Stage by Stage: Building Confidence and Connection in Clackmannanshire

The recently formed Kraken Theatre Group is creating opportunities for local adults to engage with the theatre arts, addressing a gap in community provision while fostering social connections and building confidence through the power of live performance.

The Challenge

Opportunities for adults to engage with theatre arts in the Hillfoots area were limited. Local interest in drama existed, but there were few platforms for participation—especially for beginners. Kraken Theatre Group set out to change that by creating inclusive pathways into performance, and to reimagine Shakespeare as a tool for both artistic and community development.

The Project

In October 2024, Kraken Theatre Group staged an ambitious production of Romeo and Juliet at the Devonvale Hall in Tillicoultry. 
A £5,000 grant from the EDF Renewables Burnfoot Hill Wind Farm Community Fund for Clackmannanshire helped to cover production costs, including venue hire, professional sound and lighting equipment, costumes, props, and music licensing.

The production represented months of dedicated preparation, with weekly rehearsals focusing on learning Shakespeare's language, developing stage presence, and building confidence among performers, many of whom had never acted before.

Joe Young, Director at the Kraken Theatre Group said:

"Several cast members, initially nervous about performing Shakespeare, have expressed a newfound love for acting and a desire to participate in more productions.”

The cast included 14 local residents ranging in age from 20 to 65, from varied backgrounds and with no professional acting experience. Additionally, seven volunteers assisted backstage with costumes, lighting, and set, while other community members contributed to front-of-house operations. 

Community Impact

The results were remarkable. The production attracted over 250 audience members, demonstrating strong local engagement, from audience members of all ages. 

Learning from their previous production, which had not been accessible to younger audiences due to mature content, Kraken Theatre Group specifically chose Romeo and Juliet to welcome families and young people.

Recognising that Shakespeare is a common area of study for secondary school pupils, the group reached out to schools across the Hillfoots area, offering concessionary rates to make the performance accessible to young people. This educational outreach helped bridge the gap between classroom learning and live performance, bringing Shakespeare's words to life for a new generation.

Over and above the actual performances, the project created significant learning opportunities in the wider community. Over 500 local residents participated in introductory drama workshops during the six-month rehearsal period, providing an accessible way for individuals to explore drama and Shakespeare, often for the first time.

One participant shared that the workshops "unlocked a new passion for performing" while another noted that the experience "helped me overcome stage fright."

Future Plans

Building on the success of Romeo and Juliet, the group has already started planning their next production - A Midsummer Night's Dream. Ongoing drama workshops continue in the Tillicoultry Centenary Hall, providing opportunities for participants to develop skills and for new members to join.

Kraken Theatre Group’s success showcases how strategic community funding can support far-reaching cultural, educational and social impact. By addressing a clear gap in local provision, the project not only entertained hundreds of community members but also developed skills, confidence, and social connections that extend well beyond the final curtain call. The project's success in engaging first-time performers, reaching diverse audiences, and creating sustainable community partnerships demonstrates the transformative power of accessible, inclusive theatre. With an expanding range of productions and community engagement classes, the group continues to grow, helping to establish a foundation for thriving local arts culture that will benefit the Hillfoots communities for years to come.

Read more about the EDF Renewables Burnfoot Hill Wind Farm Community Fund (Clackmannanshire)