Theatreworks Info

TheatreWorks is looking for new writing for performance to be part of a showcase and development event to be held in the Salberg Studio in the Salisbury Playhouse on 21st May 2009.

They welcome submissions from first time, emerging and experienced writers. It is the potential of the extract and of you as a writer that they are looking for.

Submissions must be:

• From writers living or working in the South West
• From writers able to attend the Dialogue event
• Between 10 and 20 minutes long
• Require no more than 4 actors to be performed
• Typed in a clear and easy to read format with two copies posted to TheatreWorks
• Sent without the writer’s name on the script. Only the application form should have the writer’s name and the title of the script together
• Received by TheatreWorks no later than 5pm on Monday 20th April
• Interesting and engaging, showing promise, skill and imagination

Due to the number of submissions they are expecting, written feedback cannot be given and submissions cannot be returned.

Experienced script readers will select 3 or 4 pieces from all the submissions. A professional director and actors will then rehearse and perform them script-in-hand in the Salberg Studio on the 21st May 2009.

On the night, all writers will receive feedback from the audience and a panel of professional judges. Informed by the feedback the panel will choose one writer to receive individually tailored support to develop the script and their skills.

The chosen writer’s developed piece will then be rehearsed and performed at the Script Factory at the Ustinov Theatre, Bath, on 14th Jan 2010.

This is your opportunity to explore ideas, give new characters a run out, and win the chance for real professional development. So get writing, and they’ll see you at the Salberg Studio on Thursday 21st May.

By submitting your application to Dialogue, TheatreWorks is given permission to use this information to promote its aims and celebrate artistic excellence. This in no way affects copyright of the work.

For more information see www.theatreworks.org.uk. If you have further questions or would like to talk through ideas, call TheatreWorks on 01793 509048 or email mike@theatreworks.org.uk.

Link: Robbie Wheel-liams pops into Old Town

Now I know I'm a bit late with this bit of news, but my Red Planet contact isn't that gossip efficient! I also know that this post isn't at all theatre or arts related, but I'm posting it for 3 reasons.

Firstly, it's very exciting that Robbie has been spotted in my local bike shop... because he used to be in Take That! That's a big deal. People know him.

Secondly, as I said, Red Planet is my local bike shop and I'm spreading the love. They've enjoyed much widespread publicity about this, even as far as having their picture on the front page of a Malaysian newspaper, but a little more can't help! They are very lovely people :o)

Thirdly, how cool is this picture. And 'Robbie Wheel-liums'? Genius.

Look to the Stars

Look to the Stars is a great site that I've had my eye on for a while, but I thought I'd highlight it as they've just launched a very swish new look.... look, isn't it swish?

Look to the Stars is the web's number one source of celebrity charity news and information, covering what the top stars are doing to make a positive difference in the world. The site includes exclusive interviews and a database where fans can learn about their favorite stars' good deeds. They hope to help charities by inspiring their celebrity supporters' and fans to follow their heroes' example.

So, if you fancy Brad Pitt, or enjoyed Scarlett Johansson's last movie, then why not look them up on Look to the Stars and see if they're spreading their wealth and fortune to those less fortunate. Better still, you can also follow links to read up on specific organisations such as Amnesty International or Make Poverty History.

I'm sure if you're a fan of someone who is not listed, or have seen a charity event that LTTS might be interested in, then they'd love to hear from you.

The reopening of Bristol's Old Vic

National Youth Theatre Auditions

"We are pleased to announce that applications for our 2009 season are now open.

If you are interested in applying to join us as an actor, or to join one of our technical departments then please click below and follow the links.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Please note: you must be between 13 - 21 to apply for an acting audition, and between 16 - 21 to apply for a technical interview."

The Longest Day: Could a class of college students survive without iPods, cellphones, computers and TV from one sunrise to the next?

Another student apparently did not see the irony in this statement: "I felt like I would be wasting my time doing the project. I did not want to give up my daily schedule, which mainly includes lying on my couch, watching television and playing The Sims2 -- a [life simulator] computer game."

Interestingly, reading this article made me think of a recent conversation we had with some friends who have younger children. They've recently introduced 'Free Play' for their son and daughter (5 & 8). Free Play is basically when their kids can play as much as they like, but they cannot use the laptop, TV, DVD's, xbox, DS's etc. They apparently didn't like the concept and so their parents had to apply some distraction techniques to get them interested! It just shows how reliant children these days can be on technology to have fun. Contrastingly, at the weekend one of the family gerbils was killed tragically in a confrontation with the neighbour's cat. When our friends came down the next morning, son & daughter were sat at the kitchen table drawing and writing poems in memory of their beloved Batman.

Various Bits & Pieces Today

So, the first thing that's been going on today is that we have Kaya Drums in with the music department. Alex in in for 2 days, so I shall pop across tomorrow and take some photos. Unfortunately I'll have to use my little point and shoot as the SLR is still incapacitated at home. Why won't this rose die? It's from a £3 Asda bunch and it just seems to keep on growing! In the mean time, here's a video clip of the Kaya boys doing their thing last year:

Also today, I've been modifying our mailing list and have added the recently found contacts of Frequency and The Ocelot... two free art & culture magazines distributed in the Wiltshire area. Hopefully they'll be able to add our events to their listings and help spread the word!

I've been trying to fix the RSS button on the top left of this page as well today. As I only started this blog on the first day of National Blog Posting Month I'm still tweaking it's function and appearance. I can now add the RSS feed via IE but not My Yahoo. If you have any suggestions, or are having a problem adding me to your RSS list (or not) please let me know! RSS is a little problem that has also arisen on the school site and so I'm still trying to sort that too. Sometimes all this technology can give me a bit of a headache... especially when I mostly have to teach myself. I am a firm believer in the Help button!

So, today has been a bit bitty. To add to the list I've been booked into film a local primary school's nativity play, which is always good fun, and have been requested to design and sales poster and CD cover for a French accents program. You've gotta love the variety!

For your evening enjoyment, watch this awesome groovy dancing girl, (I'm going to have to have a word with Rachel, our professional dance teacher, to see if she coach me.) (video first seen thanks to Electrolicious) and also make sure you check out the sounds of Mutlu, gratefully bought to my attention by Pete.