Lucy McGlennon, Eden Court’s Head of Engagement, gives us the lowdown on the return of classes at Eden Court.
It feels like it’s been a long time coming – but we’re confident that the time is now. Our 18-month pause created space and time for us to think about the engagement programme we offer in our studios and to redefine it to a programme that feels right as we emerge from the pandemic.
When thinking about what we wanted the programme to say, we were influenced by many different factors including; the ongoing COVD pandemic, guidance available to us and the mitigations Eden Court needs to take to keep all of our audiences, visitors, staff and artists safe.
We have also had to consider Eden Court’s artistic priorities and Vision, Mission and Values, the spaces available to use. Above all, we want to ensure that participants feel confident about returning to take part.
The result of this thinking, along with the mitigations we need to keep in place to ensure Eden Court is safe for all, does of course mean that the programme looks different; some classes are no longer with us, and others are new or have been re-imagined.
I understand that it will likely be disappointing if a class you took part in previously is not included in this first 8-week block – however a programme that resembles the one delivered pre-pandemic simply isn’t possible at this moment in time.
As it stands we are running a reduced programme of 17 classes, roughly a third of the size of the programme previously on offer. This initial block of activity will run for 8 weeks to mid-November, giving us time to make changes as we plan the January – March block.
What's on offer?
Eden Court Youth Theatre, Youth Dance and Youth Film have had their prices aligned, meaning that all young people taking part pay the same price. We can’t wait to see what these young people create with us over the next year!
We’ve also got brand new Mini Makers for 3-5 year olds who want to come and make with us. I Heart Drama returns on Monday mornings – and we know from having seen some of you this summer that you’re all keen to come back.
Eden Court Collective has been re-imagined for 18-30 year olds and is being offered on ‘Pay What You Can’ pricing, with 3 price points available, as we know that being a young creative can be hard financially. And our Queer Youth Arts Collective will continue to meet online.
Gracenotes, Jazz and Contemporary Dance and Dance for Parkinson’s all return. Plus, we’ve got a brand new group Sgeulachdan Nan Gaisgeach for ages 14+ who have an interest in Gaelic and the culture of the Gaels.
We’re starting small and safe, because we can, and because it feels right, for now. But we’re delighted to finally be welcoming participants back into our studios as our Engagement Programme returns!
This blog was written by:
