Wednesday 12 December 2012

Last Chance for 10% Discount for Next Term


Thank you so much to everyone who has already sent a cheque through for next term.

This is a quick reminder that you have just 10 days now to pay with the 10% discount.

Some of you have asked to pay via BACS. This is fine but please make sure that you reference the payment with the name of the student and first letter of your surname and then confirm with us with an email.

You will have had an email with the details.

Remember that you can also keep up to date with everything via the blog - http://bringactinghome.blogspot.co.uk/ , facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/windmillyoungactors and twitter, @WYActors.

Thanks All. Have an amazing Christmas!

Best Wishes,

Ben + Tanushka
x

Wednesday 5 December 2012

'Seasons' - Program Notes


SATURDAY JUNIORS
SITE-SPECIFIC
We love the idea that theatre can happen anywhere and have spent time this term exploring ‘site-specific’ work where the inspiration for the drama comes from the actual space where it is performed. Part of this work includes something called ‘viewpoints’ where the actors take their cues from the shapes, objects and patterns in the room.

MINOTAUR
We have delved right into the very origins of theatre by discussing the role of theatre in ancient days and looking at the myths and gods that surrounded early Greek theatre. The storytelling opportunities were huge and within that we also focused on ‘Cheironomia’.  This is the ancient art of gesture used by the chorus to tell stories visually as well as orally. Many of the gestures used in this piece are actual gestures that historians have discovered on the paintings on pots from that time.

GAME SHOW
This term has been all about encouraging the students to improvise and create their own work. We have spent some time looking at the importance and power of dramatic tension. This is vital in character work, but most important in making a scene, or a play as a whole, gripping. The themes in this piece take that dramatic tension to the absolute extreme - enjoy!

BENCH with MASKS
This term we have explored mask work and how the body expresses 80% of all of our daily communication. When we remove the ability to speak or show our own facial expressions, we can really see the power of body language. Mask work is also a fantastic tool for boosting confidence - the  most shy of students will perform with vigour and panache whilst behind a mask. It allows the actor to really inhabit being somebody else.

THURSDAY SENIORS
PHOEBE
It has been a delight to work with this group of mature, dedicated and feisty teenagers! The sessions with Tanushka have been dedicated to purely physical theatre, and particularly physical storytelling. We have found ways to jump deftly and swiftly through stories with visual imagery and emotional and physical commitment. We focused on physical comedy whilst at the same time allowing the space to invest emotionally in a simple action - whether it is folding a garment or waving goodbye.

PAGES
Ben has spent this term focusing purely on character work and ways of creating truthful and real characters. By taking each actor’s chosen monologue and character Ben has scripted a surreal story that contains excerpts from all of the speeches. Watch closely and see which characters and references you can spot!

WEST BLATCHINGTON AFTER SCHOOL CLUB

After-school clubs are a completely different environment to the Saturday sessions. For a start we only get just over an hour together. There are also peer groups that are already well established and therefore building ensemble amongst the entire group is very difficult. However, I am delighted that this current term’s students have been a revelation. We have now got to a place where all members are really committed to working with and supporting each other in their work. This performance marks the first performance for many of the students and so we wanted to keep it simple but solid, giving everyone a good chance to perform.

Windmill Young Actors is dedicated to providing affordable after-school drama classes for schools and their parents.

Next Term Fees and Headshots


Dear All,

Saturday was a fantastic night. Tanushka and I were so proud of all of the young actors. Thanks again for all of your support. 

Please do send us your thoughts as we would love to be able to tell the school if the night was a success. Or if you felt there could have been improvements then please do let us know.

Just to confirm that the term has now finished. We actually had 11 sessions on Saturday this term instead of 10 as we started a week early. Next term we'll be back to 10.

We are currently planning on shooting the headshots this coming Saturday 8th December. However, we still need a few more students so if you wanted to get them done, please let Ben know by Tuesday at the latest. The cost is £40.

If you would like to pay early for next term and receive the 10% 'early bird' discount then please send a cheque to:-

Windmill Young Actors, 64 Tisbury Road, Hove, BN3 3BB
Made out to 'Windmill Young Actors'
By December 22nd 2012.

Fees below (before discounts):-

Full Price: £100
Concession (low income/income support): £70
Siblings:  £80
Blatchington Mill Students:  £85
Assisted Place: Contribution towards the concession


Discounts

Pay before December 22nd 2012 - 10% off
Recommend a Friend - 10% off (the following term from when the friend joined)
(If you pay early and have recommended a friend who has joined then there is a 20% discount)

Thanks all. We can't wait for the journey to continue.

Best Wishes,