PACE has revealed this summer’s programme of unique and varied in-person creative performance experiences for ages 3-21. Fest! is brimming with exciting performance courses; from classic to contemporary texts, devising, physical theatre, comedy and musicals.  Every year during Fest! more than 800 individual young people take part in 90+ holiday courses, where they make friends, take risks, learn new skills and make memories to last a lifetime.

To tie in with the Year of Stories 2022, this year’s events are themed by types of stories – including Unique Family Stories, Magical Stories, Silly stories and Fresh Stories!

Highlights include several outdoor productions to be performed at Lapwing Lodge’s outdoor campfire site including The Jungle Book and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; a strand of devised and physical theatre performances; comedy and improv events; as well as musical theatre shows including West Side Story, The Addams Family, classic texts like Frankenstein, a historical piece based on the Paisley Witches and a range of showcase events.

Fest! events will run from PACE’s base in the town centre, West College Scotland’s Centre for Performing arts on Renfrew Road, and The Art Department – an exciting new pop-up workshop and performance space in The Paisley Centre (the former Co-op/Alders).

While Covid restrictions have eased across Scotland, we are supporting the Scottish Government’s Distance Aware campaign, which offers people an easily recognisable shield symbol which can be worn to signify to others that they would appreciate extra distance and care around them. Badges and lanyards are available from libraries across Scotland.

Jenni Mason, Artistic Director of PACE, said:

We are really excited to launch this year’s programme, which feels bigger and better than ever. We’re introducing new venues, extra social events for the chance to mingle outside rehearsals and a programme jam-packed with events that celebrate stories and the many ways we can share them.   

“During Fest! we see the young people who join us grow in confidence, as well as creating amazing performances, and the last few years especially have shown us just how important it is that they have this opportunity to express themselves and to mix with their peers.”

PACE is committed to making sure that financial circumstances are not a barrier to participation and bursary and concessionary places are available for all of their activities, for families who might otherwise be unable to attend.

Full details can be found at: www.pacefest.com