Programme: European Solidarity Corps, ESC30-SOL
Duration: 01.01.2025 – 31.12.2025
Project description:
The project was created to provide young people from Starachowice with a space where they can develop their passions related to theatre and film. It was inspired by conversations about initiatives that could activate young people and encourage them to engage in creative work. Some members of the team already have experience in theatre and film, while others want to gain new skills and take part in the project. The initiative includes workshops, creative activities, the preparation of a performance, and evaluation. It aims to become a meeting platform for young, creative people and to contribute to revitalising the cultural life of the town.
Project goals:
– Social activation of young people through involvement in artistic activities.
– Creating a space for self-expression and developing theatrical and film-related passions.
– Expanding participants’ knowledge of theatre, film, acting, cinematography, and film equipment.
– Developing creativity, artistic sensitivity, and teamwork skills.
– Providing young people with experiences that broaden their horizons and open new opportunities.
– Enriching the local community by organising artistic events such as theatre performances.
– Building a platform for cooperation and creative meetings among young people.
Main activities:
– On-site and online workshops including acting, voice emission and singing, coping with stress and stage fright, diction, operating film and photography equipment, amateur cinematography, film education and journalism, and scriptwriting.
– Organising and running the “Cinema Appreciation Club” with film screenings and discussions.
– Creating a theatre script and assigning roles within the group.
– Preparing the performance: rehearsals with a director, developing scenography and costumes.
– Presenting the performance in Starachowice and surrounding areas.
ACTIVITIES
On-site workshops “The Art of Acting”
The first acting workshop within the “Reflections on Stage” project took place at the Park of Culture in Starachowice. The meeting, led by Monika Kowalczyk-Kogut, introduced participants to the world of theatre, acting, and creative collaboration. It was an intense and emotional day that opened new possibilities for artistic expression.
Participants learned about the idea behind the project, the meaning of the stage, and the role of hope, humility, sensitivity, and creative community in an actor’s life. Through exercises, emotional work, and integration games, the group not only developed initial acting skills but also built trust and strengthened relationships.
The workshop was an excellent introduction to the next activities in the project. The energy, involvement, and creativity of the participants are already clearly visible.
On-site workshops on singing and voice modulation
A unique voice emission workshop followed, led by voice and communication specialist Magdalena Mrózek. The meeting became not only a technical training but also an inspiring journey into understanding one’s vocal potential.
Participants discovered the importance of voice on stage and in everyday communication. They learned conscious breathing, the foundation of healthy vocal emission, and explored how tone, rhythm, colour, and intonation influence the audience’s perception. Body awareness and posture were also important elements of the workshop.
Thanks to professional guidance and practical exercises, participants learned to use their voice more consciously and confidently, gaining skills helpful for public speaking and stage performance.
On-site workshops on operating professional film and photography equipment
Another workshop was devoted to the technical side of filmmaking. Led by filmmaker and photographer Dominik Telec, it introduced participants to camera work, editing basics, and practical aspects of preparing equipment.
Participants learned how to set up equipment, what to pay attention to when filming, and how to adjust camera settings depending on the desired effect. They also discovered that creativity is often more important than expensive equipment — sometimes all you need is a good idea and a phone.
One of the highlights was group work on short films based on randomly assigned categories. This allowed participants to take on roles such as director, operator, and editor, and realise the importance of planning, teamwork, and imagination.
On-site workshops on film education and journalism
The next workshop took place at the Park of Culture and focused on journalism, led by Agnieszka Lasek-Piwarska.
Participants learned the basics of press journalism, how to communicate information responsibly, and how to avoid risks related to publishing content online. They discussed journalistic ethics, credibility of sources, and the power of words in modern media. Different informational genres were analysed based on examples from Polish and international press.
The workshop was an opportunity to gain new knowledge, exchange opinions, and develop skills in an open and creative atmosphere.
On-site workshops on coping with stress and stage fright
This session explored the world of public speaking – a topic that can be exciting and stressful at the same time.
Participants discussed the origins of stage fright, how the body and mind react to stress, and compared spontaneous speeches to prepared ones. In the second part, they acted as radio speakers, preparing short statements and practicing diction, voice modulation, and message building.
It was an energetic meeting that helped participants break barriers and gain confidence.
Cinema Appreciation Club
In a summer atmosphere, sitting on deckchairs in the outdoor space of the Park of Culture, participants watched the film “Tonia”.
A discussion led by Julka Łaszewicz followed the screening. Participants shared their emotions, reflections, and interpretations, gaining new perspectives on the film.
It was a combination of reflection, conversation, and shared artistic experience – exactly what the club was designed to provide.
The “Reflections on Stage” project is funded by the European Union under the European Solidarity Corps. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.