Feedback invited: The Disappearance of Sadie Jones

Dear people who have come and seen ‘The Disappearance of Sadie Jones’ at the Bike Shed Theatre this week.

We have our last two shows today. We’ve really enjoyed talking to you about the work in the bar afterwards. I was looking back over my original Arts Council application and one of the many things I pledged to do was to make a space on my blog for feedback about the show. So, taking a risk that I’ll get no comments here at all….here is that space.

One of the things we’ve discussed in the bar afterwards is that it’s a play you might want to go away and think about, to sleep on, maybe it’s a tricky one to sum up in a tweet…you don’t have to sum anything up here….questions, thoughts, experience, anything welcome, we’d love to hear from you….comment section on this post is open!

Playwriting course at the Bike Shed Theatre with David Lane

I highly recommend this course. I’ve been working with David on ‘Hunger’. He is the only dramaturg/person I have come across with the ability to look at a play and understand/critique it on its own terms. One of the most intelligent people I know. But not in a scary way. & I’m one of the guest speakers

Memorabilia

A week-long playwriting course at the Bike Shed Theatre

As part of the Extreme Imagination Festival of Children’s Literature, the Bike Shed Theatre is holding a week-long course where writers will create new plays inspired by childhood.

Memorabilia is led by playwright and dramaturg David Lane and takes the objects, sounds, music, people and places of childhood as the starting point for writing a play. This five-day course offers:

• A full week of playwriting exploration including practical exercises and discussion
• Five professional visiting speakers
• Attendance at two shows (ticket prices included) and pre/post-show Q+A
• One-to-one dramaturgy on request
• A chance for focused and supported writing time on developing a new play

Suitable for beginners or playwrights with some previous experience, the course will run from 10.30am – 6.00pm from the 18th-22nd February, with two evening visits to live performances. The course is limited to ten participants and places are £120 / £100 (concessions): fantastic value for a course offering professional support, contacts, feedback, encouragement and engagement with live theatre.

Course places are available via e-mail. Writers should send:

·         a 10-page sample of previous writing for the stage

·         a covering letter explaining their interest in the course

At its discretion the Bike Shed Theatre will also be offering bursaries to three writers to cover the course fee; please let us know in your application if you would like to be considered. Click here to read about the course on the Bike Shed website.

Comments from participants on previous workshops by course tutor:

‘Met and exceeded my expectations. It was intensive and challenging, far more was demanded of us than any other writers’ workshop I’ve been to…I found I was using parts of my brain that have lain dormant for years.’

‘The tutor knows his stuff, is approachable and honest. I enjoyed the morning sessions and the flow of subjects covered, which seemed to logically aid the building of a new piece of work. By the end of the week, I felt able to share work and receive comments without worrying about getting things ‘right’.’

‘A very good “how to” course with masses of helpful information / tips, lots of one to one time if needed and the chance to put ideas into action. An excellent teacher – very clear, very patient, very encouraging. I was terrified at the beginning but was put at my ease immediately.’

Looking for Actors

[edit: Please don't apply if you're just about to go to drama school/uni or if you are still studying - you just won't have time, I know, I've been there : ) Keep track of my work though as there might be projects in the future...thank you!]

I am looking for two actors to work with on my next project ‘Hunger’.

2 roles.

Playing age: 18-27 (you don’t need to be able to play that full range, just within it)
Gender: Depending on actors – either one male and one female or two female.
Physical description: ANY  - I’m looking for good actors – only restriction is playing age. (actors with disabilities welcome)
Requirements of the roles: It is an unusual script that works with vocal techniques, overlapping text, speech is often treated in a musical way. (but no singing – it’s not a musical or musical theatre)

Further Details: I am looking for actors with a strong sense of rhythm, strong voices and an interest in playing with voice and text in a non-naturalistic sense. (There are also moments of naturalism within the play). Performers with skills in dance/physical theatre/mime etc welcome. I am keen to work with South West based actors.

My funding so far is for the development aspect of the work therefore I am looking for generous and highly skilled actors keen to research the play and performance techniques with me.

The dates are as follows:

Audition: 20th July 10-7pm Exeter University, Thornlea Studio 1

Rehearsals:
3rd – 14th Dec Brewhouse theatre Taunton or Exeter
5-12th Jan (precise dates tbc) London
Early Jan: Showings in London and the South West following the development period.

Note:
There will be performance dates in April 2013, further rehersals in July 2013 and possibly a run at Edinburgh Fringe in August 2013 followed by a tour Autumn 2013. (funding pending)

Pay:

3 weeks rehearsals/development paid at £410 p/w plus subsistence.

- For the audition day I will require you to have read the script and prepared a short extract from it. Please get in touch asap for further details.

Further information about my work: http://hannahsilva.wordpress.com

Contact details: silva_danca@yahoodotcom

Please send a short biography and any links to examples of your work with your initial enquiry. video clips of your theatre work are particularly useful…

Supported by the Jerwood Charitable Foundation

New Courses with The Poetry School, Plymouth & Exeter

The Poetry School

*Language, Voice & Poetic Play

This course is ideal for those wanting to reawaken a love of words, to explore the musicality of language and to develop confidence as a writer. Each session includes writing games and exercises to get you going, and discussion and analysis to develop your work beyond that initial spark. You will receive regular feedback and will have the chance to develop the reading/performance skills essential for any poet wanting to reach an audience. Designed to stretch and inspire writers of all levels.

Booking information

Tutor: Hannah Silva
Duration: Five fortnightly sessions per term
Dates for Autumn 2011: 5th Oct, 19th Oct, 2nd Nov, 16th Nov and 30th Nov
Dates for Spring 2012: 11th Jan, 25th Jan, 8th Feb, 22nd Feb and 7th Mar
Level: Open to all
Location: The Quaker House, Mutley, Plymouth.

Session times: Wednesdays, fortnightly, 6.30-8.30pm

Cost per term:

Full cost:£57.00
60+:£45.00
Concs:£34.00
Bookings: 0207 582 1679

*Write out Loud

Explore the musicality of language and discover new ways to write and perform your poetry. A course for those wanting to get out from behind the computer screen and play with words out loud. We’ll experiment with a range of writing methods, such as writing collaboratively, playing with language in performance and sound based approaches. Designed to stretch and inspire writers of all levels.

Booking information

Tutor: Hannah Silva
Duration: Five fortnightly sessions per term
Dates for Autumn 2011: 12th Oct, 26th Oct, 9th Nov, 23rd Nov and 7th Dec
Dates for Spring 2012: 18th Jan, 1st Feb, 15th Feb, 29th Feb and 14th Mar
Level: Open to all
Location: Exeter, St Sidwell’s Centre
Start date:Wednesday 12th Oct 2011

Session times: Wednesdays, fortnightly, 6.30-8.30pm

Cost per term:

Full cost:£57.00
60+:£45.00
Concs:£34.00
Bookings: 0207 582 1679