Regional Roadshow 2008, & Passports videos

The roadshow this year went to five regional venues: New College Nottingham; Blackpool & Fylde College; Kidderminster College; City College Norwich; and Thanet College. We offered first round auditions/technical interviews in two venues. The project is also being offered to a number of venues in the Thames Gateway under the auspices of Creative Way (the lifelong learning network for creative industries); and is planned to happen at Peckham Academy; Lewisham College; Brooke House VIth-form College; and other places.

The day consisted of half day workshops: a video introduction to some of the emerging trends on contemporary performance; a short workshop on interviews using the skills audit on this site; then splitting into two groups, covering either approaches to auditioning; or “30-second theatre”, and exercise in video in performance using mobile phone technology.

The regional audition/interview workshop proved a little bumpy: there were problems in keeping candidates informed, and mis-communication even within the College. Candidates were up to standard, however; and doing round-one close to home proved to be a financial benefit to poorer applicants, worth about £250 in total. Inevitably most candidates were unsuccesful, and further analysis is needed on reasons for rejection. There is also still a big problem with attracting technical/design/management students, though more succesful candidates in this area.

Perhaps the most important outcome for this event was the building of open relationships between colleges, so that dialogue can happen, improving information flow about individuals.

Videos made by students, as an exercise in “30-second theatre”. These became the backdrops for other performances. As the tour developed, it seemed that the students were making comments about their relationship with their home town. These are now sited on the Performance Passports page.