23/05/2026
News Update May 2026
The Theatre Architect
Thanks to everyone who attended the ‘Theatre Architect’ auditions last weekend. It was a real pleasure to meet and greet such an enthusiastic group.
We now have our confirmed cast list, which will have been sent to all auditionees along with the rehearsal schedule. It was an opportunity to become familiar with some of the music for the show, which is inspiring. I must confess, the AI versions didn’t sound anything like as good as the actual thing, and like all well written music the tunes are catchy and easy to remember. Delightfully surprised at the number of good singers we have.
A Thousand Cranes
Just to be clear, the cranes referred to are the birds, not the things that hoist heavy stuff onto buildings. This is a beautiful script written by Kathryn Schultz-Miller about the fallout – literally- of the atomic bombs dropped in Japan during WW2. It’s an opportunity to develop acting skills that we are really excited about. It is being performed at Ballakermeen Studio Theatre 6th and 7th February 2027 and is open to all our current students aged 11 plus. We will have details of auditions and rehearsals after TT. The majority of rehearsals will be on Sundays 2 pm – 3.30pm, but there may be additional commitments on Saturday afternoons.
Talking of which…
We are on for lessons/rehearsals this weekend Saturday 23rd/Sunday 24th.
Off for two weekends….then
Lessons/Rehearsals resume 13th/14th June
Microphone Technique/ Film Technique
As part of our ongoing training schedule we are introducing some of the skills required for film/recording work. As I’m sure you all know, this is an entirely different approach from theatre work, but crucial for a well rounded performance training. It’s lots of fun too. We are starting this today 23rd May in all our Saturday and Sunday (24th May ) classes.
L.A.M.D.A.
When lessons resume after TT fortnight we are introducing the London Academy of Music and Dramatic arts syllabus. This is to ensure that we have a structured approach to learning and outcomes. At present there are no plans to take exams, but we will assess as we go along and may implement examinations if any of our students would like to. We have submitted LAMDA exams in the past and found that the feedback given to students was excellent, in advice about what was good, what would benefit from more training, and future career paths for the students who entered. The examiners were all, without fail, kind, helpful and encouraging to our students.
Ballet/Tap/ Jazz for Adults
Due to rehearsals for Fands Story and The Showcase our adult lessons took a substantial hit, and we will now need to rebuild numbers, as these lessons provide a large part of the payment contribution for hiring the hall on Sunday. We ask for a donation of £5 per lesson, but stress that if anyone cannot afford to pay they are still more than welcome.
Ballet: 11.45am – 12.30pm
Tap: 12.30 – 1.15pm
Jazz: 1.15 – 2pm
These all take place in the main hall at 2nd Onchan Scouts, School Road, Onchan, and the focus is not just on learning but having lots of fun. I can honestly say that I look forward to these lessons all week, not just because I love to dance, but because the people who attend are such a lovely bunch.
Please spread the word, and if you fancy giving it a go, there’s no pressure, but do try it. You might discover a hidden talent. It doesn’t matter what size or shape you are, and you can wear anything comfortable. There’s no special equipment needed. If you wish to purchase tap/jazz/ballet shoes I can get them but wait and see if you enjoy it first.
Trustees/Committee members
We have had a fantastic response to our request for trustees and new committee members to help steer Manx National Theatre. This is how the structure works:
Trustees: Oversee the finances, reputation, legal compliance and the direction of MNT, ensuring that we adhere to our core values of service to the community without compromising the standard of learning and care which is the backbone of the charity. .
Committee members: Help with all the practical facets of ensuring that lessons and productions run smoothly. I can guarantee lots of laughs, some fantastic scones - thanks Siobhán – and a satisfying sense of being a crucial part of our wonderful MNT community.
If you’re interested get in touch, in confidence at Email:
[email protected]
