News
and Events
16
February 2010
Naked
Stage Final - Life and Afterlife
Sunday,
21st February
NOTE TIME: 5 pm
Larkum Studio, ADC Theatre, Park
St Cambridge
Tickets £5/4
Book free online:
www.adctheatre.com
Box
Office: 01223 300085
The final week of in this series of Naked Stage readings introduces four new plays exploring themes of bureaucracy, destiny, life and afterlife. As always, your views on the scripts will be sought. Previous weeks have all sold out - Please book early!
The
Big Target
by
Clare Shaw
Directed by Julia Bolden.
Abigail: Sevya
Bonin-Briginshaw
Mother: Sarah Ingram
Man: Leon
Coleman
Woman: Erica Dupuy
Porter: Adam Augustyn
Other
parts played by members of the cast.
To ensure their targets are met, two government officials co-own a newborn baby. How will the baby grow up? And how will government targets affect her life?
A
Hitch in Time
by
Clare Girvan
Directed by Andrew Bailey
Rose: Rhonda
Nicholl
Frank: John Parry
Connie: Sandra Birnie
Rose has died in hospital. Connie and Frank have arrived to give her counselling and accompany her to the next life, but Rose has other ideas.
Lucifer's
Room
by Sarah
Wallis
Directed by Jean Rees-Lyons
Sharon: Carla Keen
Spider:
Colin Woodham
Jake: Jacob Millin
Other parts played by members
of the cast.
In Lucifer's Room Sharon calls the shots,
deciding who stays, who goes and who gets to double or triple their
score in a hellish game of Scrabble. Is this a game Jake can ever
win? And what happens when Sharon gets bored?
Reap
What You Sow
by
Jeremy Fielding
Directed by Pam Jenner
Dave De'ath: David
Geasor
Mrs D'eath: Francesca Brown
Mick Bergman: Vorn Hancock
Mr Bubb: Ian Sandison
With advances in medical science, we just don't need as many Grim Reapers as we used to. Dave De’Ath has come home from a union meeting with bad news. But will a visit from the Big Boss offer some hope?
Producer: Richard Latham
Tell Us What You Thought!
The managing committee of WRiTEON wants to know what you thought about Naked Stage this season. Are you a writer, actor, director or audience member who took part? Or wanted to take part? What did you think of the experience? Are there ways we could improve what we do? What do you think of the way we communicate with you? What did you think of the performances? The venue? The feedback? The level of support for writers or actors? Do you have ideas for future projects, workshops, guest lecturers or activities?
You can provide feedback in two ways - by replying to this newsletter, or, if you're a Facebook user, you can leave your feedback on our page - click here to visit the page.
Coming Up for WRiTEON!
With Naked Stage coming to an end for now, WRiTEON writers may want to start thinking about their next opportunities for submissions in Cambridge. Coming up we have a proposal awaiting approval from a local venue for a full production. We can't give full details yet, but writers should think along the lines of short pieces using four or fewer performers...and set in rooms or spaces which contain - BEDS!
We've also got our ears to the ground regarding several events coming up in Cambridge where we feel we might be able to take part. And of course still to come is our very popular annual MAD (Monologues and Duologues) Festival, for which we will start accepting submissions in May/June - watch this space for full details.
In the meantime, assuage your hunger for WRiTEON with the following regular activities....
WRiTEON
Theatregoing Group - Alan Ayckbourn's My
Wonderful Day
Saturday
27th February 2010
7.45pm
Cambridge Arts Theatre
Book
Online: www.cambridgeartstheatre.com/
Box
Office: 01223 503333
The next proposed theatre trip of the WRiTEON Theatregoing group is to see Alan Ayckbourn's newest offering at the Cambridge Arts Theatre. Alan Ayckbourn is Britain's most prolific living playwright and this is his 73rd full length play. He will be 71 in April and his 74th play is scheduled for the autumn. This production is directed by the author himself and was premiered last year at The Stephen Joseph Theatre in The Round in Scarborough, where almost all his plays have had their start.
The play looks at the childishness of adult behaviour through the eyes of nine-year-old Winnie, who has been told to sit quietly in the corner and get on with her homework, an essay on the subject "My Wonderful Day". The goings on around her prove a rich source of material.
If you would like to come along, please contact julia@writeon.org.uk. We will arrange to get together as a group both before and after the play. You will, however need to book your own ticket/s. Prices range from £10 to £27 plus a £2 per ticket booking fee.
WRiTEON
Script Feedback Group
Next
Meeting: Tuesday 2nd March, 7.15pm
36a The Limes, Harston, CB22
7QT
The WRiTEON Script Feedback is a warm, supportive and fun group which meets regularly to read and discuss scripts in progress. Last week's Naked Stage featured a very successful first reading of Gill Saxon's new television play, My Dancing Bones, which was developed with the support of the group. New participants are always welcome - your participation will be valued even if you don't have a script to share yet. Contact julia@writeon.org.uk to sign up or with any questions.
Workshops and Talks
WRiTEON
Improvisation Workshops
From
24 February 2010, 8-10 pm
Ross Street Community Centre
Ross
Street, Cambridge (off Mill Road)
£9 per session
Our next series of comedy improvisation workshops will begin in February. These active, fun workshops are open to anyone - you do not have to be a WRiTEON member and experience is not required - just willingness to get up and perform! The workshops are led by members of The Scat Pack improvisation group and other invited leaders.
To enrol, please contact organiser Michelle Golder: michelle@writeon.org.uk
Classworks Theatre in
association with The ADC Theatre present
What
is Scenography? A Lecture with Pamela Howard
Saturday
20 February, 3 pm
(followed by questions and book signing)
ADC Theatre, Park Street, Cambridge, CB5 8AS
Admission FREE
A lecture, with practical aspects, for all those who are involved as designers, actors, directors, costume makers - and not forgetting the vital ingredient of spectators who complete the event of theatre making.
Pamela Howard has an international reputation as scenographer, director and theatre maker. During her tenure at the University of the Arts London (Central St. Martins College of Art) she set up the prestigious International MA in Scenography and is frequently invited to work with students all over the world. She is a visionary and dynamic teacher and writer and her book, ‘What is Scenography?’ - now in its second edition - has become a seminal textbook for students. Pamela has recently returned from the Czech Republic where she was commissioned to direct and design the opera, The Marriage by Bohuslav Martinu. She will be returning there next year to direct and design Janacek’s opera The Excursions of Mr. Broucek. In 2008, Pamela was awarded the OBE for services to drama.
For more information please contact Jenny Culank, Artistic Director, Classworks Theatre 01223 321900 info@classworks.org.uk
Creative
Writing Workshops with Tinch Minter
Ongoing
- Wednesday Evenings
Toft, West of Cambridge
Reviewer, dramaturge, translator and playwright Tinch Minter won the first Empty Space Award and has taught writers from East Anglia to de Montfort Universities to the Actors' Centre and many places in between. She is running this very friendly and lively group who meet to share experiences, pool ideas and offer suggestions for development or greater clarity on poetry, plays, film-scripts, adult or children’s fiction. Open to new members at any time. For more details contact tinch.minter@btinternet.com
Writing Opportunities
RealDeal
Theatre's Sitcom
Saturday
Accepting Submissions
Submission
Window: Monday, March 1 - Wednesday, March 31 only
RealDeal Theatre is looking for six fifteen-minute sitcoms for Sitcom Saturday, a professionally-directed and acted script-in-hand rehearsed reading, open to the public, at Westminster Reference Library off Leicester Square, London. We allocate a director for each of the selected scripts and the directors then liaise with the writer(s) before a casting session, rehearsal and the performance on Saturday, June 12 2010.
Entries should be emailed to scripts@realdealtheatre.org.uk.
Entries are welcome from
anywhere as long as the writers can liaise with the directors
beforehand. Writers must also attend the June public rehearsed
reading in London. Writers must be 16 years or older. There is no
upper age limit!
For rules and guidelines click here.
If you require further information, email:
info@realdealtheatre.org.uk
Script
Writer/Librettist Sought for Collaboration
No Deadline Given
Sarah Kershaw is a composer, singer/songwriter and pianist who works regularly in the field of music theatre. She is looking for writers, interested in the genre of musical theatre, who can write with originality, depth, and complexity on thought provoking themes. She is inspired by the work of Nico Muhly and Sam Amidon and also artists such as Owen Pallett.
She is interested in hearing from people who already have a script and are looking for a composer to collaborate with or who wish to develop a new idea. She can offer lots of experience and many valuable contacts in the industry.
Contact: Sarah Kershaw skershawno1@hotmail.com
Acting Opportunities
Actors
Wanted for Innovative Theatre Company, Ladder to the Moon
London,
Paid
Deadline for application: Noon on Friday 19th February
2010
Ladder to the Moon is an interactive theatre company specialising in transforming the care experience for older people, particularly those living with dementia. The company is currently supported by the Department of Health Social Enterprise Investment Fund.
Ladder to the Moon are seeking up to four performers to join our pool of actors and work with us on a number of forthcoming performances (in March and April) as well as our pioneering new project, The Studio, which will be delivered in care homes from June of this year.
Actors will be trained in Ladder’s unique model of Relationship Theatre and once trained there will be opportunities for one off performance days, short term and longer-term projects.
We are looking for committed, enthusiastic, funny, passionate, level-headed, dynamic, multi-skilled, reliable, caring, un-pretentious, energetic, honest, quick thinking, engaging, talented, and sensitive individuals who will be interested in the challenges of this kind of work but who will embrace how rewarding, fulfilling and enjoyable it can be.
If you are interested in joining the Ladder team please send your CV and headshot along with 100 words on why you want to do this kind of work and 100 words on any relevant experience you may have to: lynne@laddertothemoon.co.uk
Before submitting your application you should familiarise yourself with our work on our website: www.laddertothemoon.co.uk
If successful you will be invited to a morning workshop audition in London in early March where you can meet current Ladder actors and some participants will be invited to stay for an afternoon session working with older people in a care setting.
Ladder to the Moon is an equal opportunities employer and positively welcomes applicants from all communities.
Contact: Lynne Forbes lynne@laddertothemoon.co.uk
Cambridge
Touring Theatre: Actors Invited to Audition for Robin
Hood
Deadline
for applications: Wednesday, 10th March
Audition date: Saturday, 13th March
Fee: £1,500 plus
accommodation provided
This is an outdoor theatre tour
directed by Barry Evans running for most weekends during June, July
and August. It is a fairly classic tale of Robin Hood, a family
comedy in a panto style. All performers will need to be able to
sing well and to dance. The dancing however is relatively simple.
They are looking for good vocal strength and the ability to perform
outdoors, without support, to up to 500 people. Actors will
also take on touring duties (such as setting up and taking down the
set) and a clean driving licence (for over 23s) will be an advantage.
All actors will be CRB checked by us and will be expected to run
workshops for children. The fee covers the tour and
accommodation is included in shared rooms in Travelodges, paid for by
the company. The actors will be required to pay for their own food.
To apply please send a CV and photo to: Rosie Humphreys,
Cambridge Touring Theatre, 29 Worts Causeway, Cambridge, CB1 8RJ
Tel:
01223 246533
For more information visit www.cambridgetouringtheatre.co.uk or write: info@cambridgetouringtheatre.co.uk
Actors
for CIRCUIT
London
Unpaid
CIRCUIT is a project being undertaken by three young theatre-makers, with support from The Central School of Speech and Drama, Artsadmin and the LDA and Arts Council England’s Creative and Cultural Skills Fund ‘Pass It On’ scheme.
Three writers have responded to the site of the performance, the Arts Bar and Café at Toynbee Studios (the home of Artsadmin) with short scripts of 20 minutes each. Forming a circuit, the writers are each directing and performing in each others’ works, creating a cycle of collaboration, challenge and co-operation. Live music and a vibrant atmosphere will be intertwined with subtle and intimate conversation. The audience are both participants and voyeurs as the boundaries of performance begin to blur.
We are currently looking for four actors to take part in the performances in March.
Big Blind Willy Jelly Roll
Lincoln III (m) - Possibly the coolest man you've ever seen. Plays
saxophone. Any playing age.
Required for rehearsal - 25 Feb
6-8.30pm, 4 March 6-8.30pm, 9, 11, 15 March 6-10pm
Required for
performance - 17, 18, 19 March
The Hunter (m) - Elmer Fudd.
Cigar-smoking, fishing-net wielding. Any playing age.
Required for
rehearsal - 9, 11, 15 March 6-10pm
Required for performance - 17,
18, 19 March 6-11pm
The Tangerine (m or f) -
Terrified and orange. Any playing age.
Required for rehearsal - 9,
11, 15 March 6-10pm
Required for performance - 17, 18, 19 March
6-11pm
The Beat Poet (m) - *Almost*
Allen Ginsberg. West-Coast American. Painfully laid-back and cool.
Any playing age.
Required for rehearsal - 9, 11, 15 March
6-10pm
Required for performance - 17, 18, 19 March 6-11pm
All parts, except The Beat Poet, are non-speaking roles.
Contact Laura at circuitnewwriting@googlemail.com for more information or to express an interest in the project.
Theatre
Directors Wanted, London Playwrights' Collective
London
Unpaid
Closes Wednesday 17 February 2010
The London Playwrights’ Collective (LPC) is looking for directors interested in working with emerging playwrights to direct rehearsed readings for our Platform at Theatre503 on Monday 22 March. This event will showcase 4 LPC writers whose short plays or extracts have been selected in partnership with Theatre503.
The LPC is a collaborative, supportive and proactive community for writers. We place the writers at the centre of the creative process, bridging the gap between writing and theatre making.
In addition to directing the piece, the directors will be expected to support their allocated playwright in the rewriting process with proactive feedback. It will then be up to them to cast and rehearse the piece in preparation for the evening, including the writer into the process as much as possible. Whilst we can help with casting, we are sorry that we cannot help with rehearsal space which directors must provide/arrange themselves.
Directors should be available to meet their writer at mutually convenient times and for the whole Platform day for technical rehearsal. The theatre will also be available on the preceding Sunday (21 March) for 4 hours which can be allocated or divided between the directors who wish to work in the space that day.
Interested directors should email us at info@londonplaywrights.co.uk (including the word PLATFORM in the subject line), telling us why they are interested, what type/genre of theatre they would be happy to work on and what they feel they can bring to this project, including a current CV.
There is no fee on offer for this but we do contribute £10 per director/actor as a token contribution towards expenses.
A passion for new writing is essential!
Contact: Maude Laflamme info@londonplaywrights.co.uk
Community Events
Menagerie
Theatre Company Presents "Let's Start Over..."
Friday
19th February, 3-5 pm
The Junction, Cambridge
Scratch readings of new ideas for radio and stage plays by playwrights from across the East of England. This is a great opportunity to hear about a new regional talent programme for writers, and to meet 12 new-writing bright sparks.
The event includes readings of short extracts from the 12 playwrights, developed in workshops and performed script-in-hand by Menagerie Ensemble actors.
The reading is free with wine at the end for those that stay!!
RSVP to office@menagerie.uk.com or just head over to the Junction for 3pm
If you would like to hear about more exciting events showcasing new talent or would like to get involved yourself visit www.menagerie.uk.com
For Literature Lovers - Readings in Cambridge
George
Szirtes
Thursday 18th
February, 8pm
Junior Parlour, Trinity College
£2 / free for
Trinity Members
George Szirtes was born in 1948 in Budapest and came to England as a refugee following the Hungarian uprising in 1956. He trained as a painter in Leeds and London, and is the author of several collections of poetry, brought together in New and Collected Poems (2008). His collection Reel (2004) was awarded the 2004 T. S. Eliot Prize. Szirtes is also a prolific translator, producing English editions of the work of Agnes Nemes Nagy, Otto Orban, Zsuzsa Rakovszky, Sándor Márai and Ferenc Karinthy. He is the author of sixteen plays, musicals, opera libretti and oratorios. Szirtes lives in Norfolk and teaches Creative writing at the University of East Anglia. His latest book of poetry is The Burning of the Books and other Poems (2009). More information can be found at the author's website: www.georgeszirtes.co.uk
Hugh
Lupton - The
Homing Stone
Friday
19th February, 8pm
St. Andrew's Hall, Chesterton, CB4 1DH
£8/6
Telling the story of an
extraordinary, perilous journey, Hugh Lupton
brings vividly to
life his great uncle Arthur Ransome's involvement in
the turbulent
days of the Russian revolution. Having lost his heart to
Trotsky's
secretary Evgenia, in 1919, they travelled towards the Baltic
Sea,
carrying in his pocket a stone from Peel Island on Coniston
Water,
and drawn by the inexorable pull homewards.
For further information on
these events, please contact the County Literature Development
Officer, Helen Taylor at Helen.M.Taylor@cambridgeshire.gov.uk