Dubai Culture Hosts the Last Two Workshops of the Dubai Programme for Youth Theatre 2017

Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirate’s dedicated entity for culture, arts and heritage, has hosted the last two workshops of the Dubai Programme for Youth Theatre 2017, which were dedicated to Theatrical Lighting and Sound Effects & Music.

The first workshop was conducted by Dr. Amr Abdullah from the Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts in Cairo, who spoke about the philosophy and history of theatre lighting, the development of lighting techniques, traditional and modern lighting devices and their respective functions, and the effect of lighting on visual staging, scenery, theatrical clothing and the audience. Throughout the workshop he highlighted lighting as a vital visual supporter and enhancer of theatre drama.  

The second workshop was hosted by Barry Katsab and a group of other music and sound effects specialists. For six consecutive days, a total of 40 participants explored this area via theoretical and practical sessions. On the first day, the fundamentals of wired microphones were highlighted, while participants on the second day learned about recording equipment. On the third and fourth days, the emphasis was placed on sound and musical influences, and participants on the fifth and sixth days were taught how to integrate and master music and sound effects. 

Fatima Al Jallaf, Manager of Theatre Section at Dubai Culture, commented: "We are delighted to have successfully completed the 10 specialised academic workshops in the Dubai Programme for Youth Theatre 2017, which reached new levels of professionalism in the world of theatre. This year has been another success in our ongoing efforts to consolidate the status of the festival as the best platform for ambitious theatre talent in the UAE. We would like to thank all of the coaches and we look forward to launching an even more comprehensive festival programme in 2018, in line with the growing requirements of the performing arts sector in Dubai and the wider UAE."

Dubai Culture is celebrating ten successful years of the Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre, which has become a leading platform for nurturing the most promising theatre talent in the UAE and the Gulf region, including directors, script writers, actors, technical professionals and experts in costumes, lighting and make-up.

Dubai Culture aims to enhance Dubai’s cultural scene and draw attention to the Emirate’s rich heritage with a variety of initiatives that take place throughout the year. The Authority’s mandate is to build bridges of constructive dialogue between different civilisations and cultures through enriching initiatives that benefit the Emirate’s citizens, residents and visitors.