Words by Ed King
A world renowned theatre company are looking for Castle Vale volunteers to be part of an exciting new theatre performance, written especially to celebrate the North Birmingham Estate.
As part of the ongoing Festival of Flying, Highly Sprung’s brand new show, called Taking Flight, will be performed on Castle Park, Tangmere Drive, on Saturday 10 September
Budding actors are invited to join rehearsals, starting on Saturday 4 September – with more volunteer roles for those who would prefer to work behind the scenes.
Open to people of all ages, anyone wanting to be part of the career launching open air theatre event – or who just want to join support an exciting company as they deliver a unique an original new show – should email [email protected] for more information.
Led by Active Arts, Festival of Flying Project Director, Claire Marshall, told Erdington Local: “We have been working with Highly Sprung who have drawn on ideas from local residents to produce an amazing and original new show – Taking Flight – that celebrates and inspires people across Castle Vale.
“But now we want to open the doors and involve people from all over the estate and wider, as this wonderful dream becomes a reality.
“We’re still looking for performers, with rehearsals starting this Saturday (3 September), but also for people to help support the show and work behind the scenes.
“It’s going to be an amazing celebration of everything that makes Castle Vale such a special and unique place to live, work, and know – we’d love to have as many local people involved to truly represent the estate, showing the world just how fantastic Castle Vale can be.
“We know what makes Castle Valke so special and this is our chance to show the world – we hope as many local people, adults and children, can join us on or off stage to help deliver this amazing new theatre show.”
The Festival of Flying harnesses the creativity, energy, and passion of communities across Castle Vale to produce a unique performance event, celebrating local history, heritage, and innovation.
The ongoing festival invites audiences to ‘look up’, to be amazed, and to be inspired by the creation of a new myth for Castle Vale.
A totally new theatre show, Taking Flight has been written especially for Castle Vale – with the show’s directors looking for anyone interested in performing, of any age, experience, or ability, based in or local to Castle Vale, with a sense of adventure and a curiosity to try something new.
With opportunities on an off stage, Taking Flight is looking for people and performers to help across all aspects of the production.
Rehearsals begin on Saturday 3 September, with the final show being performed on Saturday 10 September on Castle Park, Tangmere Drive. Those interested can sign up in advance or arrive at 9.30am at Greenwood Academy for weekend rehearsals 10am-4pm and able to commit to further rehearsals Thursday and Friday evening ready for the final event.
“There are loads of different ways people on Castle Vale can access and be part of this incredible event,” said Sarah Worth, Co-Founder and Executive Director of High Sprung Performance Company.
“They will be really stretched beyond their own limitations and get to work as a team. They need a real sense of adventure, to bring some joy into the room, and want to help us celebrate Castle Vale and what it can be to the community.
“The whole event will be surrounded by butterflies, and we can all be reminded of the small changes we can all make to have a really positive impact on our community.”
The Festival of Flying is led by Active Arts and presented as part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival.
To get involved in The Festival of Flying, email Active Arts Project Director Claire Marshall on [email protected]