Only One Space Left On The DAW Theatre Summer School!

To book the last space on the course contact Gary Thomas on 029 20 45 2200 or email.

CALLING ALL AMATEUR ACTORS!!

"ACTING SKILLS - creating that element of magic" a weeklong drama training holiday university of wales, lampeter. 13th - 19th August 2006

Wales based charity, the Drama Association of Wales, announces the launch of its latest training project - THEATRE SUMMER SCHOOL 2006. A week-long residential training course designed for the amateur theatre enthusiast. So why not reap the benefits of a week of working hard and playing hard in beautiful, rural Wales. And all for the price of a last minute bargain holiday!

ACTING SKILLS: Creating That Element of MagicThis promises to be a hugely enjoyable practical exploration of how to be a better actor. A diverse fun course looking at many aspects of creating characters. Highly experienced tutors Kevin Dyer and Janys Chambers will lead sessions on relaxation, voice, text and the spoken word, how an actor prepares, physical ways into character, stage presence, getting the best out of text and mask work. The course will combine real, useful acting tips and methods with a sideways look at the special "magical" qualities of performance. There will be an emphasis on people's own particular strengths and needs. On Friday the group will show and share work of the week.

Accommodation is in single rooms with en-suite option available. The course is suitable for all levels of skill and experience - just bring your enthusiasm, an open mind and be prepared to learn and enjoy. Drama Association of Wales Theatre Summer School offers a safe and nurturing environment in which to express your creativity through theatre.

Our flexible pricing structure means that you can book on to this course for as little as just £350. And that includes tuition, course notes, accommodation and all meals.

For full course details contact: Gary Thomas, Drama Association of Wales, The Old Library, Singleton Road, Cardiff CF24 2ET telephone 029 2045 2200 or email.

Singing From The Heart

Warm up your vocal chords as national charity, Heart Research UK, wants people around the country to organise a singing event in the run up to Christmas (8-15 December). Soprano, Lesley Garrett CBE, is supporting the charity’s Sing for Your Heart campaign.

Lesley Garrett, CBE said, "Judging Celebrity Fame Academy showed me that singing is a fun way to raise money for charity and as long as your heart is in your performance it doesn’t matter if you don’t always hit every note. Order your information pack now and start planning your Sing for Your Heart event."

People around the UK will be organising concerts, singing karaoke, carol singing, busking or getting sponsored to sing to raise money for pioneering research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease, Britain’s biggest killer.

Heart Research UK’s National Director, Barbara Harpham, said, "Most people know someone who has been affected by heart disease, for example you might have a friend who has had a heart operation, high blood pressure could run in your family or you may have lost a loved one to a heart attack."

"Singing for Your Heart is easy", she continues, "Many choirs, bands and performers have already started to plan concerts, pantomimes, or carol services over the festive period and it is easy to turn this into a Sing for Your Heart event as we’ll supply you with posters and stickers and even help to promote your event."

"If you don’t want to go to the trouble of organising an event, you could simply ask permission to carol sing in your local shopping centre, get people to sponsor you to sing all day or include karaoke in your Christmas celebrations. Singing for charity might be the perfect excuse to get your guests in the mood for some fun and help your party go with a swing! Whatever you decide to do, let us know about it."

As well has helping to spread a bit of festive spirit, singing can also be good for you. A study at the University of California has reported higher levels of immune system proteins in the saliva of choristers after performing a complex Beethoven masterwork. Singing is an excellent way of relieving stress and generating positive feelings and, when combined with exercise, is a great way to get a cardiovascular work out.

Order a free Sing for Your Heart fundraising pack today and start planning your event by calling Heart Research UK on 0113 234 7474 or email. Or you can visit the website for more information.

Note from Jane: On a personal note, my father had high blood pressure for years and on the 16th of July 2006 his heart finally gave up and he died very peacefully in his sleep. We requested no flowers at the funeral, instead asking that donations be made to the British Heart Foundation. If you can support this event, I would be very grateful. Jane