Urban Voice is a professional theatre company run by Karl Veltman and Nicola Byrne. Having studied drama together at the University of Wolverhampton, they share a passion for theatre and have been working with young people in and around the Black Country for a number of years, using drama as an aid for learning and, let’s not forget, as an aid for jolly good fun too.  | | Jazz hands! |
This is the fourth year that Urban Voice has successfully been awarded funding to take part in Ready Steady Summer, a programme of free summer activities for young people during the holidays, organised by Walsall Council. Sounds like a mission to meThere are approximately 50 young people, aged 13 to 19, involved in the Summer Youth Theatre Project. They are split into two groups that practice and rehearse separately, only to come together a few days before the final performance of their play to put the show together. This year’s play, entitled When We Almost Never Kissed, has been devised and created from scratch with input from everyone. Set in a place “where memories and dreams collide”, it tells the tale of “a young girl searching for her future and an old man recalling his past… Two journeys; one love.” Ahh, I have goose pimples already. | "The adrenalin rush on stage is just brilliant!" | | Nicola, 18 |
I went along to a rehearsal to see how Group 2 were getting along. Jazz hands everyone… A great opportunityKarl compares the whole process to the TV programme ‘Faking It.’ “We've got kids who want go on to be performers and kids who are just doing this for fun,” Karl explains. “It’s nice to get a group where some have had experience at performing and some haven't, but in the end everyone will achieve something really professional.” The project puts emphasis on treating the performers as adults, and there is a certain discipline that goes along with professionalism.  | | All smiles at rehearsal |
“They know that we've got to get this play done,” Karl says. “Because of the nature of it, even the ones that don't want to go on as performers will benefit from the skills learned, such as confidence, communication skills and discipline. It’s a great opportunity for anybody. “In just a week, I've seen progress in everyone, not to mention the guys that have been coming for four years. Watching how they've developed and come along has been really rewarding.” Not only do you get to learn and achieve new skills, but anyone who’s over 14 also gains an OCN (Open College Network) accreditation. Wow, something impressive for the old CV. Karl tells me that their summer project is also "great news for the creative industries" as Urban Voice employ many various local artists to help them about with different areas of production. It’s true – Blast really is amazing!I wanted to know how people found out about this amazingly cool project. I know that when I was at school (oh, so many moons ago) I didn't catch anything like this floating about. Looks like the wonderful Blast had a little part to play. “I saw an advert through Blast,” says Catherine, who’s 17. “I went along to the project last year and I really enjoyed it so I came back to do it again this summer.”  | | Five, six, seven, eight! |
About half the people that came last year (and the year before that, and the year before that) have joined in once again for this year's show. They all received personal mail outs inviting them to come back for another year. Rian, Ryan, David and Nicola have all come to do the project for the past four years and they all want to go on to be performers. Rian, 18, has been inspired by the project to study Performing Arts at University and, despite moving on as a performer, she says sadly: "Aww, this is our last year." Ainsley, 17, has also been coming since it began, four years ago: "It's fun, it's wicked and I get to get away from home", he laughs. The rest of the group found out about Urban Voice's Summer Project through the Walsall Pride magazine that gets delivered throughout the homes of Walsall. Budding performersThe chance to be involved in a professional production was something that many of the people here jumped at because they love performing and wish to pursue a career in it. Others get involved to have a good time and do something productive over the summer holidays. I spoke to Surresh, who is 17, and has been involved with the project for the last three years. "I've always enjoyed doing acting but I'm doing this just for fun," he tells me. "We didn't have any drama facilities at school, so when my mum found out about this a few years ago, she thought it would be a good thing for me to do." Surresh has future plans to study Music Technology and hopes to eventually open up a music studio.  | | Sandeep and Ryan practicing their steps |
Nicola, 18, who has been coming for four years, says that she's developed a real passion for being in the spotlight. "I used to be really nervous before, but the adrenalin rush on stage is just brilliant." It has also shaped a new pathway for her future. "I didn't know what I wanted to do before, but it's been great getting to know Nic and Karl - they've made me want to go to college." The production caters for all areas of performance and because the group learns together, they all get a chance to do a bit of everything - dancing, acting and singing. Some are even invited to contribute towards the musical side of things and they get to show off their already honed skills to enhance the group performance. For some, like Danni and Sandeep, both 15, it's their first time working with Urban Voice. "I wanted to do it because I really enjoying dancing and acting - more so dancing. We both found out about it at school," says Danni. "I want to act and so me and Danni came together," Sandeep tells me. "We're really enjoying it - everyone's really friendly." Performing at The ArboretumJudging from the rehearsals, these guys are going to rock it. From dancing and swinging each other about to singing moving melodies, I can see why the end result will be completely exhilarating. But, surely, they must be some nerves about performing at the town's venue. No? "No, I'm looking forward to it," smiles Sandeep.  | | I'm spinning around... |
Danni nods in agreement. Is anyone nervous??? "I'm just really excited!" says Ainsley. So, what would you say to anyone who is thinking about doing the summer project next year? "Definitely do it," says Surresh. "I'd recommend it to anyone that enjoys acting." "People should do it because it helps you become more open to new things," says Danni. "In two weeks, I've gained so much confidence." See the performance!When We Almost Never Kissed is on Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 August 2006 at the Walsall Arboretum at 7.00pm. | 
