Don Valley Academy

On Saturday 3rd September two students from Don Valley Academy journeyed to London to take part in an amazing experience offered by the Kevin Spacey Foundation. The candidates were chosen out of hundreds of applicants nationwide. As part of the audition process, our students had to film a two minute monologue and write a one thousand word essay each.

We were up early to catch the 7:30am train and travelled to London’s  West End and the Old Vic Theatre, which Kevin Spacey is the Artistic Director.

The students participated in a group workshop privided by the ‘Richards’s Rampage’ company and I was given a tour of the Old Vic Theatre. When I rejoined the students, they had taken part in the making of a short film for the company’s website. They produced some stunning work, alongside very talented students from other schools across the country.

After the workshop we settled down for lunch, which was soon interrupted by the workshop leader announcing, “ladies and gentlemen, if you would like to put down your sandwiches, we have a special guest who would like to meet you all”. Full of excitement and anticipation, we made our way into the studio to be greeted by Oscar winning actor Kevin Spacey, dressed very casual in shorts and baseball cap having just finished a game of tennis. Our students sat to the front of the other students and listened to Kevin talk about the play Richard III and answer questions from the students. I think our girls were a little starstruck at meeting the Hollywood actor as they were very quiet.

This really set us up nicely for the afternoon by building up our excitement even more at the prospect of seeing Kevin on stage, we were not disappointed! The play was fantastic, a real special performance from Mr. Spacey who delivered a unforgettable Richard, with exceptional direction from Sam Mendes. The play was three and a half hours long, but it really didn’t feel like it, the time flew by! We gave the cast a standing ovation, and it was truly deserved.

Overall, a very special and exciting day, something I, along with two very talented and deserving students, will never forget.

Mrs. Atkins

As a Performing Arts College, we are proud to offer the following community classes on Saturday mornings for FREE!!

Don Valley Dinkies – A drama/performing arts class for 3-4 year olds.

Don Valley Rockers – A drumming class for 7-11 year olds.

Don Valley Mini’s – A musical mini’s class for 0-2 year olds.

Don Valley Dramatists = An adult drama group for 18+.

All classes start at 9:30am and finish at 10:30am. And remember, all are completely FREE!!

If you are interested in booking a place on any of the sessions then please contact Julie Atkins at Don Valley on 01302 781528.

Shakespeare Schools Festival

Every year Don Valley School & Performing Arts College participates in the Shakespeare Schools Festival. This is a national event that gives 11-18 year olds the chance to perform half hour Shakespeare plays in professional theatres.

In 2010, 650 schools performed in 80 theatres across the country. The partners of the Shakespeare Schools Festival are the National Theatre and the National Youth Theatre .

Our past performances include: 2003 – Romeo & Juliet, 2007 – Othello, 2008 – The Tempest, 2009 – Henry V, 2010 – A Midsummer Nights Dream.

Our last two performances have been at the acclaimed West Yorkshire Playhouse. Don Valley students were proud to see our Henry V interpretation used for the 10th anniversary festival publicity.

Please enjoy our photographs from Henry V and A Midsummer Nights Dream.