Dubai Culture Launches Programme for Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre 2017 and 2018

In the run up to the eleventh edition of the Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) – the Emirate’s dedicated entity for culture, arts and heritage – has announced the new festival programme for 2017 and 2018. This year, the programme will be launched afresh with a new series of initiatives, including 10 specialised academic workshops covering various aspects of theatre and supervised by experts from the Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts in Cairo.

During the workshops, which run from July to November, participants will be motivated by a range of new competitions. These include a theatrical composition contest under a ‘Year of Giving’ theme, and a best text award that will see the winner’s work produced during the Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre 2018.

In addition to the workshops launched in 2017, a new and more comprehensive strategy is being developed for the 2018 edition, which will include international theatre performances, field visits for young artists to learn about best theatre practices in other Arab and international countries, and intellectual seminars and forums that will develop the UAE performing arts sector and discuss the challenges faced by young artists and local theatres. Further competitions and awards will also be launched in 2018, when there will be a focus on integrating people with determination into the theatre through training and work experience

Dubai Culture is developing the comprehensive 2018 strategy to support the growing requirements of the performing arts sector in the Emirate of Dubai, the UAE, and the wider region. This year, the Authority will conduct a series of workshops in order to assess the theatre’s contribution to the sector and develop solutions in collaboration with the specialised committees who have supported the festival for the past ten years. The Authority seeks to prepare the next generation of young artists in an academic and practical way, in line with global best practices and according to the outputs of the theoretical and practical workshops hosted this year.

Fatima Al Jallaf, Head of Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre and Acting Events Manager commented: “We are proud of the festival’s achievements which managed to establish its reputation as the ideal platform for ambitious drama enthusiasts in the UAE. In this year format we are focusing in particular on the academic development of the participant’s talents. This is reflected by our programme of workshops and lectures, which are designed to provide a sound education across various aspects of theatrical production. The festival has grown exponentially to become a major event for both the established and budding theatre community in the UAE, with our emerging talent workshop allowing new talents to seek the guidance of specialised theatre artists.”

Dubai Culture is eager to commence the 2017 edition, when it will be focusing on the academic aspect of the festival, expanding the programme to include theatre, film and television arts, and highlighting the role of artists by promoting their work and supporting local talents. With a new vision for the festival, the Authority seeks to enrich and strengthen the diverse cultural and creative fabric of Dubai, where the support and empowerment of the new generation of creators is at the core of all its efforts. The festival also plays an important role in furthering Dubai Culture’s mandate to establish Dubai as a global centre of innovation and a home for happy, creative and empowered people who are proud of their local identity.

The 2017 programme will kick off on 2nd July with ‘Theatrical Script Writing’ workshops, which will continue for seven days alongside other workshops including ‘Voice & Language for Actors & Presenters’ and ‘Theatrical Costumes’. ‘Theatrical Make-Up’ and ‘Theatre Production’ workshops will follow in August, while September will be dedicated to ‘Theatrical Acting’ and ‘Theatre Directing’. In October, participants will have the opportunity to learn about ‘Theatre Décor’, and the last two workshops – ‘Theatrical Lighting’ and ‘Sounds Effects & Music’ – will be hosted in November.

The festival is open to participants aged 15 years or over who have the discipline to commit to the hours of workshops, sufficient talent and desire to participate, and the ability to handle the pressures of intensive psychological and physical training. The Authority also stresses that participants must be able to communicate with others through teamwork, and be willing to follow the work ethic required during the practical and theoretical exercises. Interested participants can apply via the following email address:  [email protected]

Dubai Culture is celebrating ten successful years of the festival, which has become a leading platform for nurturing the most promising theatre talents in the UAE and the Gulf region, including directors, theatre writers, actors, technical professionals and experts in clothing, lighting and make-up.

Dubai Culture aims to enhance Dubai’s cultural scene and draw attention to the Emirate’s rich heritage with a variety of initiatives that take place throughout the year. The Authority’s mandate is to build bridges of constructive dialogue between different civilisations and cultures through enriching initiatives that benefit the Emirate’s citizens, residents and visitors.