will enhance their Literacy ability. This innovative approach is an opportunity for them to develop skills & interests whilst engaging in meaningful, social and creative activity. The Playhouse will ensure that all participants are signposted towards additional training & opportunities to further develop skills / interests in Performance & Creative Writing.

Artskills Project's main goal is to help young people who have a deficit in literacy and who are not in education. The project therefore aims to ‘reduce inactivity' by improving the employability of young people not in education.

The project aims to reach out and engage with 370 young people throughout the Northwest. Over the next 3 years our aim is to enhance self confidence & self esteem in our participants, enabling them to improve their literacy levels in a fun and accessible way. The project will lead to the attainment of 6 UK recognised qualifications.

The Playhouse provides a neutral, creative, non-formal and safe learning environment that attracts individuals who have underachieved through formal educational systems. The alternative arts-based training that we deliver is recognised as being an effective way of developing essential skills.

Creative Approaches to Literacy is kindly funded by The Department of Employment and Learning, The European Social Fund, and The Arts Council.

For further information please contact Project Coordinators on artskillsplayhouse@gmail.com or click here to download an application form