Saturday 3rd March - Of Putting it all Together

Where do you start when you have a rough sketch of a new piece of writing?

SCRIPT READING

This is pretty essential to get a feel for the rhythm and pace of the piece. It also flags up any obvious mistakes in the writing in terms of character and dialogue.

GUT REACTION

It's vital that your prospective actors feel at least a little inspired by what they've read otherwise everyone will be fighting a losing battle.

CASTING

In this case, Tanushka and I base the casting on a number of different aspects. Firstly, we look at whether or not the character will be suitable for the actor. We take into consideration experience, time as a Windmill Young Actor, commitment to the previous Saturdays, commitment to the workshops that we've run and age and size (very important if two actors are playing opposite each other in particular scenes or doing something physically difficult). Secondly, we look at how casting a particular young actor will benefit them as both an actor and a person. Some unconfident actors might benefit hugely from being given a little more responsibility, whereas some actors who have a way to go will be given something that they can get their teeth into - suitable for their talent. Thirdly, we might really want to challenge a more experienced actor and so cast them in a role that is the complete opposite to what they might usually play.

It was wonderful to chat to one particular member of the afternoon group last week. I mentioned that unfortunately there wasn't going to be the part this term that would fully recognise her talent and commitment. She responded, "It's fine. As long as I'm performing, I don't care what I play!" I wish all actors were like that!

PUTTING IT ON IT'S FEET

The first week of doing this is particularly challenging. And it was no change on Saturday. This is where, with scripts in hand, we begin to shape together the scenes and the characters. Tanushka and I are co-directing for the first time this term and it's a new experience for both of us. The good news is that it's working very well and we haven't gone down with 'creative differences' yet! The slightly tricky thing though, is that until we have firm 'blocking' (when actors have their places and positions on stage), things are quite slow and so a lot of patience is needed from the young actors.

CCOMBINING TWO GROUPS

This has been another great new opportunity for us this term. With two groups we have the chance to give each group very specific scenes and tasks that make up part of the whole piece. We can then put them all together and create one full and varied exciting final performance that utilises everyone's unique skills. Of course, it all becomes more complicated but then working through all that is what you're paying us for!

CREATING PERFORMANCE

Everything said prior to this is just the start. Once we have a shape to the performance the real challenge then begins. We begin to work the 'detail' into the scenes. These are the small moments that perhaps aren't in the script; perhaps a character history for an atmosphere or a piece of music. It's all vital!

With just 6 hours of rehearsal until 24th March, we're excited and just a little terrified!

Dear Parents - Please Read

Dear Parents,

As I’m sure that you’ve seen on the blog this term has already been hugely inspiring and productive.

If, for any reason, you haven’t signed up to follow the blog then I’d really recommend that you do as it details all of the essential information along with work from the students and performance times and dates.

www.bringactinghome.blogspot.com

On the performance front, we are now extremely excited to confirm two performance dates:-

Date: March 24th
Location: Windmill Theatre
Arrival for registration: 18.15
Doors Open: 18.30
Event: 19.00 – 21.30
Costume: Please make sure that you have the basics of an all black costume – this is a standard performance ask and worth the investment.

Tech/Dress rehearsals will be at the usual times on 24th March. 09.45 – 11.45 and 12.00 – 14.00 in THE WINDMILL THEATRE. There will be two 5 minute performances, one from each group, and will be tasters for the summer WYA show.

Date: 13th July
Location: Brighton Dome
This is part of the Family Festival.
TBC

We are also planning a Windmill Young Actors only evening where we will perform the full scale production of ‘The Legacy of Fingerless Gloves’ along with a showcase of monologues and duologues. The plan is to invite a number of industry professionals. This will be in the summer term.

A reminder – please can you make it clear in writing if your child makes their own way home after each Saturday. Also, if you are not receiving emails and updates about WYA then please email Cicely – ctaylor@blatchingtonmill.org.uk – to confirm that you’ve filled in the application form and that we have your details. Alongside this, please do follow the blog.

Thanks everyone. Exciting times ahead!

Best Wishes,

Ben and Tanushka.

Saturday 25th February - Of Scripts and Ideas

With a full complement of students (we now have 41 registered), WYA kicked off the new half term with a bang!

It's always an exciting time as an actor and director when you have your first reading of a new script. I always think what it would have been like for actors in Shakespeare's day. They would receive their parts written out for them, potentially having no idea of the play, the other characters or what happens in Act 2! It was exhilarating new work to be played with and discussed, fought for and digested.

And so, our young actors were presented with the 'The Legacy of Fingerless Gloves' development script. The idea is that I give an outline with bits of dialogue and stage direction and then together as a group, we devise and develop what is on the page. I then take it away with copious amounts of notes and re-write the script. It's down to the actors to stake a claim with ideas and potential characters. These are the moments where Tanushka and I will listen to the read-throughs, place new ideas into the mix and respond to spoken passion with an open mind.

Well, you might think that with a group of kids that you'd get a couple that had potential or perhaps you'd tut at a few mis-placed references to 'X Factor' or 'Doctor Who'. Not with this bunch, however. Opinions flew around the room, words tumbled into newness and characters grew from the minds of children.

The real joy is that I now have some unique and original pieces of writing from the kids themselves to incorporate into the story.

And so here I am with four pages worth of ideas and a new script to write. All I can say is be careful what you ask for!

We have three performance dates scheduled for the rest of the academic term. Dates and times will be coming soon.

February 25th - We're Back!

Dear All,

The pancakes are eaten, the tummies are laden and the Lent promises are suffering under ghastly temptations. But, never fear, Windmill Young Actors are back with a bang this coming Saturday 25th February.

Bring your rehearsal heads as we'll be heading straight into rehearsals for the end of term showcase and end of year production.

'The Legacy of Fingerless Gloves' is BACK!!