Rocket Theatre Group Shooting for the stars!
Rocket Theatre Group Shooting for the stars! – 2022 marks one year since Rocket Theatre Group made the move to their new studios based at the beautiful Carlisle Castle – the former officers mess has been turned into an amazing and inspiring space for the 100+ youngsters who attend the group weekly!
Set up in 2016 the Company is owned and run by Carlisle based Wendy and Jack Dunn. Prior to the move they worked tirelessly to convert the space into a creative hub for their performers, Wendy said: “We got the keys last Summer and worked over the holidays for seven weeks to get the spaces ready for our Rockets return! The space enables us to have three studios, great storage spaces and a wonderful Green Room for our social times. I think it’s true to say that you would be hard pressed to find a place of work that has such an incredible setting!”
Over the last year the groups numbers have gone back up after the pandemic which has meant a return to production of their full musicals for all age groups.
Wendy explained: “We worked closely with Stanwix Arts Theatre to produce Robin Hood, Dream on and Sondheim’s Into the Woods and it was worth all of the hard work to see our students be able to develop their skills, confidence and mostly their self-belief. Friendships have strengthened and been made along the way and that is a huge benefit to working as a team on a full musical.”
This year has been huge for the group and they have performed at some huge events and even with pop icons, Wendy said: “An invitation for our Senior students to represent Carlisle’s Beacon lighting ceremony at Carlisle Castle was a high point of the year, singing before the
lighting was something that our students will never forget. This was closely followed by a request for the same students to provide backing vocals for Supergroup, Boyzlife at Carlisle’s Sands Centre in October.
“These are wonderful experiences and opportunities for our students, we are gaining a strong reputation for our performances in the area and we couldn’t be prouder of our Rockets for their dedication and loyalty.”
Classes run throughout the school year and Rocket Theatre Group deliver an engaging mix of singing, dance and drama.
“We are blessed to have such a great staff team, all qualified teachers who are passionate about Performing Arts. We take new students throughout the year, we keep our classes small but having our own space means we can adapt and make new groups when we grow. “
We are looking forward to our 2023 Musicals Bugsy Malone and Disney’s Moana Jr and all of the other adventures to come!
