Obviously we all know that the tech crew are the unsung heroes of the theatre. They work long hours behind the scenes, thanklessly, often to be disregarded by the cast in the wings. However, it is these guys that are the heart and soul of a team. Actors have one job- to do their character well. The tech team always have the whole cast, and … Continue reading The importance of your Backstage Tech Crew
Every year Amnesty International holds a “Write for Rights” campaign. The aim is to encourage people to write to governments and officials to help improve the lives of those who are being treated unjustly. And this year, I’m involved. The campaign is running already, and as one element of it in the local area, I’ve been asked to put together a theatrical performance in the … Continue reading Amnesty International – Write for Rights
Last night I sat listening to the audience of a packed community theatre. People laughed at the jokes, but to themselves. Then we had the intermission, with tea and chocolate biscuits. This audience stood around chatting, and sharing a snack, becoming a community. In the second half the laughter was full force, out loud and happy. Why the change? Well, before the intermission, the audience … Continue reading Why Community Theatre Matters
Recently I started working towards my Masters in Creative Writing with Massey University. And I do mean working towards. I have completed one post-grad paper (yay), and now I am waiting to hear if I have been accepted into the programme. I did well in the post-grad paper, so I am hoping for acceptance. (I am putting this here– I write in NZ English, so … Continue reading Masters in Creative Writing
This year we just completed the production of “Dear Hannah” by Jessica Buckham. The play revolved around 3 friends growing up and apart during the Vietnam War era. Looking at issues around friendship, belief, ethics, police brutality, abuse and addiction, the play was a success. If you would like a copy of the script, please message us here. Washer Woman, narrating the action via a … Continue reading “Dear Hannah” – a world premier
Well, I think I now know how this blog will function… hopefully. I need a theatre blog. (Totally) So. I’m back at Uni, studying…. hopefully working on my Masters in Creative Writing. I have to write a script soon… and all going well it will be good enough. For now I am in a post-grad paper called “Community Theatre”. Next week I’ll be working with … Continue reading These big plans
The whole plot of Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale” is complex. The King and Queen are happy…. and expecting a baby. Then the King decides that clearly his wife has had an affair with his mate (who has been in the court for 9 months…. and she convinced him to stay longer). She denies the affair, but he throws her in jail anyway. Later she gives … Continue reading “The Winter’s Tale” Explained
When dealing with Epic Theatre and Brecht, Verfremdungseffeckt or the distancing effect becomes an interesting point to make. Basically the whole concept is about connecting to the message rather than connecting to the character. This site here has an awesome description of Verfremdungseffeckt. Here is a video of my students experimenting with “The Visions of Simone Machard” using Verfremdungseffeckt in an Epic style. Continue reading Verfremdungseffeckt in practise
When teaching (and learning) it is so helpful to have a swag of resources or ideas…. something there to help spark pure genius. Personally, I love Pinterest. Everyone should have one. While wandering about the internets, I simply pin really good or interesting ideas. This board here is a general board of drama teaching and learning ideas. Follow along if you have Pinterest. Drama and … Continue reading All those fantastic Theatre ideas
Beyond Theatre 