It is the mission of the academy to provide a high quality educational program for young people of the Dover area aged between 8yrs to 25yrs of age in the performing arts. This is accomplished through an extensive training and workshop program based in The Roundhouse Theatre situated in the Dover Discovery Centre. We will offer a wide range of performance, technical and theatre management options for anyone who wants to learn.

We will plan every lesson carefully which will include introductory activities, speech, verbal dynamics, creative movement. Dance drama, language development, structured improvisation, scene starters, mini-scripts, presentations and productions. Each lesson will stimulate all members to be fully involved and highly motivated.
We will give local youngsters the opportunity to work with professional actors, directors and performers during their training. Every member will have the opportunity to audition for a production and work with various professionals, this auditioning process will be covered within their tuition.

Our intention is to create a premiere arts and entertainment centre which provides people of all ages within the Dover area with a creative outlet for their energies, and a canvas for painting a future for the younger people. Our plans include; facility expansion to include an arts education academy; expansion of the community theatre project; formation of a drama company and dance troupe, development of a cabaret supper club/dinner theatre and creation of a strong employment and entrepreneurship training program.

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Blackfish academy was formed in 2005. Our home is The Roundhouse Theatre which is located inside The Dover Discovery Centre right in the heart of Dover, the gateway to europe. We provide professional workshops in all aspects of perfoming arts such as; Acting techniques, physical theatre, contemporary dance, stage combat, stagecraft, stage management, circus skills, props making, set design, lighting and much more...

Blackfish Academy Founder

The company was created by professional actor & director, Richard Esdale whilst working in ireland for BBC Television & during a National Theatre tour.

 

 

 

History
The company was originally formed in 1998 as was known as JIGintheBOX Productions. The company has produced various devised pieces in the past including, “Fin de Siecle” (Written by David Johnson) which was a drama based one act play, “Paper-Steps” as devised piece of contemporary dance & “Zagreus II” which was a physical theatre piece directed by internationally acclaimed director Mark Cato. All of these productions were performed in the Melton Theatre in the East Midlands with private backers and sponsors. These productions also featured local performing arts students from the local university allowing them to gain some experience of working with professionals.

Future Plans
Our intention is to create a premiere arts and entertainment centre which provides people of all ages within the Dover area with a creative outlet for their energies, and a canvas for painting a future for the younger people. Our plans include; facility expansion to include an arts education academy; expansion of the community theatre project; formation of a drama company and dance troupe, development of a cabaret supper club/dinner theatre and creation of a strong employment and entrepreneurship training program.

Associate Directors
Mike & Barry are accomplished directors in their own right and also run our dinner theatre section. (Click image for personal profiles)