Bunbanter’s Young Scottish Theatre Groups, Carronbridge

From Philip Anderson-Dyer

Bunbanter’s Young Scottish Theatre Groups, Carronbridge.

In January 2015 The Bunbury Banter Theatre Company CIC started a theatre group in Carronbridge (Nithsdale) with the aim of bringing the young people from Sanquhar, Thornhill and surrounding areas together and to develop student’s confidence, creativity and imagination through the medium of theatre, the use of storytelling and a variety of other creative practices.

So far this has been a huge success, attracting young people from both areas and forming the beginnings of an exceptionally solid, supportive and friendly group dynamic.

The first term's work has been focused on introducing basic theatrical skills, games and exercises, encouraging group bonding in order to create an 'ensemble'. In the course of this, students have explored many things including the ideas behind storytelling (such as fairy tales and Roald Dahl) and examined the origin of the chorus in Greek Theatre. Next Term, they will be moving onto a media project during the early weeks and have visitors popping in, later on in the term, such as a professional Lighting and Sound designer, who'll be exploring the technical side of the theatre.

The Bunbury Banter Theatre Comapny's main aim as an organisation is improving the access to theatre and when forming their groups locally, it was quickly discovered that transport is a recognised issue for many people living in rural areas. So, to counteract this, Bunbanter quickly organised a private bus service to and from the class, for the students from Sanquhar Academy and also arranged to open up their venue early, to accommodate those studying at Wallace Hall Academy; so they are able to get on the public bus from Thornhill which arrives at 4pm. Money and financial constraints can also be a block to young people accessing such classes but again Bunbanter have a number of resources in place, so they can offer scholarships and assistance, should that be needed by any of their students.

In addition to the younger group, next term Bunbanter is also going to open the second group for ages between 16-25 years. More information is to be released over the Easter break but similarly to the earlier class, their artistic director, Ali Anderson-Dyer, will be using all the disciplines and practices found within the theatre to further the students both individually and as a group, exploring many different performance styles and practices, whilst developing a fun and welcoming place to make new friends and learn new skills.

The Bunbury Banter Theatre Company CIC has a successful background of running fun, enjoyable and interesting classes across London and the UK; and as with all their work, the groups in Carronbridge exist to challenge and inspire young creatives in a safe and supported environment, regardless of personal circumstance.

See the Bunbanter website here for more information

Email info@bunbanter.com or Call 01848 330493

E-Course on Bookbinding and Paper Art

From Rachel Hazell

Get Creative Online This Spring!
Sign up to PaperLove: a five-week e-course on Bookbinding and Paper Art.

PaperLove was developed by bookbinder and paper artist Rachel Hazell to enable everyone, no matter where they live, to develop their skills and creativity through the medium of paper. All that’s required is your imagination and wi-fi.

The course unfolds over five weeks and includes step-by-step instruction on the creation of over 20 paper projects using easily available resources. From origami to collage, there is plenty of opportunity to develop your own interests while being encouraged to discover new ones.

Every PaperLove course has its own private community on Facebook where you can share ideas and photographs and enjoy interacting with other course participants from around the world.

Each week has a theme: Paper, Collage, Words, Books, and Mail. Rachel provides plenty of inspiration to help you find the creative ideas and techniques to design and make your projects.

The next e-course starts on 23 March 2015. To find out more and to register to take part in the PaperLove e-course visit Rachel's website here 

Get in Focus with Ed Baxter

From Ed Baxter

Get the best out of your camera.  A one day workshop for beginners teaching you to take better photographs and use your camera to better effect. The workshop will be based in my studio in Thornhill  on March 21st .  There are only 2 places left ( max 6 )    Full details available online here   or phone 01848 330005

Youth Theatre Arts Scotland - Interchange 2015

From Carolyn Yates

Saturday 21st March 2015 - Sunday 22nd March 2015

Howden Park Centre, Howden, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6AE

For drama/theatre professionals.  Tickets are now on sale for Interchange 2015:  Scotland's only annual training conference for professionals who use drama and theatre in their work with young people. Now in its 11th year, this two day event provides a range of learning opportunities for delegates of all levels, skills and abilities. Workshop leaders include John Borstal, from Dance Exchange USA, with an introduction on Liz Lerman's Critical Response Process for giving and getting feedback on artistic work.

The costs are:

£150 Full weekend for YTAS members

£200 Full weekend for non members

£90 Saturday or Sunday only for YTAS members

£120 Saturday or Sunday only for non members

Bursaries are available.

Full details available online here

Photographic Workshops with Galloway Photographic Collective

From Roger Lever

The Galloway Photographic Collective are holding a series of workshops in February, from Landscapes to Street Photography, Storytelling and Portraits, check out their website here for full details on each workshop and how to book your place.

Bunbury Banter Young Theatre Group in Carronbridge

From Bunbury Banter Theatre 

Bunbanter’s Young Theatre Group

An award winning theatre company, Bunbury Banter, has just opened a new office in Dumfries and Galloway. The first project in this area is Bunbanter’s Young Theatre Group, aimed at the youth of Sanquhar, Thornhill and surrounding areas.

On Monday’s after school, in Carronbridge Community Hall, there will be two groups - 11 to 15’s and 16+’s. Both groups will develop their drama skills and knowledge on a weekly basis.

Bunbury Banter has a strong track record of building students confidence, skills and knowledge through drama. These new skills are incredibly useful to any career path.

Finance options and assistance available on request.

Call: 01848 330493

Email: info@bunbanter.com

More details available on their website here

Measure, Report and Reduce your carbon footprint with Creative Carbon Scotland

From Creative Carbon Scotland

Creative Carbon Scotland has now announced its training and support programme for Creative Scotland RFOs and others who are interested in measuring, reporting and reducing their carbon footprint. From April 2015 all Creative Scotland Regularly Funded Organisations will be required to report their carbon emissions for the period of April 2015 – March 2016.

To report on this period RFOs need to be ready to start measuring by 1st April 2015. To help you with this Creative Carbon Scotland is offering:
• Winter training workshops (January – March)
• NEW one-to-one meetings with our Carbon Reduction Adviser
• Email and phone support
• Access to online tools to simplify data gathering and carbon reporting

Through this support programme Creative Carbon Scotland will advise you on how best to use the information you gather to reduce your carbon footprint, save money and talk to audiences about your green work.
The key areas to gather information on will include:
• Energy and water (if you’re a venue or building)
• Waste
• Business travel, touring, artist travel

In addition to our online resources, our training programme offers one-to-one support and unique workshops. The winter workshop programme features workshops advising across the following areas:
• Venue-based organisations
• Office-based organisations
• Travel
• Touring
• Environmental Policies

More information can be found on our new updated Training page. Sign up today!

Margaret Morris Movement Scotland Dance Residential

From Sara Lockwood 

More about the Margaret Morris Movement online here

Culture Republic: Facebook Advertising and building Audience Engagement Workshops

From Culture Republic

Facebook Advertising Workshop

27 November 2014
Glasgow Sculpture Studios
£85 (Culture Republic Partners) or £150 (non Partners)

Trainers from Culture Republic and Alienation Digital will work hands-on with participants to demonstrate how to use the tools that Facebook provides to make the most of your current contacts; connect more effectively with the people who already like your page, and find new audiences.

EXPECT TO LEARN 

• How to plan and deliver a Facebook ad campaign;
• How to use the custom audiences and lookalike audiences features;
• Which Facebook ad type is most suitable – page promotion or promoted post.

Register online here

Wider & Deeper - building audience engagement

17 November 2014
Dovecot, Edinburgh
FREE

Photo The Audience is Shaking by Martin Fisch via a CC license

Culture Republic has teamed up with Anne Torreggiani, Chief Executive of Culture Republic’s sister organisation The Audience Agency (England), to bring you the latest developments in audience research from across the UK.

You'll get: 

• Ideas on how to invest your time most effectively in reaching new audiences;
• Ways to access intelligence, segment your audience and target your communications more effectively;
• Ideas for more effective data gathering and research;
• Links to a wider network of peers and specialist support.

register online here

The Dream Manifesto - Swallow Theatre Summer School

From Carolyn Yates

The Swallow Theatre

SUMMER SCHOOL

From August 4 to 8 inclusive, 10am to 4pm each day.

Age range: 9 plus               
Cost £10 for the week.

VENUE: The County Buildings, Wigtown

The Dream Manifesto

This summer, the world will change…

The adults are gone, and they’re not coming back. It’s time for a new world order – the young people are in charge. You have been specially selected to join a committee that will craft a new future for our world. You are the politicians, the workers, the journalists, the lawyers, the judges… You have the power to re-design the world. What will you do? Dream big; the future is in your hands.

Join us for one week this summer to create an original piece of theatre with director Victoria Beesley. You will use drama and movement techniques to devise a theatre show that will be performed to an audience at the end of the week. We hope you can be part of creating The Dream Manifesto.

Victoria Beesley is a director and performer based in Glasgow. She is Artistic Director of Terra Incognita Arts, an organisation that specialises in creating documentary theatre and community arts projects. She has also worked with a range of Scottish-based companies most recently including Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Toonspeak Young People’s Theatre and Stellar Quines Theatre Company.

WEAR COMFY WORKSHOP CLOTHES

BRING A PACKED LUNCH, £10 and your form signed by a parent or guardian.

See you there!

To apply contact Carolyn Yates, Literature Development, Dumfries and Galloway

Wigtown Festival Company, County Buildings, Wigtown, DG8 9JH

E Mail: carolyn@literaturedevelopment.org

Phone: 01988 402036                    
Mobile: 07773797495

The Art of Movement life drawing workshop

From Katherine Wheeler

There are still a few spaces left on this workshop, so get yourself booked in!

Creative Carbon Scotland Workshops

Carbon measurement, reporting and reduction training

29^th May:  11.30am/2.30pm Gracefield Arts Centre, 28 Edinburgh Rd Dumfries DG1 1JQ

 

We still have places for our FREE workshops in your local area to help you play your part in this and to help you reduce costs in time, money, energy use and carbon emissions.

You can sign up here for a workshop near you

Over 100 arts organisations have already taken part in our successful training programme and we are repeating the workshops for newcomers, for a refresh or if you have had a change of staff. We are also able to provide one-to-one, phone and email support.

The Creative Scotland environmental connecting theme

Creative Scotland is taking significant steps to deliver its responsibilities under the Climate Change Act 2009. The new funding stream announced recently requires all applicants to demonstrate how they will contribute to the Connecting Theme of Environment, Creative Scotland announced in November that from 2014/15 anyone receiving funding will be asked to report their carbon emissions as part of the end of year reporting process.

Green Arts Initiative 
We’ll also be signing up members to the Green Arts Initiative, which is an easy-entry accreditation scheme allowing you to tell your audiences, funders and stakeholders that you are working on your environmental sustainability.

Scottish Youth Theatre deadline

A wee reminder that applications for Scottish Youth Theatre's Summer Festival close next Friday the 11th of April. (more details on the commonty here)

Scottish Youth Theatre...their Summer Festival in DUMFRIES!!

Scottish Youth Theatre is Scotland’s national theatre ‘for & by’ young people. Now in its 38^th year the company is still committed to offering young people creative ways to build confidence and self esteem through the highest quality of arts experiences.

In July – August 2014 Scottish Youth Theatre is relocating its flagship event, Summer Festival, to Dumfries. Through discussions with Electric Theatre Workshop and the Holywood Trust and the evident buzz and excitement of the arts scene, it is with great excitement that the company is coming to Dumfries.

Summer Festival

Summer Festival is a number of intensive performance and production courses offering young people aged 8-25 a professional theatre experience.

Dumfries and Galloway will host 5 courses in total. 4 of which form the cast and crew for a brand new adaptation of ‘Peter Pan’ by Mary McCluskey for young people aged 14-25 and the other will be a devising opportunity for young people aged 12-15 (possibly in Annan).

These intensive courses are offered out to young people from across Scotland who wish to build their performance skills, meet new people and experience a professional process in making theatre.

Places are offered from auditions. These auditions ensure that young people are being offered the course best suited to their skills, talents and abilities. Scottish Youth Theatre will hold auditions in Dumfries for those from the local area.

All participants are encouraged to fundraise, Scottish Youth Theatre will offer advice on these fundraising activities by providing each applicant with a fundraising pack. Scottish Youth Theatre is a registered charity and a not for profit organisation.

Roadshow - recruitment

Scottish Youth Theatre can offer free drama workshops to your school or youth group. To book a Roadshow workshop please contact Joanne Marr, Access & Outreach Officer on joanne@scottishyouththeatre.org or 0141 552 3988. Scottish Youth Theatre will deliver the workshop then discuss the opportunity with your young people.

What can you do to support?

Ø  Book a Roadshow workshop.

Ø  Encourage young people you feel may benefit from these unique and challenging performance courses.

Ø  Encourage and/or assist young people to fundraise for this opportunity.

Ø  Spread the word – let others in and around the Dumfries and Galloway region know that Summer Festival is coming.

Ø  Come and see – come and see the final production which promises to be a highly entertaining and engaging version of ‘Peter Pan’ in the town where the story was originally conceived.

Summer Festival 2013's production

Course Information 

Performance and Production Learning Programme – SCQF Level 7 with 29 credit points

Ages 16-25

3 July – 14 August 2014

£1000

Residential option available

Over 6 weeks, candidates will experience masterclasses in voice, movement, rehearsal and performance processes and character development.

Performance and Production Course

Ages 16-25

7 July – 9 August 2014

£750

Residential option available

An intensive 5-week course. Working with a professional director, designer, choreographer and musical director in a fully technically supported run of performances.

Technical Theatre Course

Ages 14-25 

7 July – 9 August 2014

£750

Residential option available

Working with the large professional technical and stage management team participants will have sessions in all aspects of technical theatre and stage management. 

Intermediate Ensemble Course

Ages 14-18

21 July – 9 August 2014

£450

Residential optional available

Working alongside the Performance and Production Course and Learning Programme participants, the Intermediate Ensemble participants will form the chorus in a full scale touring musical theatre production.

Additional Course

Foundation Courses

Ages 12-15

Dates & Venue TBC

£300

A fun introduction to the world of drama and performance, ideal for young people who want to further their skills and knowledge.

Summer Festival 2013 Nows the Hour Production

Roadshow Workshop Options

The Power of the Ensemble (2hr) S1+

Exploring and developing skills and techniques for ensemble performance, the young people will develop and present their own piece of theatre using specially commissioned texts from Scottish Youth Theatre and incorporating movement and voice. This is a chance to experience the exciting potential for performing as an ensemble.

Independence? (2hr) S1+

Engage in the debate of Scottish independence and explore the question, ‘what does Scotland mean to you?’ Participants will identify their aspirations, fears, questions and views on a vote that will create this country’s future providing opportunities for deepening understanding of culture in Scotland and what the independence referendum means for young people today.

Page to Stage (2hr) S1+

Creatively explore staging, characterisation and direction using tried and tested theatre techniques to gain a fuller understanding of a text and its relevance to young people today.

Intro to Devising Theatre (2hr) S1+

Games, exercises, improvisation and devising; participants can learn and experience drama skills within a fun, relaxed and creative environment. Focus is on building group work skills and developing confidence while enhancing learning. 

For more info, head to the Scottish Youth Theatre website

Life Model Needed

Life model needed for Life Painting Workshop on November 2nd at the Catstrand in New Galloway
4 hours modelling @ £12 per hour, 10.30 til 2.30

Portrait Study - Katharine Wheeler

Please contact Katharine Wheeler by email kat@katharinewheeler.com for more details.
Places may still be available for participation as well, for information please contact the Catstrand directly on 01644 420374

Embodied Theatre - Funded Training Opportunity

Watercolour Workshop

There are 2 places left on Victor Henderson's One Day Watercolour workshop in Ringford Hall on Saturday 21st September at a cost of £35! If you would like to grab one - please call Margaret S Milligan, Kirkcudbright Drawing Group on 07845306818 or email msm.art@btinternet.com

Work by Victor Henderson

Life Drawing in Ringford

Been meaning to get into life drawing? 

Kirkcudbright Life Drawing Group have spaces left in their one day untutored workshop being held in Ringford Village Hall on Saturday 20th July 10-4pm cost £25. Please email Margaret S Milligan msm.art@btinternet.com or telephone 07845306818 and 01557 331313

Preparing for Freelance Work with Young People in the Arts

This new, two-day introductory course provides a toolkit of resources and information to help you prepare for work as a successful freelance practitioner with young people in the arts

4th & 5th July 2013, 10 am - 4.15 pm, Cornerhouse, Manchester
Special Introductory Fee: £100 per person

This new, two-day introductory course provides a toolkit of resources and information to help you prepare for work as a successful freelance practitioner with young people in the arts.

It examines key areas of current legislation that impact on working as a freelance practitioner with children and young people - including insurance, child protect and health and safety. This course will provide project management tools in marketing, partnership working and evaluation and will signpost to areas of good practice; providing examples of how you can make yourself attractive to prospective partners, funders and commissioning organisations.

This course was developed by Lesley Wood. Lesley has a vast experience as a freelance trainer for Artswork as well as working across the education, arts and cultural sector as a successful freelance practitioner, project manager and consultant.

This course is being offered at an introductory rate of £100 per person (fees usually range from £220-£300.) This fee includes certification, refreshments and lunch on both course days. Places are limited so early booking is advised. 

To book a place on this course please contact Rachel, Manager, Learning and Skills, via: 02380 332491 / rachel@artswork.org.uk

Cultural Planning - the new rock 'n' roll

The University of the West of Scotland are running their excellent Cultural Planning course again:

 
This short course provides an introduction to the background and concepts of cultural planning, drawing on a range of sectors such as culture, housing, planning, social work, health and education.
Aimed at professionals working in the above areas, the course will be of interest to those who wish to understand the background, concepts and approaches to cultural planning and those seeking to develop partnerships and collaborators from across a range of areas to finance new initiatives and developments.
Upon completion of this short course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the concepts of cultural planning and be able to identify practical models of Cultural Planning
• Identify a range of growth areas in the Creative Economy
• Understand a range of finance models that would be needed to enable a cultural planning approach
• Critically evaluate an opportunity or business plan that would lend itself to a cultural planning approach

More info - here