6th October 2013 - Musical Theatre Workshop to be held with staff from ‘New Era Academy’ Open to all students with a, ‘Senior’ Session in the morning and other students in the afternoon. 

Kim Ismay, Musical Theatre Director for ‘New Era Academy’ has now confirmed she will be coming to the Island on SUNDAY OCTOBER 6th 2013 and is SO looking forward to working with the Senior Students (11+/Year 7+) in the morning session and is prepared to include some 7+ year old in the afternoon session but places will be limited.

Anyone willing and able to attend this Workshop please be sure your name is given to Mrs Gale at the earliest opportunity, the session is free to all those who pay for the term as it will replace the cancelled session on July 5th 2013 but for Gale Force students it is £10 for the day and non-Gale Force students, who are most welcome, if there are places available, will pay £20 for the day.

You will need dance shoes/dance pumps/leather soled shoes/ a packed lunch, layers of clothing and bags of energy!!! You do not have to be a great singer, no dance experience is necessary, just an interest in Musicals and a willingness to have a go!!!

This is such a great opportunity for our students to improve their presentation ready for the Concert and for the next Musical Theatre exams in February 2014.

 

DATES TO NOTE FOR SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER 2013

September 6th: Gale Force begins for the new term

ALL FEES PAYABLE: 

To be held in the CHAPEL at 6pm

Gale Force sessions then continue EVERY FRIDAY in the HALL or the CHAPEL at 6pm, any changes or alterations will always be notified in writing and sent via e-mail.

October 6th: Musical Theatre Workshop to be held with staff from ‘New Era Academy’

Open to all students with a Senior only Session in the morning and all students in the afternoon. More details to follow.

October 19/26th/Nov 1st Half term period for all schools, Gale Force will remain OPEN, no H/T break this year!!

November 22nd DRESS REHEARSAL at EAC from 4.30pm All students should report direct from school with a ‘snack’ and a drink. Rehearsal to end 7.30pm (approx) Seniors will be asked to stay till, no later than, 8pm.

December 1st CONCERT TIME!!! Concert begins at 2.30pm Students are asked to be at the EAC from 11am for rehearsals. Please remember to arrive with Costumes/props/packed lunch/drink.

FULL DETAILS LATER.

IMPORTANT DATES FOR 2013 @ 30 /01/13

GALE FORCE STILL CONTINUES EACH FRIDAY:
ANY CANCELLATIONS/ALTERATIONS WILL ALWAYS BE NOTIFIED IN WRITING!

JANUARY 30th 2013       ALL entries for MANX MUSIC FESTIVAL (THE GUILD) must be completed

FEBRUARY 1st 2013       AUDITIONS for XMAS 25th CONCERT (see separate notice)

FEBRUARY 12th/14th     HALF TERM WORKSHOPS (see separate notice)

MARCH 9th                   ‘NEW ERA’ exams in Musical Theatre and Recital classes. approx 10.30 to 4.30pm to be held in St Johns Chapel. Full timings later.

APRIL 14th/21st             EXTRA GUILD REHEARSALS

APRIL 19/26                  FINAL rehearsals for MANX MUSIC FESTIVAL. ALL students involved and must be present.

APRIL 27-MAY 4th          MANX MUSIC FESTIVAL (The GUILD!)
Held at the Villa Marina Douglas ALL WEEK
ALL Students involved at various times and dates which will be confirmed late March.

PLEASE PUT ON THE CALENDAR NOW!!!!!!

AUGUST 12-16th           SUMMER SCHOOL:
Please do try to keep these dates free as much of the week will be dedicated to preparing for DEC
1st Concert (as well as ‘fun’ times too!)
FEES can be paid little and often if it helps!

DECEMBER 1ST 2013     25TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT, ERIN ARTS CENTRE, ALL STUDENTS INVOLVED!
 (Rehearsals will be on the 29/30 November when
ALL students will be expected to attend, timings and full details by March 1st 2013.)            
 

DATES FOR 2012 (updated 02 Feb 2012)

Galeforce continues each Friday. Any cancellations/alterations will always be notified in writing!

JANUARY 6TH        NEW TERM BEGINS: ALL FEES PAYABLE
Please remember this is in the CHAPEL

FEBRUARY 4TH      ENTRIES IN FOR MANX MUSIC FESTIVAL

FEBRUARY 26th     ‘EXTRA’ GUILD/EXAM rehearsal

MARCH 4TH           FIRST ROUND OF YOUNG SINGER OF MANN

MARCH 14TH         Concert - Peel Pensioners

MARCH 16/17/18   Mrs Sutcliffe on the Island/extra tuition for Examinations and ‘Guild’
                           FULL details to follow of who is required and When!

MARCH 23rd          Visit from ‘Ramshackle Theatre Co.’
Parents are welcome to stay, watch and observe this production at a cost of £5 per person.

APRIL 5th              GF Rehearsal as 6th is Good Friday
 
APRIL 15th             ‘EXTRA REHEARSAL’ (more details later)

APRIL 27th             DRESS REHEARSAL FOR MMF (GUILD!)

APRIL 28th-MAY 5th MANX MUSIC FESTIVAL (GUILD)
Villa Marina Douglas (all day every day!!)

MAY 12th /13th       NEW ERA EXAMS (Musical Theatre)

MAY 19th/20th        (Dates to be confirmed shortly)

 

 

Dates for 2011/2012

Galeforce continues each Friday any cancellations/alterations will always be notified in writing!

September 9th	Start of the new term - 6 p.m.
October 24-28th	‘Winter Warmer’ - Cancelled
October 28th	No Gale Force / Half Term
October 25/26th	Extra Rehearsals for ‘Principals’ in the Christmas show
November 4th, 11th and 18th	‘Vital’ rehearsals for Christmas show!
November 25th	Dress rehearsal for Christmas show
November 27th	Christmas show
(Please be sure to put these two dates in the diary now!!! Friday is Gale Force anyway so there should be NO absentees and Showtime is Sunday!!!)
December 2nd and 9th	Drama Workshops
December 16th	GaleForce Christmas Party/Disco
January 6th	New term begins - all fees payable
February 4th	Entries in for Manx Music Festival
March 4th	First round of Young Singer of Mann
March 14th	Concert Peel Pensioners
March 23rd	Visit from ‘Ramshackle Theatre Co.’
April 5th	Gale Force rehearsal as 6th is Good Friday
April 27th	Dress Rehearsal for MMF (Guild!)
April 28th - May 5th	Manx Music Festival on!! (Guild)
Villa Marina Douglas (all day every day!!)
May 11th/12th	New Era exams (Musical Theatre)

DATES FOR 2010-2011

September 10th 2010
NEW TERM BEGINS.
ALL FEES PAYABLE
GALE FORCE THEN CONTINUES EVERY FRIDAY, SAME PLACE, SAME TIME.
ANY CHANGES OF TIMES OR VENUE WILL ALWAYS BE NOTIFIED IN WRITING.

October 1st           
Musical Concert with John Riley LRAM
ALL students needed and ALL will perform
At the LOCH PROM church/Douglas 7pm

October 7/8/9
E.S.B. Exams in St Johns: Full details later

October 25-29
WINTER WARMER
Half Term School
Similar to Summer School, a full week of fun and learning 9.30 to 4.30. Open to all 4-14 years.
               
November 26th      
FULL REHEARSAL at the ERIN ARTS CENTRE, 6.00pm

December 3rd
DRESS REHEARSAL at the ERIN ARTS CENTRE

December 5th       
VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS SHOW
TO END THE YEAR
AT THE ERIN ARTS CENTRE, PORT ERIN:
ALL PUPILS INVOLVED AND ALL WILL BE IN COSTUME!!!!!!!

JANUARY 7th 2011: 
GALEFORCE BEGINS THE NEW YEAR
ALL FEES PAYABLE

March 2nd 2011:          
Gale force students entertain at PEEL PENSIONERS,  7.30 till 8.30pm

April 2nd - 8th 2011
MANX MUSIC AND DRAMA FESTIVAL - THE GUILD'
PLEASE NOTE EARLIER DATES!!!! ALL PUPILS INVOLVED. 

 

 

Winter Warmer 2009

Having successfully established their ‘Summer School’ firmly on the calendar, Gale Force Theatre School held a ‘Winter Warmer’ over the Half term Holidays and 15 young students attended a week of startling and fascinating workshops, which they all thoroughly enjoyed.

     

They did ‘craft’ activities with Mrs Ann Cottier ranging from Drama masks to Viking name badges, from Christmas boxes to Viking jewellery to compliment some wonderful Viking storytelling written and Directed by Richard Corlett and the ‘Fairground Robbery’ written and devised by Moira Pain and Richard Corlett both former Gale Force students and now Gale Force ‘trainees’!!

Later in the week the students had visits from Mrs Wendy McDowell who told them some of the history of the Old Time Music Hall and the students then learnt 6 songs with costume and dance, followed by Mrs Judith Ley who talked to them all about life as a Manx Radio Broadcaster and helped them devise and produce ‘Radio Gale Force’ to the absolute delight of everyone!!

Mid-week was a real treat as the students were able to visit the beautiful Gaiety Theatre and thanks to the generosity of the Staff at the Theatre and the time and trouble from the backstage team of the Gilbert and Sullivan Society, they were given a historical tour of the theatre and of the stage both on and under!

           

 

 

On the final afternoon the students were able to perform for family and friends, some of whom had never performed on stage before, and many prizes were then awarded together with many ‘Chocolate Buttons’ which were earned throughout the week, every students had earned 50+, so a great week was had by all!!

 

The next ‘week of theatrical fun’ is in April, ‘Spring Fever’ and for further details of this and Gale Force Theatre School contact them on 07624 496556 and speak to Director Mrs Barbs Gale.

 

 

Events/Summer School

EVENTS TIMETABLE 2009

9th January	GALE FORCE begins the new term. All Fees due. 6pm-7.30pm. St Johns Hall. 'Gale force' then continues every friday, same place, same time. Any changes of times or venue will always be notified in writing.
14th February	ENTRIES CLOSE FOR THE MANX MUSIC FESTIVAL (THE GUILD).
5th, 6th, 7th March	E.S.B. Examinations
13th, 14th March	Visit of Wendy Sutcliffe
10th April	GOOD FRIDAY so Gale force will be held On THURSDAY 9th 2009.
17th April	NEW TERM BEGINS ALL FEES PAYABLE
25th April - 2nd May	MANX MUSIC FESTIVAL AT THE VILLA MARINA COMPLEX IN DOUGLAS ALL WEEK.
1st May	NO GALE FORCE as Festival is still running
26th, 27th, 28th June	MUSICAL THEATRE EXAMS
17th July	SUMMER END OF TERM PRIZE-GIVING
17th - 22nd August	SUMMER SCHOOL
1st - 6th September	OPERA AT E.A.C/GALE FORCE SINGERS
11th September	START OF THE NEW TERM
11th, 12th December	CHRISTMAS 'PANTO' TO END 20TH ANNIVERSARY (All students will be able to audition after the Guild)

JAMES HEWISON NEW YEAR DAY DIP!

After the success of the 'dip' in Laxey bay last year James decided he would brave the waves again in 2009 in the name of charity. He was determined to beat 2008 total of £342. He with the help of his Mum did more and raised £739.20. This amount will be equally divided between Muscular Dystrophy, which is the chosen charity of the organisers and Anti Cancer who are celebrating their 50th Anniversary in 2009. The conditions were not kind but to all the residents of Laxey and to all the students and teachers of Gale Force James is a hero!

Above is the list of dates and concerts for the new term 2009. It heralds the start of a very special year, the 20th Anniversary of Gale Force, and all the students are going to be working 'extra' hard this year to achieve success!

SUMMER SCHOOL 2008

 

A week-long summer school of speech, song, drama and dance organised and directed by Barbara Gale ended on Friday August 22 with a highly accomplished end-of-course showcase performed by some 34 students at St John’s Methodist hall.

Mrs Gale, who holds an ADB (Associate of the Drama Board) qualification, said: ‘The first summer school was held in August last year when, as an experiment I set a limit of 25 to gauge what interest there might be. Within three weeks I’d received more than 35 applications and closed the list. This year I decided to limit admission to 35, but in the end 41 places were snapped up within weeks and we ran the course from August 18 to 22.’

Mrs Gale makes it clear the summer school is no soft option. ‘The week is very structured with a rigidly adhered to timetable. I apply the same strict discipline and teaching régime during these sessions as I do at my theatre school, Gale Force - it’s the only way for students to develop their skills as the week progresses and realise their potential. I’ve found through experience that students perform to much higher standards when their days are structured and organised to the degree that my sessions are. It’s also encouraging to see how the students grow in confidence over the week.’

The students, who ranged in age from around four to 14, came from all parts of the Island and included one who had moved to Spain but was visiting family for the summer, another on holiday at her grandmother’s home and another taking the course as part of her Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme.

The course offers a packed schedule of Manx cultural heritage activities including music, song and dance, as well as stage movement, voice tuition, improvisation techniques and the history and future of theatre, yet still manages to incorporate time for fun.

Choreographer Paul Bradford led a dance and drama workshop that included a number from the musical Cabaret, while the end-of-course performance saw the students demonstrating to their family and friends all they had learned during the week. The showcase finished with every student being presented with a certificate and medal, and outstanding performers of the week Maebh Worthing, 10 and Francesca Warren, eight, also receiving a trophy each for their exceptional efforts.

The summer school over, Mrs Gale is now preparing for a milestone event in 2009 when she celebrates 20 years as director of one of the Island’s most successful theatre schools, Gale Force which, as always, has a waiting list.

‘We’re planning a truly special week for 2009. It will be an unbeatable combination of a valuable learning experience with fun and play, and, of course, it’s never too early to book for next year – a small deposit reserves a place – and 28 have already signed up.’

The 2009 summer school will be held from August 17 to 22. For details call Barbara Gale, 496556, barbs@galeforce-online.net, or download the Summer School 2009 application form.

SUMMER SCHOOL 2007

 

Our first ever Summer School was held 20-24 August at St. Johns in IOM and after advertising 30 spaces were available all 30 spaces were filled and a frantic week of fun and activity began.

The first morning saw the children aged 4-12 assemble and meet one another as they had travelled from Ramsey, Douglas, Port Erin, Colby, and Peel to participate and many had never met before.

We began with a series of ‘warm-up’ games and after much hilarity and laughter the rest of the day flew by and we were at 1pm and ready to flop onto the bean-bags for lunch! The afternoon was spent dressing up and using a variety or props creating imaginative scenes including tomato ketchup bottles and dinosaurs attacking the IOM!!

The week saw visits from:

Dr. John Bethell MBE
Mrs Sue Bowring LTCL
Mr Paul Bradford MSDT
Dr Chloe Woolley
Dr. Cinzia Corrin

Who were able to instruct the students in Orchestra, planning events, dance, music, singing, Manx music and dance, Manx history, making props and audition techniques. Quite a lot for little souls to take in all in one week!! But they did and holding a quiz on Thursday morning to ascertain who had learnt what out of 35 questions most students had 23+ and the results were:

1st Alaia Nicholson with 28
Mrs Sue Bowring LTCL
2nd Catherine Woolley with 27
3rd Emily Mylchreest with 24

Prizes were presented by Mrs Gale and had been donated by Mrs Bowring and Dr Bethell.

On the final day we saw all 30 students preparing for a full costumed performance for their families and friends and we have to remember that many of these children have never been on stage before this week and certainly not in a solo role!

After a run up and down the Tynwald Hill for a photo session and a Dress Rehearsal the moment of truth came and at 3.30pm the Hall became packed and the show was on! To great acclaim! Followed by a prize presentation where special awards for the week were made to:

STARS OF THE FUTURE

Adam Fayle, James Hewison, Sophie Alton-Heath, George Boles and Georgina Lewthwaite.

CHORUS AWARDS

Tara Alton and Stephen Donlon

DRAMA AWARDS

Cloddagh Douglas and Lauren Harvey

MUSIC AWARDS

Emily Mylchreest

GALE FORCE STUDENT OF THE WEEK

Sophie Hudson and Francesca Warren

Much celebration and applause brought a very successful week to a terrific climax and here’s to 2008????