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.
