Be

Playful, Be
Spontaneous and
Have Fun!

Schools Tour and Newspaper

Project

10th 14th November 2014

Games and
Exercises:
Wizard of Oz Game
Sardines
Kings Chair
Spare Chair
Find someone in
the space with eyes
closed Last one to
touch is out!
Concentration
Game Plants
instead of Names!

This week has been jam packed and I have made many
new discoveries that have been turning points for me,
not just on these processes but also as an actor in the
long run.

(Credited: Google Images)

10th 14th November 2014

We had rehearsals for our extra project on Monday! We worked on scenes from the
play ' A Brief History of Helen of Troy.' They were such interesting and intruding
scenes. I found it quite challenging because we didn't know much about the context
and had to work out a lot about the characters just from the scene including their
class, relationships and background. However, I liked this challenge, and it was really
good practice as well reading text for the first time and trying to bring it to life. I
played the part of Charlotte and Julia played Heather. However, I think that perhaps
Heather is an insecure character as well and just has a tough exterior. Im not sure,
but now I am so curious to read the play and find out more!

It was a really strange scene and I got from it that Charlotte is insecure and is always
wanting to be reassured and Heather is trying to make her feel pretty. The way it was
written though was quite strange and I think that with more discovery you would find
more of the depth inside the characters and what contradictions they are! It was
interesting to watch Sam and Harriet's scene; here I saw the part of Charlotte played
in a different and controversial way. Also, the monologue Alex did was hard hitting
and such a contrast from the way I initially perceived the character of Charlotte.

We then performed and watched the character monologues we created as the child
of a Disney/fairytale character. I loved everyone's character monologues; they were
so endearing and engaging to watch and had me laughing lots too! My monologue
was the daughter of Mary Poppins. Reflecting on my performance I think to improve I
could have been more confident with my flow and made it more polished. However, I
feel I succeeded in getting the idea out there and just playing. Harriet played the
daughter of Sebastian the crab, Sabrina! I loved the physicality Harriet brought to this
and how she brought an accent to it as well! It was really funny and cartoon like to
watch! Alex did Father Christmass daughter and I loved how endearing and playful
she was! Julia's was really memorable as she did a rap as the daughter of Rapunzel. It
was really witty and the lyrics were clever. I loved the risk she took with this and it
challenged me to think about doing something different and taking risks with the
tasks we are given. Sams was interesting because he wasn't physically on stage!
Because he was Humpty Dumptys son, Numpty Dumpty, he put an egg on stage! It
was really different and meant all the monologues were so diverse, generating lots of
material for the schools tour!
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10th 14th November 2014

It was certainly a challenge to then put all these characters together in a scene but I
am really excited to develop this and see how these characters interact with one
another further and the relationships they may form. Our scene had to cover Money
and our song and dance, Drugs Awareness. It was good we split and did the song and
dance separately as it meant we could get more done and work with one another's
strengths. For example, Sam and Julia went off and wrote lyrics whilst Alex, Harriet
and I choreographed the dance section. I think the scene could have been a lot more
chaotic though as then it would have made Numpty Dumptys moment all the more
dramatic. It would be good to perfect the song and dance, but as an initial idea I think
there is some good material. Especially, like Carleigh was saying, using a well known
song but changing the lyrics because even though the words will be different the
audience will recognise it and be with you! We used Hairsprays 'You can't stop the
beat' but changed the lyrics to -

Dont do drugs or crazy things

Coz we like the way you are,
And you must stop this naughtiness,
Or youll loose your golden star,
Coz if you think these things look cool
Well that is just not true
Coz the room will be spinning round and round
And youll heart will start beating pound and pound
And youll hurt your health and drop to the ground
And say
I must stop the commotion of emotion of the things I have done
You health has now been damaged and you cant even run
Your memory is going and you look like your drifting away
Repeat
Drugs awareness day!
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10th 14th November 2014

I am really excited about how we can use all of this and start to put it into more solid
ideas for our schools project!


Working on the newspaper project has been a big part of the week.

In our first rehearsal, we focused on getting to grips with the first section and the
energy that is needed. We also tried to think about casting the first scene. I found it
really difficult as when we asked the actors who wanted to read for the characters
there was a lack of enthusiasm. It was like actors had already decided who they
wanted to be and were not open to other characters. I was torn between two actors
for the designer so we started to think about the idea of having a double act.
However, you can't just have a double act for the sake of it, there has to be
something behind it and characters that work well together. Therefore, this was a
really hard decision and I had to think a lot about the chemistry behind this. I thought
what could be quite effective is Sid as a bossy fashion designer and James as the
nerdy designers assistant who is desperate to please and always wanting to know
more. We also had a chat with Carleigh and I started to doubt our concept and had
some light bulb moments about what we have done! I realised the mannequin idea
was restricting us and if you are going for that concept it has to be strong and
committed throughout. We changed it to models and this immediately opened up
more doors. I also had the idea of creating a scene where you have Jack opening a
newspaper or pressing play on a video and then we physically see what is on the
page or on the screen being played out to us. It's like he is just being bombarded with
all of these things he sees in the media.

(Credited: Google Images)

10th 14th November 2014

(Continued)

Being Playful is a Skill!

We had a skills session with Carleigh which

was so much fun! The main skill that I gained
from this workshop was a reminder that as
actors we have to be playful. We played
spare chair, which was great! It's all about
reacting, being aware of one another's
responses, acting on impulse and using your
logic to move and stop the other person
sitting down! We also played Sardines which
is when one persons goes off and hides and
then everyone else has to independently
search for that person and then when they
have found them everyone has to join them
in that place. The last person to find
everyone is the rotten sardine! It was really
funny and great to learn a new game!

We also did an exercise in which

everyone had to close their eyes and
one person was chosen to be in a
space in the room. We had to search
for the other person in the room. It
was actually really difficult, as I felt
quite disorientated at times not
having a clue where I was. On the last
go, I just could not find Lewis!
Everyone else had found him and I
was still wondering around! In the
end, everyone helped me to find him
but this made me realise how hard it
is when one of your senses are
disabled! These games were really
good for company building, playing,
being spatially aware, reacting in the
moment and having fun!

(Credited: Google Images)

Directors Note:

As actors we have to be mature like an

adult but also as playful as a child.
Carleigh As actors we have to have a playful

side! Being on stage is a game, its telling stories

and entertaining an audience. You have to be
able to let yourself go, have fun and be
spontaneous!

Images right of text box and below:
Credited Google Images

Monologues with Innes on Wednesday were really

beneficial. To start off we did an exercise where in
pairs we just had to observe the other persons
physicality and copy them sitting down. It was
fascinating, as you don't realise all the different
movements you do naturally when you are just
sitting in a natural pose. Everyone has his or her
own little habits or natural physical states. I feel it's
important that as actors that we clock what do as
different characters will have their own physical
habits and it's useful to know your own so that you
can abandon them and adopt the character whole
heartedly.

We then told one another what we

did the night before and had to retell
it standing back to back as well as
standing a distance away from each
other. I discovered that trying to
retell exactly what I did the first time
was difficult, as some things happen
on a natural impulse that don't occur
the second time. Listening to Julia's
story I found that when we stood
further away she was much more
physical with it as though she felt she
needed to include hand gestures to
ensure I was getting the message and
knew what she was talking about. We
also did a fairytale exercise where we
had to tell each other a story. I told
Jack and the beanstalk and then the
second time around we had to tell it
but only using actions! This was a
challenge but so much fun! It was
slightly easier because the other
person knew the story so you could
make out what they were doing most
of the time. However, if they didn't it
made me realise just how physically
clear you would have to be and how
to be creative with different
characters and creating objects.

I tried out a new monologue this
week just to explore different
possibilities and see what I feel
comfortable with. I did a monologue
called 'The Book Group' written by
Katy Wix.

I started to find the comedy in it but I felt at

times it dragged out and I lost the flow of it. At
times, I didn't feel completely in character and
because I knew what was coming I lost the
spontaneity of what was going on. In pairs we
did our monologue to one another, I was with
Harriet and we almost took on the directors
role on each other's monologue. We worked on
picking out some key words in the other
persons monologue. Words Harriet picked out
in my monologue to be key were:

Sorry
Blue Jumper
Turquoise
Stockholm
Fishmonger
Reel me in
Hook
Blacksmith
Fish
Spot on
Top marks
Spontaneously combusted

Knowing this helped me to appreciate what
words to emphasise and the characters main
objectives. We also did another exercise where
in a group we had to create a backstory for
each other's monologues. This was good as it
meant everyone was involved in everyone
else's and doing a scene before and going into
it as times meant it felt more natural and had
more flow. However, doing this at times, there
was not much energy in the space. Also
because some actors were reluctant to do their
monologues it made it difficult to work
together effectively.

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10th 14th November 2014

At the end of the day, I met with some actors from my newspaper group and we
developed some choreography. It was great to see them really taking possession and
getting excited about the work!

On Thursday, we had a day of the newspaper project before we presented our

pieces on in the afternoon to Carleigh and Gav. I actually found it a really stressful
day as we still had sections to be put in and it wasn't up to the standard I was happy
with. However, we did get all the new material in but I don't feel it was where it
should have been. We had a chance to add more bodies to what we were doing and
we added actors from Alex, Amber and Sam's group to our media images. It did
make a difference and added more chaos! However, later on in the rehearsal we
were working on this section, made it more stylised and the transitions cleaner, so
we had to abandon them coming on stage for the showing. However at least we
know this works and can add people in at a later date. We also put the online
persona section that I wrote on its feet, but the actors made it their own, as I didn't
want them worrying so much about lines preventing them from being spontaneous
in the moment.

When they performed it, I felt the overall feel of the piece wasn't quite right. To me
it felt regimented and the characters felt very unnatural. This whole idea of the
models at the start didn't sit right with me, it all felt very award. I even found the
choreography coming across as very alien and out of context. I also think because we
didn't have the chance to work a proper opening we didn't set it up in a way the
audience knew where they were. Going into the next section with the adverts and
the representation of the media, I knew the vision I wanted but I don't think it was
clear that this was what Jack was seeing. It wasn't clear this was in his mind or what
he was seeing at all. I was pleased we got all our material out there but I just didn't
feel happy with the overall feel of the piece. This is not to say though that I am
negative about it because I am glad we have time now to use what I have
discovered, go back to it and make changes where necessary. I need to be more
clear in what it know will work and not doubt myself because I think it might not be
what actors want to hear. I think at the moment I am worrying too much about
keeping everyone happy!
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I have a new vision and hope next week we can turn the piece around! I am glad I
have made some mistakes as it has taught me a lot and I know for certain what I
would do differently next time.





We dont know where we are No set up
Too many modes are commented on get tedious after a while
Its quite stop and start
We are being too nice trying to give everyone a moment
The Judges are a weak point
The stereotypical camp guy doesnt work
It should be more about the isolation Jack feels
The Online person part is interesting
Liked Jacks performance
The dynamic shift at the end works
Sometimes there is too much going on you cant hear the story or the messages
we are trying to portray
The whole company could potentially be involved in the final image
Varying commitment from the actors
Character diversity needs to be clearer it sometimes seems like they are the
same characters throughout the whole thing.

(Credited: Google Images)

10th 14th November 2014

After receiving our feedback and pondering on the piece we have created I have new
ideas and concepts I want to put on the floor. We have time on Monday before
meeting with Carleigh and Gav and I would like these proposals to be tested so that
we have more potential to move the piece on in a positive and effective way.

In the first section, we need to see Jack and understand the context of where we are.
I think a voice over/recording of his inner thoughts could be effective or even some
statistics and facts about eating disorders. I like the idea of him perhaps looking in a
mirror and the company creating his refection. I then think we could show how this is
a dream he is having and then cut to models backstage about to go down a cat walk.
We see all thee models backstage and I was thinking about perhaps creating a
stylized section based on the outrageous beauty facts I have researched. For
example, cling film to make you slimmer, apple diet to loose weight, eyeliner tattoo,
plucking every hair off arm.

A catwalk - Models walking down, presenter doing a running commentary,
Photographers and crowds applauding - When Jack comes down there is silence the
music stops

Media section - Clear jack is opening newspaper etc. - Then a tabloid headline each
time - When he is looking at it we have actors creating the advert.

In the Girly section we need a clearer split stage with Jack communicating

When Jack and Jess meet up, the actors in the background need to be more alive

The end section is ok but the transition into the heartbeat looks odd need a new
physical formation.

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On Friday morning, we were involved in the firs years company warm up. It was
intensely physical and a good way to really get enrgised for the day, It was frustrating
at times though because actors were talking and not listening to the person leading.
When you are joining in yourself you dont know weather its your place to say
anything. However, Alex and Lewis both spoke to the company about respecting the
person in charge. It can be really difficult but I think its something the company will
learn and develop throughout their training.

We had a big mission on Friday! We were split into two groups and were each
assigned a Community/Outreach Theatre company. I was a part of The Attic Theatre
Company. The other group was Sydney Theatre Company. We had to research the
companies answering all the questions and then turn it into a talk show, which we
got questioned on. We had the following to answer and the research part of it was
vital in making the whole thing work.
What is outreach drama?
Making theatre accessible to people by reaching out and targeting vulnerable
groups of people that need a base for self-expression, so that it allows them to see
theatre in a way that helps them as individuals.
What is community theatre?
Reaching out to certain companies and specific people to suits their needs and aid
them self to the work and let them create as well as produce work in a creative way
that improves them as individuals
Pose the debate are there links between the two?
The work they have done and where they have done it?
Produced over 48 productions world wide including world premieres, revivals and
new work
The grannie by Robert Cosso
In 2007 first tour across the UK with after play and the bear by Brain Fiels
Work towards a performance called 'It's the Ritz' perform it to dementia and stroke
patients which allows the opportunity for young and old to perform together

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10th 14th November 2014

Do we do workshops with the local community?

Yes, we run a community programmes and workshops including:

Going for a song, which is targeted, to over 55's on a Wednesday lunchtime,
which helps exercise vocals and body, to do old favorites and an opportunity to
make new friends.
Leap- Drama workshops for young children going through the transition from
year 6-7 in summer holidays.
Many voices drama workshops- Young refugees and asylum seekers ages 11-18
years old promote self-expression. Improvisation, confidence and having fun.
Working with students to create plays, film and shadow puppetry.
Ma Kelly plays tour to local community centres and homes and focus on issues
relevant to older audiences. We also give opportunity for local writer
nationally.

Name three things we might gain in taking part in community or outreach
workshop?
Networking and connecting with new people / confidence for young people
Gain understanding of the arts and create and devise work
A better understanding of a specific community
Three reasons for leading a workshop?

As a theatre company name three reasons for leading a workshop

To devise and create theatre
Leaning from each other and solving solutions and problems
To empower the communities we work with

Name three groups that might participate in our workshops?

Asylum speakers / Refugees
Elderly
Schools

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2 minute demo than what we do in a workshop (exclusive) aim is to get everyone to

know each other Must include - three tennis balls - needs to end on conflict or
resolution

We based our workshop taster on the summer programmme Attic do called Leap.
Its helping with the transition from primary to secondary school. We did a game of
Find your classroom! We were each a subject and got the other tea to run to the
subject without being late! We also spoke about the equipment list you will need! But
then the other team turned on us and this is when the conflict started!
Extra facts we found out and wanted to use as one up man ship against the other
team

Won a plays of stage award
Founded by London Borough
Comical relief fund
Heritage lottery fund
Founded in 1994 - 20 years ago
Credited - http://www.attictheatrecompany.com
Images Credited: Google Images

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10th 14th November 2014

We called the talk show Give me your hand Brother.
Each Theatre Company also had a signature entrance and introduced themselves. We
also had ad breaks and voice-overs! It was so much fun to develop as once we had
gathered all the information we were so free to be creative and make it our own! I loved
that this was a
research task but
we were given the
freedom to be
practical on the
floor with it. I feel I
actually learnt
more about these
Theatre companies
than I would if I
had just
researched them
on my own. We
ended the talk
show in conflict
and everyone
having a big fight!
A lot of it was also improvised because we didnt get the chance to run through it all
absolutely properly and I felt this actually made it more spontaneous and in the
moment. However, it did mean it was a challenge as actors to react in character to what
was going on, as at times it was just absolutely mayhem and hysteria! Funnily enough
though it felt like a good mayhem!!

If we were to do it again I would want to focus making sure we got more of the
research facts portrayed effectively because I think at times this was lost due to the
chatty, competitive feel of the show. I would want to make sure that each Theatre
Company really tells the audience what they are about and pay attention to detail
with different shows they have done and specific community/outreach events that
they work on.

Image above Your hosts Ben and Jerry from Give me your Hand Brother.
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Sources of Inspiration

This week inspirational sources have been looking at have included the outrageous
beauty facts and lengths models go to be beautiful. It made me think about this idea of
beauty and what society deems as beautiful. Reading these articles have shocked me
and its just crazy the lengths some people go to so that they look better, but by whos
standards? Who makes up the rules about what is beautiful?

Some Bizarre Beauty Secrets

Apply whisked eggs to hair to make it shiny
Whitening toothpaste to get rid of fake tan on palms
Hairspray sprayed into face to fix make-up
Toothpaste on spots to reduce redness
Sleep on back to avoid wrinkles
Lemon juice to whiten tips of nails
Cucumber on eyes to reduce puffiness
Legs shaved with hair conditioner to soften hairs
Bed socks filled with moisturiser for soft feet
Talcum powder brushed through hair to remove oil
Pinching cheeks to give a natural blush
Toothpaste on insect bites
Lemon juice to lighten hair
Spray hairbrush with perfume
Heat up eyelash curlers before using them
Cold teaspoons applied to eyes to make puffiness go down
Mix a drop of serum with foundation to make skin look glowing
Drink milk every day

Credited: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2053775/Bizarre-beauty-secrets-lengths-women-
looks.html

More extreme beauty enhancing trends - http://www.womansday.com/style-
beauty/beauty-tips-products/10-extreme-beauty-enhancing-trends-103459

http://kaleidoscope.cultural-china.com/en/7Kaleidoscope10728.html - Wrapping the
body in Cling Film is said to help you loose weight as it doesnt allow the skin to breathe
meaning it cannot eliminate heat.
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10th 14th November 2014

Plan of Action!
This week my individual strengths have been creativity and having fun. I have loved all
the challenges we have been given and I believe I have been playful and spontaneous
with the characters I have tried. As well as with the concepts we have explored and
discovered in creative ways.

My weaknesses have been not trusting myself, especially inside the newspaper project. I
feel I have been too worried about the final outcome that this stunted my creativity and
meant I wasnt making decisions effectively. I know now what I need to do to develop
the piece and want to move forwards with a new vision and plan in mind to make it the
piece I know it has the potential to be. I won't let myself be overwhelmed by it and will
trust that I have a vision and it is possible to make something work when you really out
your mind to it!

A company strength has also been the playful energy in the space and the amount of
fun we have had devising and exploring new things. A company weakness is that not
everyone was on the floor all week, which meant there was a divide and we could not
see everyones character monologue. Also, there is sometimes a lot of talking and
disagreement when we are under pressure. We need to develop the skill of working
more economically when we have a deadline.

In regard to monologues, I will continue to explore different monologue opinions as well
as looking for a chancery song for next week and start to really find my own style inside
the monologues so that I can make them my own by exploring and being creative.
For the Schools Tour, I want to continue having fun exploring characters and now want
to be more versatile in the characters I am exploring by taking a risk and do something I
have never tried before!

I am excited about the week ahead and the opportunity there is to build on what we
have touched upon this week. I am positive about the projects we are working on and
the progression we are making as a company.

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