Next is Phil's blog (Mel's Dad)who not only helped us out by taking photographs of the Tech of Young Theatre Makers but also was kind enough to write a blog too...
On Friday I diverted from being the pure interested parent and was able to go behind the scenes and obtain some real insight, albeit for just a brief couple hours, into how a theatre production is put together. And it was a real eye opener for me, just showing what an incredible amount of effort is required from all those involved.
The Young Theatre Makers performance at the West Yorkshire Playhouse, by Black Company, was something different for Yew Tree members, with the creation being directed from outside of the group – I guess a real challenge in itself and one where our young people had to adapt to a different directing style.
I understand that Black Company had been working tirelessly over the last few weeks on the scripts, and the challenge for Friday was to make it through each part of the performance and make sure that lighting, visuals and sound were all programmed to work together and with the performances.
Maybe it was just me not being used to this level of insight, but it seemed like the lighting and sound crew were really having problems early on, and that the 90 minute session would pass far too quickly, with not a chance of getting through all the performance. It is to the great credit of Black Company that they were able to continue, and in places improvise, perhaps without some of the visuals, lighting and music that would materialise for the full performance on Saturday night.
But as the rehearsal progressed, it seemed to get smoother and pick up pace. There was just some kind of feeling that music was starting to get programmed well, and to synchronise well with the actors and actresses voices. And where there were problems with props, these were discussed, and before the end of the night, solutions were found. I left the building feeling that real progress had been made and that things were far enough forward that, with several hours of rehearsals to come on Saturday afternoon, it would make for a great show in the evening.
Black Company – take great pride in what you achieve – I saw nothing but enthusiasm, determination, great patience when things were not quite right but out of your control, and a great willingness to help each other through exemplary teamwork, with your peers and with your leaders. But also feel privileged that you had the opportunity to work with talented people at the West Yorkshire Playhouse, one of Yorkshire’s landmarks and a symbol of professionalism. There is no harm in aspiring to be amongst them one day…
I have observed several Yew Tree events. I have always been impressed by the content and variety of individual and team performances. Fortunately I had the privilege to work with a group of professional actors a couple of years ago, and know that if you wish to succeed in the performing arts, there is no alternative to sheer hard work. But this insider view of how young people can work together to succeed using performance arts was really great to see. Keep up the good work….your families and friends have a lot to be proud of!
On Friday I diverted from being the pure interested parent and was able to go behind the scenes and obtain some real insight, albeit for just a brief couple hours, into how a theatre production is put together. And it was a real eye opener for me, just showing what an incredible amount of effort is required from all those involved.
The Young Theatre Makers performance at the West Yorkshire Playhouse, by Black Company, was something different for Yew Tree members, with the creation being directed from outside of the group – I guess a real challenge in itself and one where our young people had to adapt to a different directing style.
I understand that Black Company had been working tirelessly over the last few weeks on the scripts, and the challenge for Friday was to make it through each part of the performance and make sure that lighting, visuals and sound were all programmed to work together and with the performances.
Maybe it was just me not being used to this level of insight, but it seemed like the lighting and sound crew were really having problems early on, and that the 90 minute session would pass far too quickly, with not a chance of getting through all the performance. It is to the great credit of Black Company that they were able to continue, and in places improvise, perhaps without some of the visuals, lighting and music that would materialise for the full performance on Saturday night.
But as the rehearsal progressed, it seemed to get smoother and pick up pace. There was just some kind of feeling that music was starting to get programmed well, and to synchronise well with the actors and actresses voices. And where there were problems with props, these were discussed, and before the end of the night, solutions were found. I left the building feeling that real progress had been made and that things were far enough forward that, with several hours of rehearsals to come on Saturday afternoon, it would make for a great show in the evening.
Black Company – take great pride in what you achieve – I saw nothing but enthusiasm, determination, great patience when things were not quite right but out of your control, and a great willingness to help each other through exemplary teamwork, with your peers and with your leaders. But also feel privileged that you had the opportunity to work with talented people at the West Yorkshire Playhouse, one of Yorkshire’s landmarks and a symbol of professionalism. There is no harm in aspiring to be amongst them one day…
I have observed several Yew Tree events. I have always been impressed by the content and variety of individual and team performances. Fortunately I had the privilege to work with a group of professional actors a couple of years ago, and know that if you wish to succeed in the performing arts, there is no alternative to sheer hard work. But this insider view of how young people can work together to succeed using performance arts was really great to see. Keep up the good work….your families and friends have a lot to be proud of!
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