Six Summer Saturdays – Performance Opportunity
Birmingham Hippodrome as part of “Six Summer Saturdays 2012″ and in collaboration with “Natural Theatre” are offering an unique professional development performance opportunity. We are looking for fifteen regional practitioners with an interest in expanding their knowledge and experience of presenting work outdoors. Practitioners will work with Mark Bishop from Natural Theatre over a two day workshop programme which then culminates in the performance of “REDS” with Natural Theatre on August 11th in Birmingham City Centre.
Natural Theatre has been based in Bath for nearly 45 years. In that time they have taken their particular brand of street and non-stage comic theatre to nearly 80 countries including China, Japan, South and Central America, Nigeria, Central Asia and even Lapland. www.naturaltheatre.co.uk
“The Reds. Why are they there? What are they doing? Is it a flash mob? They are so purposeful; there must be a reason for their gathering. Where are they going? Whatever they were, I got some brilliant photos!”
Workshops
The first workshop will deal with the basic Natural Theatre techniques and theories. Use of space, keeping an eye on the team in undisciplined spaces, leadership, being led, character within uniformity. Less is more. No showing off…pay attention, the overall effect is paramount, not individual skills. Working alone as part of a group piece…quite often in a Naturals performance we don’t see each other until the end but we can hear from what the public are saying that the others are around, doing their job!
And about how to set about finding the costume and accessories, how they must match exactly to obtain the amazingly vibrant effect the Red People can have in dull surroundings. The participants will learn one of the other NTC scenarios, one which requires more regimented actions, such as Freezies or Walkies. They will undoubtedly take part in a short foray into the outside world for a public try-out of what they have learned.
As with many Naturals performances it is the preparation for something pretty simple that transforms that simple act into something memorable.
The dates for workshops are July 18th 11am-5pm and August 10th 11am-5pm and they will take place at Birmingham Hippodrome. The final performance follows on 11th August. It is essential that performers are able to commit to the full three days. The project is free but you will be asked to attend an evaluation meeting at the end of the three days.
If you wish to apply then please e-mail jane@metaphysique.co.uk with one side of A4 saying why you would like to be part of this project and give details of your background and experience in performance work. The deadline for expressions of interest is 5pm July 4th. We look forward to hearing from you.
