BP News

Workshops 2007/2008

After the great success of the Directors’ Course culminating in an evening of splendour that was the One Act Play showcase earlier this year, plans are afoot for the next workshop event. This year will be devoted to performing skills and will be held in conjunction with a National Hunt for a New Musical.

The idea is that we take on some 15 people who have various levels of expertise from ‘never done it before’ to ‘have been in several plays but want to learn something more’ and give them some proper training in acting, dance and singing. They are then cast in the winning musical show, which is presented for 3 nights at the QMT in May 2008. Sounds simple enough if you say it quick but it takes some organising.

First we have to advertise the two things (the competition and the workshops), then we have to get some appropriate training laid on – I always prefer to use professionals so the training is top notch – and then read all the scripts and listen to the songs so we can pick a winner. Then we have to get ourselves a director, an MD and a decent choreographer who are all used to teaching as well as stagecraft. Casting might prove a mite challenging and then we may have to import a couple of experienced performers to take on the leads with the tyros offering sterling support (or maybe not – we may find some potential stars in the group).

This will be a cue for people to shun me while I go around asking favours – I’d better start with Len Seymour and the EC to see if they’ll underwrite the whole thing – although I’m certain it’ll turn a nice profit. If you know any actors who’d be interested by the way, put them in touch. They should ring or write giving their details under the heading of ‘Workshops’ (01462 455166 or Workshops, QMT, SG4 9SP)

A proper advert with more details will be drafted soon.