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‘Glee’-style performing arts intensive planned for this summer

Photo by Glenn TuckerThe Argo Foundation and teachers in the public and private school system gathered at the Berkeley Senior School art gallery to discuss a new programme called Bermuda Glee.

Bermuda students will come together in song this summer through a programme modelled after the hit US television programme ‘Glee’.The Argo Foundation announced yesterday that it is working with teachers in the Island’s public and private schools to create Bermuda Glee, a ten-day performing arts intensive in which students will produce an original piece of musical theatre to be performed for the public.The programme is based on the success of the musical television show ‘Glee’, which revolves around the lives of a high school glee club and their teachers.The show has earned critical and commercial success since it began in 2009, winning numerous awards and spawning multiple hit singles.Argo Foundation member Andrew Vaucrosson said: “We thought the show provides an opportunity where students from all walks of life come together and perform.“If this year’s event is successful, then we look forward to next year building on that.”Saltus teacher Christianna Hiles said: “[The students] are excited to spend ten whole days working with other people their age and do something they love.“I think that is something that has a huge appeal for the kids.”While the organisers say the event won’t be a competition, a VIP panel including Bermudian Broadway performer Rebecca Faulkenberry and stage and screen actor Daren Herbert will provide feedback.The students will also be given the opportunity to create original music that will be offered by Digicel to its customers.Foundation member Bruce Barritt said the initiative will encourage partnership and collaboration, with students participating in mixed groups that represent all participating schools.“We are delighted with the enthusiastic reception that this idea has received from Bermuda’s performing arts teachers, in particular from the Berkeley Institute, Bermuda High School, CedarBridge Academy, Saltus Grammar School, Somersfield Academy and Warwick Academy,” Mr Barritt said.“All of us at The Argo Foundation, and the teachers with whom we are partnering, are looking forward to the auditions on Friday, and to the summer intensive in July.“Most of all, we are looking forward to working with Bermuda’s teachers and students to present a model of collaboration and partnership that, we hope, inspires more of the same throughout Bermuda.”Auditions for Bermuda Glee will be held on Friday at the Berkeley Institute. Students aged 14 to 18 are invited to audition as actors, singers, dancers or any combination of the three.There will also be positions available for students interested in doing technical work backstage.Students can register through their teachers, or through the Bermuda Glee Facebook page. Deadline to register is April 13.Useful websites: www.argolimited.com, www.digicelbermuda.com.