Youth Theatre open evening

Dorchester Youth Theatre is on the look-out for new recruits.

The club has a full quota of junior members but is looking for new blood in its senior section for young people aged between 12 and 18.

The group is holding an open evening next Tuesday, November 17th and is inviting as many as possible to come along.

Leader Janey Lloyd said: “It is a great group to belong to and it gives children the opportunity to get on stage and perform.”

She added: “We have a great group of kids here - lively, imaginative and usually noisy.”

Dorchester Youth Theatre (DYT) is currently preparing to stage a winter show in January.

The Stolen Heart will blend Italian comedia del’arte with the weird and wonderful world of Tim Burton and be performed in Thomas Hardye School on January 15 and 16.

There are also plans for performances at next year’s Dorchester Festival and as part of the One World multi-cultural day in August.

Next summer’s Combined Arts week, during which the youngsters create an entire play in five days, also looks set to go ahead thanks to a £3,200 grant from the Youth Opportunity Fund.

Janey Lloyd joined DYT in September having worked as a drama and dance specialist teacher. Her job before coming to Dorchester was at Victoria Education Centre, a special school near Bournemouth.

She said: “That was the most amazing year and brought home to me the fact that there are things I want to do with my life other than teaching.

“Dorchester Youth Theatre is just the thing. I came for the audition and got the job. The children were given the choice of who to have and they chose me!”

She added: “I am looking forward to recruiting new members. There is no audition process and all are welcome.

“Belonging to a youth theatre is a wonderful experience. It played an important part in inspiring me as a teenager, nurturing my interest, developing my skills as well as increasing my confidence and self-esteem. I thoroughly recommend it.”

The DYT taster session is on Tuesday, November 17, from 7pm to 9pm. Call 01305 266926 or email finance@dorchesterarts.org.uk for details.

230 miles in under 24 hours - Rod completes his big ride

Cyclist and board member Rod Drew completed his marathon 230 mile rides around Dorset - then revealed he has two metal hip joints.

Rod, who was cycling to raise funds for the new exhibition space at Dorchester Arts Centre, pedalled anti-clcockwise round the county through the night, finishing in just two minutes short of 24 hours.

He said the ride had been an amazing experience.

The full story is on the BBC and Dorset Echo websites.

There's still time to sponsor Rod - go to the sponsorship page

Rod’s 200 mile bike ride round Dorset

Keen cyclist and arts supporter Rod Drew is circumnavigating Dorset - on a bike.

His marathon 200 mile anti-clockwise ride in aid of Dorchester Arts Centre will take him right round the edge of the county in just 24 hours.

Rod, pictured with supporters Ros and granddaughter Daisy, set off from the Centre at midday today Sunday November 1st and is set to arrive to a heroes welcome around lunchtime on Monday.

The ride is being sponsored to help raise money for a new visual art space at the centre which needs another £4000 to line it's small hall and install lighting for its annual Open art exhibition in May.

Supporters can sponsor Rod directly on the Dorchester Arts website: http://www.dorchesterfestival.co.uk/rod/

He is also taking press calls and giving interviews en-route on mobile 07527530843