REHEARSALS are well underway for Artrix's new play on bullying, Cloud Busting, which will be performed on stage next week as part of the art centre's youth mental health festival.
The festival, entitled Disorder, will see two performances of the play, as well as new film screenings and children's theatre, all based around the theme of youth mental health.
Artrix Youth Theatre director Tom Craig said: "I’m really proud of all of the hard work that our youth groups have put in to their incredible performances.
"This project has provided a platform for the young people we work with to explore some difficult, but important issues around mental health."
Cloud Busting, a story of bullying and friendship, follows the relationship between new girl at school Daisy and fellow student Sam.
A touching and uplifting tale, Cloud Busting is based on the award-winning 2004 novel by the same name, written by Malorie Blackman.
Performances will take place across two evenings on Tuesday, May 22 at 7pm and on Wednesday, May 23.
Also on May 22, Artrix will hold a screening of new film, Pressure, devised entirely by Artrix Junior Theatre Company.
From SATS to nagging parents, Pressure provides a unique insight into the lives of Artrix's performers.
On May 23, five Bromsgrove schools and colleges will present 10-minute performances in the main auditorium from 7pm.
Youngsters from Dodford First School, Holywell Primary, Alvechurch Middle School, Hunters Hill College and Bromsgrove High School have been working with Artrix to create an evening of theatre by and for young people on the topic of mental health.
The event will also feature a screening of Private Request, a short film exploring child sexual exploitation, made by year nine and 10 students at North Bromsgrove High School.
Mr Craig added: "The hope is that a young person performing as part of Disorder, or watching a performance, will be made more aware of mental health well-being and of the challenges, big and small, that we all face from time to time.
"I’m certain that all the young people involved in Disorder will have a memorable experience of producing and performing their work as part of this special project.”
Tickets for each evening of Disorder cost £5 and are available to buy at artrix.co.uk or by calling the box office on 01527 577330.
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