7 Days: A lot can happen in just one week!

WELL DONE TO EVERYONE INVOLVED IN THE "TAKE TWO" PROJECT!

The project culminated with the performance of 7 Days at the Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton on Saturday 22nd May 2010.

What a wonderful show! Urban Voice would like to congratulate everyone involved with the performance. We have had nothing but good reviews from the audience! :-)

A big thumbs up to cast, crew, support workers, youth workers, menotrs and anyone who had any part to play in this fantastic event!




For those of you thinking, "Take Two? What's that all about?" Allow us to explain . . .

The performance was the culmination of a three month devising and rehearsal process with young people from Walsall & Telford. The project saw Theatre professionals facilitate workshops that gave the performers the opportunity to create a unique and diverse piece of theatre.

The piece explored issues that the group wanted to talk about. This project gave the performers new experiences, new skills and a voice to be heard . . . .

"One single moment was all that it took
A decision, a choice. our foundations were shook.
A fork in the road, a direction to take
Could this lead to happiness or my biggest mistake?"

A party. A party girl. A suitcase packed ready to go. A closed door. A knife, a crime, a text message - will it get there in time?

7 days interweaves 4 stories that confront KNIFE CRIME, TEENAGE PREGNANCY, BULLYING & SEX, DRUGS & ROCK 'N' ROLL.

When your 16, a week can feel like a lifetime . . .

.

Why not take some time to have a look at the Take Two website?

www.taketwoproject.com

Check out the photo galleries, blog, videos and why not leave a little message on the forum?


Photographs taken by Joanna Blakemore.

A Big Welcome To Our New Creative Arts Worker, Jessica Harper!

A big "HELLO" goes out to our new Creative Arts Worker, Jessica Harper.

Jessica will be working for Urban Voice Ltd for the next few months while Co-Director, Nicola Byrne is off on maternity leave - having a little one! :-)

So.... Let's get to know the new girl!

Tell us A bit about yourself, Jess . . . .

"Hey folks! As you know, my name is Jessica Harper and I am the new Creative Arts Worker for Urban Voice Limited! I have done freelance acting for Urban Voice prior to this so I feel pretty confident and ready to take on bigger tasks. I'm really looking forward to my time here and I'm sure it's going to be a very rewarding experience. I'm looking forward to the variety of work my days are going to bring. Wish me luck guys :-)"

We feel very lucky to have Jessica on The Urban Voice Team. An experienced actress, she has worked with the likes of "Julie Walters, Tim Healey, Warren Clarke and many more."

We'll be giving Jess time off for auditions and filming as it comes in!

Fancy knowing a bit more about Jessica? If so, visit her website:

www.jessicaharper.weebly.com

She's also big on the blog scene! So check out her blog too:

www.jessicaeharper.blogspot.com

Winners of a West Midlands Safeguarding Award 2010

Urban Voice are the winners of a West Midlands Safeguarding Award 2010 in the "Focus On Engagement Of Children, Young People And Families" category.

We are thrilled to have received recognition through this award and are happy to see our work commended in this way.

Our project partners, Lyn Stepanian and Heather Waters from Telford & Wrekin Council were at the ceremony to receive the award.




If you'd like to find out more about the award, follow this link to the "West Midlands iep" website to find out more:

www.westmidlandsiep.gov.uk/index.php?page=26&iID=1016

Creative Partnerships Project @ Roodened Primary

Urban Voice have been selected to deliver a fantastic new Creative Partnership project at Roodend Primary, Oldbury, Sandwell.



The project will take place throughout the Summer Term and will see KS2 Pupils developing storytelling and performance skills through drama workshops exploring stories from different cultures.

The project will culminate in a live performance that will incorporate video work created by pupils in partnership with Video Artist, Sian Macfarlene.

It promises to be an extremely exciting journey - we can't wait to get started!

Percy Shurmer School set for a creative Summer!

Following the success last year of our Primary School Programmes at Percy Shurmer School, Birmingham - the school have decided to book Urban Voice to deliver a full package of activities for pupils over the coming months!



We'll be delivering our 'Huff & I'll Puff' package for Year One, 'Sir, is that a Spaceship in the Playground' for Year Five, 'Sticks & Stones' for Year Four, '3 Vikings, 3 Valkeries and a bar of soap' for Year Three and 'The Lion Bride' with Year Six!



Pupils are in for a treat! We can't wait to meet them and start getting creative!

Map My Journey Consultation April 6th & 7th 2010

After a phase of planning and consultation with NHS managers, the 'Map My Journey' Consultation Event will officially take place on April 6th & April 7th at The Crossing @ St. Paul's, Darwall Street, Walsall.

The event forms part of a consultation process commissioned by Walsall Healthy Lifestyles Team and will see Urban Voice facilitating the collection of data and the compilation of that data into a Map My Journey Website & Findings Document.

The event has been designed to give clients a chance to talk about their experiences of the services they have accessed. We're aiming for a relaxed and fun atmosphere where people feel happy to openly share their thoughts and opinions.

The event will be facilitated by an Urban Voice Team of 7 facilitators who are all briefed and raring to go!

Watch this space for further updates!

PROUD: People Responsible for our own unique decisions!

We're pleased to announce that our latest film, 'PROUD' is now complete!

This thought-provoking film explores the themes of power/control, rumours, homophobia and sexual pressure.

The film celebrates the idea that all young people are responsible for their own unique decisions.