Week 8

This week was all about polishing and finishing before next week as it is our show week. We worked on our scene, but we only looked at polishing up our scene. We decided to cut some bits, as they either didn't look right or we didn't have enough time to block them, for example, at the end where the directions say that we use items of clothing, to protect ourselves from contact with Anne. For example,
Wednesday: We ran epilogue and prologue
creative ideas: Me and Alicia discussed the idea of a soundtrack that could be put together to be used for the epilogue or the prologue. If we had more time we could have used all the different pieces of music from the scenes, like say take the beginning piece of all the scenes, like 5 seconds or so, to give it the echo effect, and then have a few important lines from the scene, played over the top, as we entered the wardrobe.

We were asked to pin point some feelings/thoughts that out characters would feel in specific parts of the play. For my character..

-Feels light heartened and playful during the beginning of the scene.

-Embarrassed when the other girl think she has the plague.

- Feels a bit awkward at first but she really just wants the girls to forget about it and move along hence "Well go on then, finish your audition speech, it was quite good".

-Feels as if she needs to be strong and courageous when Anne gets plague.

-Feels proud/emotional and knows that she would probably die/catch the plague.

-She knows that Anne would help her, if she was in that situation instead, and knows it's the right thing to do.

Wardrobe Essay

The Wardrobe Essay:

The scene of Anne, Sarah and Mary, was set in the time of when The Great plague of London was at its height. The Plague impacted many lives and left many people dead, infected or without loved ones. The diseased was easily spread due to the breeding of rats after London had experience a very hot summer of which fleas carried around on other vermin and stray animals within the cities. Many people lived in poverty and small tight houses and therefore the disease was easily given round. Sources say that the rats first came from ships that have come over from France.

The popular nursery rhyme, describes the symptoms of the plague:

"Ring-a-ring of roses,

A pocketful of posies,

Attischo, Attischo,

We all fall down."

-found form historylearningsite.co.uk

The Plague had been around for centuries but in 1665 the so called Great Plague hit the country.  Stuart of London took the worst hit of the plague and the plague never really got under control until the Great Fire of London in 1666, wiped out most areas of the Plague. So the living conditions in London were like one big bin during this scene. The three girls were quite lucky to be more disclosed from the drama, as they were ladies maids in a big well-kept house. The chances of getting the plague were somewhat shorter than others who were living in poverty. The house owners 'the Barwicke Family’ had evacuated to Oxfordshire, during the outbreak of the plague and the girls have been left in a somewhat empty house under the keeping of servants.

King Charles the 2nd was on the thrown and baroque music was the fashion. The attire for woman included the wide, high-waisted look of the previous period was gradually superseded by a long vertical line, with horizontal emphasis at the shoulder. Full, loose sleeves ended just below the elbow at mid-century and became longer and tighter in keeping with the new trend. The body was tightly corseted, with a low, broad neckline and dropped shoulder. The attire for Ladies maids however was somewhat downgraded to latchet shoes or mules, with a cap, linen or lappet, and corset.

Dramatic event:

Juxtaposition, is used within our scene, as the three girls are making light of what is a very serious time. This is shown by Sarah and Mary joking around and being sarcastic with Mary in a light hearted way. The two girls mimic Anne’s actions and words, making the scene comforting and almost sweet to the audience. This sets a calmer atmosphere, so the audience gets the sudden change of atmosphere when the pre dramatic event happens. This is when Sarah coughs repeatedly between Anne’s speech, the third time coughing blood, which the other two girls take as an alert and immediately check for signs of the plague. This change in atmosphere is the build up to the dramatic event where Anne, suddenly collapses and the audience then realise that Anne is the one with the plague.

Characters:

Sarah: I play Sarah in this scene, and she gives the vibe of a bit of a mickey taker, someone that is light at heart and likes to joke around. Although she is still afraid of the consequences of the plague she still puts her friendship with Anne first when she realizes she has the plague. Sarah is good. She may come off as a bit sarcastic to the audience, but I believe she does this to hide her insecurities.

Anne: Anne, is a dreamer, throughout the scene she expresses her longing to be an actress, as the girls repeatedly mock her. Despite being a dreamer she knows the reality of which she has the plague. I think she uses the dream to help her to hide the reality of what will actually happen. I also think as the girls go along with it during the scene, this helps her to forget the realities of life for a second, and enjoys the fantasy.

Mary: Mary is someone that goes along with the flow, I believe she likes a good laugh but she can also be someone to recognize a more serious situation more quickly than Sarah. I feel like Mary is a bit in awe of Anne because a few times she seems more drawn in than Sarah, as Sarah is a little bit more reluctant.

The scene’s objective at first is to bunk off from doing their daily chores. Anne finds the wardrobe first to rehearse her audition piece, and Sarah and Mary are having a great time trying on the mistresses’ dresses pretending to be elegant ladies. Sarah and Mary decided to follow Anne into the wardrobe as an opportunity to have a good laugh, as in the scene they find it hysterically funny that Anne is being so ambitious. Anne, takes it on the chin and doesn't seem to really care about what the other girls say.  Together all the girls mention ‘Red-Faced Ramsey’ which is written in the script and could be a reference to a boss, and this is why we got the impression that they are bunking off from their chores.

The text is written, what seems normal when you read it, but it’s when you actually start to block it and lay it out that you start to see the emotions and situations that are hidden between the lines. This doesn't really start to become obvious until the pre scene event when Sarah is searched by the other girls, because they fear that she might have the plague after she coughs up blood. During this event, Sarah repeatedly says “Coughing, is not even a symptom”. “It’s just a cough, it’s just a cough”. Though it makes me think that if she didn't have the plague what did she have? Coughing up blood could be the sign of lung cancer, or it could be less serious and could just be a chest infection. Either way this is an example of something that is hidden between the lines of the story. 

We used a Brechtian moment when blocking the moment where I say I don't have the plague, as I make it completely obvious and I am telling the audience that I don't have the plague. 

Business

HIRE SEVICES                                                    

National Theatre Prop and Costume Hire

WHAT DO THEY DO?

National Theatre prop and costume hire department offers thousands of beautifully crafted costumes, furniture, props, armour and swords from past National Theatre productions. The majority of their collection is made in the National’s renowned workshops, which makes each piece unique and of the highest quality.

WHAT ARE THEIR AIMS?

They aim to help create an authentic image for performers/theatre companies on stage with their props and costumes ‘We offer our services for TV, film and theatre productions, to photographers wanting to re-create and authentic image, act as an extensive resource for schools and colleges, amateur societies and just for fun when planning fabulous fancy dress costumes.’

WHAT SERVICES DO THEY PROVIDE?

·         They regularly supply schools and colleges with items of props and costumes for their productions.

·         Teachers and designers will find stock accessible and well categorised for easy selection.

·         Assistance if necessary whilst picking ensemble.

·         They have a highly-skilled makers which are experts at creating fantastical props that are not quite what they seem.

BENEFITS

·         There hire fees are very competitive, offering educational discounts and a sliding scale for longer hires.

·         It is easy to get there and they have a customer parking bays and are situated only two minutes from the Oval tube station.

·         The Costume and Prop Hire stores are located on ground floor level, so easy access if needed.

·         They have free customer parking

·         Only 2 minute walk from the tube station so it’s easy to travel there.

LINKS TO OTHER ORGANISATIONS

Travelex- The national Theatre’s partnership with Travelex means that almost half the seats for a range of new productions are £12. (They are sponsored by them)

Why I have the National Theatre Prop and Costume hire?

                                                                                                              

They offer a whole variety and range of props and costumes so the theatre could just get all the props and costume from this one place, also it is easy to get to as it is near to central London and it is only a two minute walk from the tube station and it’s on the Northern Line. The prices seems responsible to compared to other hire companies.

WHICH MEMBER OF STAFF FROM YOUR COMPANY STRUCTURE WOULD NORMALLY LIAISE WITH THIS COMPANY/ ORGANISATION?

I feel that the staff that would be in contact with the costume and prop hire would be set designers and costume designers because they will inform what props and want and they are in charge of set design and costume.

FLINT HIRE & SUPPLY LTD

WHAT DO THEY DO?

Flints are the major retailer of theatrical goods in the UK. They sell theatre hardware and paints to Stage Managers, Production Managers, Workshop Managers, Scenic Artists, Engineers, Carpenters, Painters and Prop makers.

WHAT ARE THEIR AIMS?

Flints are the major retailer of theatrical goods in the UK. Our buying power allows us to pass on excellent value to our customers and our unrivalled experience ensures that the products we stock are perfectly suited to the industry.

SERVICES of FLINT HIRE & SUPPLY LTD?

·         Scenic Ironmongery & Rigging

·         Painters & Props

·         Tools, Safety and Access

·         Tools and Craft/Materials to build a set.

BENEFITS of Flint Hire and Supply LTD?

·         The shipping costs its worked out automatically

·         Good guarantee if goods are not in good condition they will exchange or return the money back.

·         They back order if your item is not in stock so you get it as soon as possible.

·         On street parking

·         Lots of public transport and bus routes to the hire shop

LINKS TO OTHER ORGANISATIONS?

They are linked to the Marine industry ‘Much of the equipment is used in theatres such as ropes and pulleys, are sourced from the marine industry.’ They also sell these companies products- ‘Epifanes products and Jenny Brushes and rollers. We are authorised distributors of Festoll Power Tools, SATA spray equipment and Purdy Brushes plus we stock Liros Rope and Barton Pulleys. Flints are also a major supplier of Froth Pak spray applied polyurethane foam.

WHY DID I CHOOSE THEM?

They have lots of tools and equipment to buy to build set and for safety purposes, this could be cheaper than getting someone to make set or buy props in. They are also located in London so it’s a central area to go to.

WHICH MEMBER OF STAFF FROM YOUR COMPANY STRUCTURE WOULD NORMALLY LIAISE WITH THIS COMPANY/ ORGANISATION? I feel like stage managers, and set designers would be in contact with this hire company as they have got a lot of tools to do with safety so that would be the stage managers jobs but then they have creative stuff like paints and materials to create a set and that is to do with the set designer.

KEELEY HIRE

WHAT DO THEY DO?

Keeley hire provides props for movies, TV series, Stage productions, School Plays, Events, Weddings, Parties and Shop displays.

AIMS?

They aim to be the best prop providers in the uk providing for many events and well known associates. ‘Major property suppliers for over 40 years to the Film, Television, Theatre and Theme Event industry. Founded in the late 1830’s.

SERVICES?

·         Create and sell props for the arts industry and events

·         ships worldwide

·         They can recommend props for what you want to do.

BENEFITS of Keeley Hire?

·         Categorised themes so it’s easy to find what prop you want

·         Search bar so you can enter a keyword to find the props quicker

·         Online chat so you can enter a keyword to find the props quicker

·         Online chat so you can chat with a representative from Keeley Hire to see if the prop you need is in stock and to ask any other questions you need to be answered.

·         Props can be sent to any destination even out of the uk.

·         Provided for a lot of companies so you know they are reliable from their portfolio and feedback.

LINKS OF OTHER ORGANISATIONS?

Keeley Hire are not linked to any other organisations

WHY CHOOSE THEM?

Keeley hire offer a wide variety of props so its easy ti select what you want and the props are easily found due to the themes so you don’t need to waste time looking through all the props. Also I think it is handy how they have the live chat so if I needed any advice I can easily contact them.

The staff that would be in contact with Keeley hire would be stage management and set designer because set designer decides prop but they also need to cooperate with stage management about placing of the props and design.

WHICH IS THE BEST COMPANY?

I think the best choice of Hire Company, for a small scale company is The National Theatre Prop and Costume Hire because it has both props and costumes in one place suits easier to get them both from one company. Also I feel that the prices were cheaper there than the other hire companies. It’s also very central like the others but it was closer to a tubes station so it is easier to get there. Even though Keeley hire has a wide portfolio and has worked with well-known companies I also felt that the National Theatre was well known and is known to be extremely reliable. I liked the Flint Hire company but I felt they were more based around creating and making your own props and set instead of buying props that are set up and ready made so it’s easier and quicker therefore I think that the best hire company in my opinion is National Theatre Prop and Costume Hire.

UNIONS

EQUITY

WHAT DOES EQUITY DO?

Equity is the UK trade union for professional performers and creative practitioners. As a leading industry organisation, Equity is known and respected nationally and internationally for the work they do with, and on behalf of, their members working across all areas of the entertainment industry. Equity is the only UK Trade Union to represent artists from across the entire spectrum of arts and entertainment. Formed in 1930 by a group of West End of London performers, Equity quickly spread to encompass the whole range of professional entertainment.

WHAT ARE EQUITY’S AIMS?

Equity members form a cultural community that is of major importance to the UK in artistic, social and economic terms and Equity works to support them by negotiating their terms and conditions including fee structures with all kinds of employers and employer’s groups. Our 5,000 Student Members are also able to access information and advice to help prepare them for work in the industry.

The central activity of Equity is to negotiate minimum terms and conditions of employment throughout the entire world of entertainment and to endeavour to ensure these take account of social, economic and technological changes. We look to the future by negotiating employment agreements that embrace new and emerging technologies so satellite, digital television, new media, mobisodes, internet only productions, podcasting  and so on are all covered, as are the more traditional areas.

SERVICES OF EQUITY?

Today our membership includes actors, singers, dancers, choreographers, stage managers, theatre directors and designers, variety and circus artists, television and radio presenters, walk-on and supporting artists, models, stunt performers and directors and theatre fight directors.

Equity provides a wide range of services for members and so with Equity membership comes a host of benefits which are continually being revised and developed.

Benefits and Services:

·         The Equity website is a resource for all of those involved with the entertainments industry.

·         Minimum terms and conditions across the entertainment industry and guidelines for work in areas where there are no representative bodies.

·         Being a member makes a positive statement about your commitment to your vocation and your place in the industry.

·         Your Equity card is a universally recognised symbol of your status as a professional.

·         We represent members individually or collectively in disputes with employers.

·         They advise members and/or their agents whether it be about contracts and conditions for working in the UK or overseas or areas of the business that are new to you. Your local Equity branch can also be of help in some matters.

·         Successful national and international lobbying of employers, governments and other bodies on a wide range of issues that affect you and the industry.

·         Each year Equity distributes hundreds of thousands of pounds in payments for use of members’ work in television and film re-runs, sales of DVDs, videos and audio recordings, e.g. cast albums.

·         Equity provides an equity bullying line, if you are being bullied at work you can contact this line.

LINKS TO OTHER ORGANISATIONS?

·         BABMAN

·         Amnesty

·         British Copyright Council

·         BECS

·         BPI

·         CDT

·         CC skills

·         Co-operative Personal Management Association

STAFF

The union has a team of full-time staff in offices across the UK who have a wealth of experience and expertise when it comes to advice and representation. They are able to deal with the issues raised by members working in all areas of the industry whether it be a major feature film, a theatre in education show, radio voice overs, a circus act or any other live or recorded work.

WHY I CHOOSE EQUITY?

Equity seems like a professional well run and equipped union with easy access to information that could guide me to what services I require for my small scale company.

TMA

WHAT DO THEY DO?

‘UK Theatre is the UK’s leading membership organisation for theatre and the performing arts’. They offer about 5 types of different memberships.

WHAT ARE THEIR AIMS?

‘UK Theatre provides fantastic networking opportunities for performing arts professionals across the UK, hosting regional meetings as well as national events.’ A key aim for TMA is development.

WHAT SERVICES DO THEY PROVIDE?

TMA provide services from fantastic networking opportunities for performing arts professionals in the U.K, to courses that allow professionals in the industry to develop their skills.

·         Other services?

·         One to One legal advice

·         Software, database and system development

·         Licencing

·         Insurance facility

·         Employment opportunities

·         Family Arts Campaign

·         Technology ran services

·         Rates of pay

·         Contact services

Benefits

·         TMA run the only professional award scheme that recognizes in excellence.

·         Networking opportunities

·         Monitoring scheme

·         UK Theatre Magazine 

·         Regional meetings

·         A range of tailored packages to suit needs of member

LINKS TO OTHER ORGANISATIONS?

TMA, has a magazine which advertises other organisations that will be of interest to professionals in the business. Other than that I cannot find any other links.

WHY HAVE I CHOSEN TMA?

TMA is a helpful guide, and I would find it easy and useful to work out the finances by using the rates of pay sections in order to work out the financial costs to put on my small scale production. I think the union provides helpful services and benefits and could benefit my production.

WHICH MEMBER OF STAFF FROM YOUR COMPANY STRUCTURE WOULD NORMALLY LIAISE WITH THIS COMPANY/ ORGANISATION?

I think the Director, Actors and Stage managers would liaise with this organisation. The rates of pay could benefit all of the listed staff, and the stage managers and directors could benefit from the provided insurance.

BECTU

WHAT DO THEY DO?

‘The union represents staff, contract and freelance workers who are based primarily in the United Kingdom.’

WHAT ARE THEIR AIMS?

They aim to provide services to benefit their members.

WHAT SERVICES DO THEY PROVIDE?

·         Benevolent Fund which provides the possibility of grants to members in financial difficulty.

·         See sections on Pensions and Tax and National Insurance.

·         Insurance services

·         Job finding services

·         Public liability service

·         Legal services

·         Pensions

·         Press passes

·         Tax and national insurance

BENEFITS

·         BFI Membership (saving £5)

·         Collecting Societies

·         Copyright

·         Death Benefit

·         Financial Services

·         Hearing Healthcare

·         Insurance Services

·         Job Finding Services

·         Legal Services

·         Pensions

·         Press Passes

·         Script Registration Service

·         Tax and National Insurance

LINKS TO OTHER ORGANISATIONS?

·         Union Network International- UNI has more than 900 affiliated unions around the world.

·         General Federation of Trade Unions- GFTU is the UK federation for specialist unions.

·         Federation of Entertainment Unions- The FEU grouping consists of seven UK unions:

·         BECTU

·         Equity(representing actors)

·         Musicians Union

·         NUJ(National Union of Journalists)

·         Professional Footballers Association

·         Unite Amicus Section

·         Writers Guild of Great Britain

·         Labour Party - The political party which forms the current UK opposition.]

·         Young Members forum

·         Creative Tool Kit

·          

WHY HAVE I CHOSEN BECTU?

BECTU, is a very well ran and up to date resource centre, where I could easily find what I am looking for. It seems to be very large centred and offers a wide variety of services and benefits that I would look for, within my company. I like how I could get one to one help if I needed it.

WHICH MEMBER OF STAFF FROM YOUR COMPANY STRUCTURE WOULD NORMALLY LIAISE WITH THIS COMPANY/ ORGANISATION?

I think all members could benefit from this and or liaise with this company. Stage managers could easily find insurance tailored to fit their needs, although the actors would probably find this website a lot more useful because the services are mostly aimed at members.

WHICH IS THE BEST COMPANY?

I think that personally I would use Equity as it is more advanced than TMA but simpler than BECTU. I find Equity more appropriate for the size of the company and it seems to be easy to use, therefore it will be more convenient and less time consuming. Although the rates of pay section on the TMA website comes in handy I think Equity is the most trusted one to use.

VENUES

SPRING ARTS CENTRE HAVANT

WHAT DO THEY DO?

They provide a venue for small scale shows, cinema, movies, and music, visual arts programme theatre and a range of workshops for all ages. They also have a museum, café and shop.

WHAT ARE THEIR AIMS?

‘To provide quality entertainment, exhibitions and workshops for the local community in and around Havant, Hampshire. To provide good service and excellent educational opportunities in a space where the public can relax and enjoy themselves.’

WHAT SERVICES DO THEY PROVIDE?

·         Workshops

·         Adult Workshops

·         CRAFTS4KIDS

·         School and community workshops

·         One Off workshops

·         Holiday Workshops

·         Youth Performance

·         Independence Workshops

·         Membership

·         Venue Hire

·         Contact services

·         Book online help

BENEFITS

·         Café

·         Museum

·         Craft cabinet

·         Cinema

·         Workshops

·         Venue Hire

·         Comments and complaints section

LINKS TO OTHER ORGANISATIONS?

·         Flint and Tinder design

WHY HAVE I CHOSEN SPRING ARTS CENTRE?

It is a local venue with a wide variety of facilities useful for the company. The venue gives the opportunity to put on the show, in a popular area, attracting new audiences, it has a café, and shop for the staff to use perhaps during breaks. It is also the appropriate size and easy to get too.

WHICH MEMBER OF STAFF FROM YOUR COMPANY STRUCTURE WOULD NORMALLY LIAISE WITH THIS COMPANY/ ORGANISATION?

The director and production manager would probably liaise with the company in order to sort out booking the venue for the possible and available dates. The centre has their own full set of staff to help.

THE MAYFLOWER SOUTHHAMPTON

WHAT DO THEY DO?

‘The Mayflower Theatre is a registered charity which receives no funding from external bodies. We rely entirely on what we earn through ticket sales activities.’

The Mayflower Theatre is a venue for shows such as musicals, small scale to large scale productions, puppet shows, children’s entertainment to putting on movies.

The Mayflower has even toured before.

WHAT ARE THEIR AIMS?

·         ‘To preserve and maintain this thriving theatre for the local community and support drama, dance and opera in Hampshire by the provision of quality products’

·         To increase the security of the theatre by increasing its assets

WHAT SERVICES & BENEFITS

DO THEY PROVIDE?

·         Dine and entertain

·         Visitor information

·         Customer service

·         Travel and parking services

·         Summer youth project

·         Musical youth theatre

·         Workshops

·         Education

·         Youth activities

·         Maps and directions

·         Customer Facilities

·         Seating Plan

·         Accessibility

·         Hotel packages

LINKS TO OTHER ORGANISATIONS?

The Mayflower do not have any links to any other performing arts related organisations.

WHY HAVE I CHOSEN THIS VENUE?

I think the mayflower is a nice venue, which is set in the middle of a popular city, which could attract new audiences. I also think the services and benefits could be of use to us as a small scale company

WHICH MEMBER OF STAFF FROM YOUR COMPANY STRUCTURE WOULD NORMALLY LIAISE WITH THIS COMPANY/ ORGANISATION?  

The director and production manager would probably liaise with the company in order to sort out booking the venue for the possible and available dates. The centre has their own full set of staff to help.

KINGS THEATRE SOUTHSEA

WHAT DO THEY DO?

‘The present day theatre has a seating capacity of 1600 and a computerised booking system. Much of the backstage area is still fully manual, allowing it to retain the tag of a traditional hemp house, though powered flying bars have now been installed to allow large scale productions.’

WHAT ARE THEIR AIMS?

To provide a well-equipped theatre, with helpful advice and support to help achieve your goal.

WHAT SERVICES DO THEY PROVIDE?

·         Transport help

·         Wedding venue hire

·         Venue hire

·         Contact services

·         Memberships

·         Virtual Tour

·         Parking assistance

·         Customer service

·         Accessibility

BENEFITS

·         Transport help

·         Local venue

·         Nice and authentic theatre

·         Spacious dressing rooms

·         Enough dressing rooms for cast and crew

·         Big audience space

·         Bars

·         Disabled toilets

·         Wheel Chair audience space

LINKS TO OTHER ORGANISATIONS?

·         Webmadness Ltd

WHY HAVE I CHOSEN KINGS THEATRE?

It is a local and good looking venue, with great benefits for the audience members and staff.

WHICH MEMBER OF STAFF FROM YOUR COMPANY STRUCTURE WOULD NORMALLY LIAISE WITH THIS COMPANY/ ORGANISATION?

 I think the director, stage manager and actors would liaise with this organisation for booking, staging and rehearsing purposes.

WHICH IS THE BEST VENUE?

I think for the size of the company I would have to admit that The Mayflower would be a tad too large, and The Spring Arts centre a little too hidden. I think I would choose the kings theatre, as it has history behind it, it’s in a nice location and it is well known. Although The spring arts centre would be my reserve if The Kings Theatre was unavailable.

BY CHARLIE