NODA weekend...

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I have to admit on Friday night I was a little concerned, it had been a long day at the end of a long week at the end of a long half term and the Saturday ahead of me promised to be quite the challenge.

What was the challenge?  A Sleeping Beauty rehearsal where I needed to get to the end of the script with a half term level of absence and a three hour physical theatre workshop which at the start was also going to include a significant amount of younger actors from West Yorkshire Theatre Dance…all under the observant eye of people who had travelled up to 350 miles to watch them. So no pressure then...

The concern had turned into resigned trepidation by Saturday morning however predictably there was, in the end, no need for either as the day turned out to be a rather joyful thing indeed…to itemise all the good things that happened would mean writing a book rather than a blog so instead I shall feature a number of highlights…

Highlight number 1: Seeing the NODA directors again…so impressed that they made it, travelled so far, made so much effort…such a generous thing to do with their time…and what’s more I so enjoyed their company once they were here…the only downside is that there wasn’t more time.

Highlight number 2: The amount of YTYT members who attended the extra workshop and not only attended but dedicated in many cases 6 hours of their energy, creativity and stamina…coupled with this the inclusivity shown in the way people worked together regardless of whether they normally attend the same groups…outstanding really

Highlight number 3:  Being able to have a session that wasn’t about realising script as in the run up to the Christmas Shows thats pretty much our main concern…the joy of working with a blank slate with no ultimate goal in sight was a pleasure

Highlight number 4:  The atmosphere of the bonus workshop, such warmth, such lack of ego, such ensembleness…and then topped off by the final discussions when I couldn’t help but feel more than proud of the sensitive, eloquent people I get to spend so much of my time with…

So thank you all that came from near and far, another lovely Yew Tree day, week, half term…and as I sign off on that I sign into Halloween at Nostell…5 characters to create…not a bad creative challenge for a Sunday…

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