The Secrets Out Schools Tour

Overall Evaluation

Accepting our differences and embracing

our similarities.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the Schools Tour process and was so proud of our final pie

Where did we start?

When we started the process I wasnt really sure what to expect! I was really excited

I was excited by what we could achieve as a company and our first official piece of w

Workshops at the beginning of the process were great fun and reminded us of what i
I enjoyed it when we had the chance to devise our won work and it felt like then we

The Secrets Out Schools Tour

Overall Evaluation

Key moments of the process

A key moment of the process for me was when we had to go away and
create our own character monologues based on a character from a
Disney or fairytale character. This was when I discovered Jane Poppins
having no idea I would go on to play her! We had to choose a character
and then the monologue had to be as the child of that character. I
chose Mary Poppins and had so much fun writing my own monologue.
The idea behind it was that she was trying to be like her mother but
everything she did went wrong and she was very clumsy! Being cast as
Jane didnt actually feel like the same Jane that I brought to the floor
initially, just because she evolved and I found the more sophisticated,
nerdy and knowing side she had too. I am so grateful I had the
opportunity to pay Jane in the piece, I feel like I went on such a journey
and was able to bring my own ideas to it that inspired me in the first
place.
Getting the script was a real key moment. It was when I started to
really see the story come together and how all the characters go on
that journey. The story stuck me as so sweet, endearing, exciting,
magical and adventurous.
The casting was a key moment in the process for me. Once we were
cast things started to slot into place and it was amazing how there was
natural chemistry and strong character relationships started to form. It
was so exciting to get the script up on its feet and start hearing how
the piece would work dynamically. I was so thrilled to be cast as Jane. I
loved how flustered she was but at the same time you knew deep down
she would have a plan! (In the piece she came up with a plan, but
didnt even realise until it was pointed out to her!)
In addition, a key part of the process for me was when we did our first
character workshop when cast. Throughout my training at the Miskin
we have done many character workshops focusing on physicality and
leaning more about the character, but this way the first workshop I
have been in where I discovered a huge amount of material and felt
myself give in to the character, not even thinking about it, just letting it
happen. It was eye opening how much detail I discovered and
everything felt so much more natural and like I really was in Janes
shoes. When we were comparing our characters physicality to animals
2

The Secrets Out Schools Tour

Overall Evaluation

Overall, was the process a success?

Overall, the process was a huge success. In the time we had I was proud
of how far we took our individual characters. I felt like we all went on a
journey and was able to step up to the demand.
I also believe that the story was a really successful part of what we did.
The script was so endearing, funny, playful and magic. I loved how much
room the script gave us to play. It was like nothing was written in stone,
there was great scope for you as an actor to make it your own and have
fun. I believe this was something that really contributed to the success of
the piece. By the end I think we all felt we had ownership of the piece
and all of our characters played a massive part in making it work.
Something else was the fact that the show couldnt have worked without
any of our characters; this made it a success. It meant that everyone
really had something at stake, every character had a huge journey to go
on and every character had to be engaged and work inside the wider
group of characters and the story. I believe this was great for our
company too as we pulled together to tell the story and everyone was
linked and connected in some way.
One of the most successful and rewarding parts of the process for me
was performing at The Bracton Centre. To be honest I was really nervous
about this performance. I just had no idea what to expect or the response
we would receive. There was also an obstacle because in the sports hall
where we were performing there was a 6 second echo after speaking.
This was extremely challenging because if you spoke too fast then people
would have had no idea what you were talking about. Personally, I found
it especially challenging because of the manic and flustered nature of my
character. She has tendency to go off on one and speak quickly building
herself up into a panic. Therefore, I tried to slow down the speech and
show the flustered nature more in my physicality and facial expression as
well as tone of voice. At times the piece felt under energised because of
this but I think we all pulled together and the piece started to pick up
towards the end and we relaxed into it more. When they were all smiling
and having fun at the end it was such a great feeling and something I
would love to do again.
The success of the piece was also reflected in how we adapted to new

The Secrets Out Schools Tour

Overall Evaluation

What was unsuccessful?

At the start of the process the company didnt feel strong. When you
entered the space there was often a very labored atmosphere, which
made it almost impossible to start anything productive. I personally
really struggled knowing how to respond to this. I didnt feel I could pick
people up on it because you dont feel you have status in the room to
do so. However, looking back perhaps we should have picked each
other up on it and been able to be professional about it. The trouble
was that there was no divide between outside the space and then the
space. It meant that personal issues were brought in and then it
becomes difficult to talk to someone without them feeling like it is a
personal attack. If we had a clear divide people would be less likely to
enter with a negative attitude and we would be able to talk to each
other as actors.
There were moments in this process when it felt like the company was
falling apart. There seemed to be so many arguments happening and it
was like no one could be civil anymore. I found this really distressing
because ultimately we are all there because we have a shared passion
and want to make Theatre. Carleigh really helped us as a company to
overcome this. Something she said at one point that still stands out to
me is about appreciating what we are doing because one day we might
not see each other again or we may not have the opportunity to
perform. We need to cherish the time we have. I couldnt agree more,
we are so lucky with the facilities, level of training and support we
receive and I would hate to look back and think we were too
argumentative and negative as a company. After this though, I did feel
a noticeable change in the company dynamic. Everyone seemed to put
all this behind them and focus on our goal. I believe that the final piece
really brought our company together. We worked together, supported
one anther and put out a show we were all proud of. We also have lots
of shared memories and fun moments to look back and laugh about
which always makes a company stronger and more fun!
An element of our performance and final product that I would say
needed improving was the workshop we did at Gravel Hill. I dont think
the plan was effective enough and the way we went about transitions
inside the workshop didnt feel like they were energised enough.
4

The Secrets Out Schools Tour

Overall Evaluation

The children shouldnt have even clocked that we were changing the
strengths
game because Individual
everything should
have beenand
a game. For example,
weaknesses
when Becky led the workshop with us, even just running to the wall or
gathering round to listen to her was a game and I think we should have
adapted more of these principals. I dont think we should have started
with the name game where children had to say their name and an
action on their own. I think it would have been better if we started with
more ensemble and team building exercises to make them feel
comfortable.
The planning efficiency was not great and we should have thought in
more depth about the games we were putting forward. It would have
been better to do less games but with better intension and clearer
outcome. These mistakes though will inevitably make it better if we
were to do workshops again and have taught us all what works and

What did you

learn?

Learning how to adapt to new environments and taking everything in

your stride was a big learning curve for me. I completely
underestimated how much technicians do and the amount of
preparation that everything needs! On this show we had to really be
independent and use our initiative. It was all about just getting stuck in
and working as a company to get a space ready, have props on hand
and make sure the overall technicalities were in place. We had Olly,
which was great, but the show needed us to all play a part. I actually
feel that this helped us to have more ownership of the piece as it
meant we were not just actors we were doing all sorts of things that
made the final piece possible. Performing to children was something
completely new to me. At first I felt very daunted and did not have a
clue what to expect. However, once we had done it at Gravel Hill, I was
able to clock what I did wrong and find ways to connect more with the
children at Gateway. This paid off because our audience interaction was
much better in this show. I think we all let go and realised that we can
break the forth wall with confidence.
I also learnt a lot more about what a tour demands of you as an actor. It
requires you to adapt in your performance too. You have to clock the
feel of the room, how big it is, how big your audience is and where you
should address your lines. You have to make big decisions in seconds
and then trust your initiative. The tour demonstrated the physical and
vocal demands you have to step up to and the importance of keeping

The Secrets Out Schools Tour

Overall Evaluation

Something else I would like to focus on is using my intercostal muscles

to support my breath. I found a real connection when Claire helped me
to place my voice but in the rush of a show this was sometimes
forgotten. To improve, I want to work on sustaining this and learn how
to
be more
consistent
produce
a stronger
and more
powerful
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a strength
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toes
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off balance.
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have
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character.
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this so
much
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first
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Jane
this
indicates
the
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start
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thing
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myself
and
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company
Poppins!
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process.
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possible
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get company
there in the
end!
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it
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and
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inspiration
were
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have stated
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it's
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II would
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really
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me
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think
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been
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I also feel I have developed
and develop a broader vocal range
unnecessarily.
had
automatic
affect
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ups
and
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dont
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actor
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that
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do
think
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at
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ability
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is quite
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prepared
have
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that
point.
independent. I am starting to
the characters I play and I would
actor
then
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workvoice
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like
to work
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boundaries
you
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One
of the
goals
had
atfeel
the start
that the piece
must entertain
character
ownwe
and
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and opening
up my
restricted by what the script
range. This is connected also to
There
also
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a
full
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the process
whencould
the whole
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vocal
ups. These
be
company
were
in.
This
was
worrying
because
it
meant
you
never
knew
me how to be a fun and

The Secrets Out Schools Tour

Overall Evaluation

If you had more time, what would you change and

why?
If we had more time something I would have liked to focus on is making
the choreography more crisp and polished so that the dances came
really naturally to us all and there was an even stronger sense of
ensemble. I do think the dances and choreographed moments were
highlights of the show and moments where the audience really started
to get on side which is why I feel it would have been beneficial if we
had more time to drill them. I believe the same applies to the singing
because sometimes harmonies were not right and I think the words
could have been more punchy and clear. However, despite these
technical things that would have needed more time we definitely had
fun with what we were doing and played inside it as our characters,
which is a key factor that made them successful overall.
I would also have liked us to fulfill our roles with more attention to detail
and concentration; for example, I was assigned along with Harriet and
Amber as Tour manger. Although we all had a hand in the different jobs
and worked together as a team, more time would have allowed us to
plan in advance and have scope to think more about the other
elements. This is not to say however we didnt get a sense because we
all had to club together and this taught us all how much work and
different things there are to think about when putting out a tour.
I also think it would have been good if we did more promotional work
and our run was extended at the Miskin. It was a shame that not all the
Miskin company were able to see the piece, therefore, more time would
have allowed us to extend the run and really get a wide audience in to
see the piece.

The Secrets Out Schools Tour

Overall Evaluation

Response to the feedback we received.

We devised an online questionnaire and sent it to the primary schools
and the Bracton Centre. We wanted to find out how successfully the
piece was received and some more specific details on what they
enjoyed.
The response we had from The Bracton Centre was extremely positive
and it was lovely to get such encouraging feedback. Its great to think
that as a company we now have a strong connection with that Centre
and that they would be interested in us coming again. In addition, the
service users there enjoyed it a lot and this made it even more
rewarding for me, it drives me to want to do more work like this and
explore other areas of the community that are in need or would really
benefit from this type of outreach they may usually be deprived of.
It was wonderful to see so many of our services users attend the
performance and get so much out of having the opportunity to watch a
theatre performance.
We also got a response from Gravel Hill Primary School. This was also
really complimentary and I think it gave us all a boost hearing what
they thought was successful. Considering this was our first performance
we did of the show too it was great that they enjoyed it so much and
there was a positive vibe from the children.
We would love to have a visit from you again - it is a very motivating
and inspiring experience for our pupils.
I was also pleasantly surprised at how they rated the workshop. Of
course there are things we know could have been improved but its
encouraging to think that we made a difference and it was our first
attempt. It gives me confidence for what could be achieved in the
future.
The workshops were excellent and provided great insight to our
pupils.
We did a Q and A at Gateway Primary School. This was an excellent
form of feedback because it meant we were able to have that direct
contact with the audience and hear the response straight after the
show when it was fresh in their minds. It was also really good that we
8were able to respond to the comments and questions and develop the

The Secrets Out Schools Tour

Overall Evaluation

When they were asked if they would like to do acting in the future there
was an array of hands, which was such a brilliant outcome!
Feedback is paramount to the success of a show and based on the
feedback we received I believe our show was a great success. It shows
that it was a fun piece and audiences were taken on a journey. I feel
really proud that we inspired and provoked thought with the story and
energy we brought. It amazing to think what you can do when a
company really works together and I hope we can continue to create
work we love and make a difference.

Credited: Google Images

The Secrets Out Schools Tour

Overall Evaluation

What have you learnt as an actor that will influence

your next process?
As an actor, I have learnt a vast amount on this process and I really
believe it has been a turning point for me. I will take away everything I
have learnt and apply it to future processes. I do particularly enjoy
Christmas show style performances, so I think going into film is going to
be especially challenging; learning how to strip everything back will be a
new skill. However, I know that the confidence I have gained and the
trust in the material we create is there and will guide me.
Something that will have an influence on future processes also is this
idea of play. Although not all shows require you to be as full on, I believe
that an actor has to be playful, even in the most serious scenes you have
to be able to adapt, find new things and play, not in a literal sense but be
able to play with new ideas and not get stuck. This process has enabled
me to refine this skill and its one I hope to continue developing.
I have also learnt so much more about character development and how
to sustain physicality. This will affect me in future processes because I
have become more self aware and open to analysing all the small details
that give a character the traits they have and how to focus on making
sure everything is the character.
I have found the whole experience extremely rewarding. Taking Theatre
out into the community has allowed me to understand how you can make
theatre out of anything and to be an actor means so much more than first
meets the eye. I loved the fact we were able to connect with audiences in
a different way and also personally feel rewarded that you have made
them smile and given them a good show.
As a company I know we are in a really strong position; we all know we
can create work thats effective and entertaining. I am really excited
about the ventures ahead. This year seems to be going so quickly already
so I really want to make the most of every minute and embrace every
task as a challenge and something that I will strive to help me improve as
an actor in the future.
(Credited: Google Images)

10