What people say about The Dukes Creative Learning Department:
Daisy Whalley, Senior Youth Theatre and Dukes’ Den member, Lancaster
"I always enjoy coming to DT3 to learn and improve, but also to have a great time. Young people’s ideas are always valued and we are all respected. The direction and support of the staff is phenomenal.
"The productions I’ve been involved in have been exciting, challenging, but most of all, fun. I have gained lots more confidence in myself, and am beginning to take on more responsibility, volunteering there with a friend every week."
Jason Threlfall, Fourth Tier Visual and Multi-Media Artist, Lancaster
"Working for the Dukes and DT3 as an artist has given me fantastic opportunities to develop my pre-existing skills, and push new skills and ideas into being. It is a fantastic place to work, and every day provides me with new challenges and experiences that, as a freelance artist, I probably would not have been offered.
"In return for the support DT3 provides me, I transfer my skills and ideas to groups of young people via workshops, using my skills as a Youth Worker. It excites me to know that my fairly unique brand of visual and mixed media art has inspired young people in the area. There is a great sense of achievement knowing you have potentially contributed to the success of future young artists in the community.
Lesley Brookbanks, Head Teacher, Christ Church Primary School, Lancaster
"We greatly value the partnership we have had with the theatre. Their highly talented staff have enhanced our curriculum through providing creative, memorable experiences for children as well as having a sustainable impact on our own practice as teachers. We are fortunate to have such an excellent theatre within walking distance."
P.C. Kathleen Bromilow, Northern Division Training Manager, Lancashire Constabulary
"I first became involved with DT3 when the Creative Learning Director came to speak to a group of young people on the Voluntary Police Cadet course in 2008. The young people were invited to participate in a project which would see them learning how to use mixed media, film and camera equipment, lighting effects and professional DJ equipment with difficult to reach young people from the community. The project was certainly enjoyed by all involved, but two young people in particular were very inspired by the experience. One is now employed at DT3 within the Creative Learning department, and one helps out with visual art and projections at DT3 on a regular basis.
"It can sometimes be difficult for the Police to engage with young people in hard to reach communities due to a lack of understanding potentially from both sides. The ability to collaborate with DT3 on difficult subjects is a fantastic resource. It is a partnership we hope we can continue to nurture in the future."
Rob Clarke, Lighting Supervisor, Royal National Theatre, London
"The professionalism shown by the youth theatre – from Director down to the performers - would put a lot of professionals I have worked with to shame. I cannot speak highly enough of the Dukes Youth Theatre team – they were focused and maintained an all important sense of humour whilst getting the show on to an incredibly high standard."
What people say about The Dukes:
Peter Whalley, author and local resident
"An exciting place to be."
Judith Stephenson, Disability LIB Capacity Building Officer
"It was a joy to work with such creative people with open minds that are willing to risk becoming involved in a rather cutting edge festival. Working with the Dukes has enabled me to not only offer quality cinema but to encourage the viewers and film lovers to look at films depicting disability in a more critical way and explore their own preconceptions based on visual archetypes in film. The experience of film goes far beyond the cinema. The Dukes cinema is an amazing resource for our local community offering an adventurous programme suited to all film lovers."
Other Comments:
Reza Mills, via Facebook: "Love The Dukes. So many great films."
Sumit Sarkar, digital artist: "The Dukes is a truly excellent cinema, showing a wide range of films from the classics to new cinema, from underground to mainstream. You don't see such diversity in your run-of-the-mill theatres."
