On the verge of something special?

On the verge of something special?

I’m currently having my blog redesigned which is why things have quietened down a little bit and also there have been some great developments in the world of C&D Productions. We have our debut production coming up next month on May 10^th at the Kettering Arts Centre. The production is an adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s ‘A Doll’s House’ and promises to be a great showcase of some new local talent, something C&D are very passionate about.

We have the same venue booked for September, when we’ll be showcasing ‘Frankenstein’ again using a local cast. I’m very excited about this particular project as I’m sole director and the chance to give local talent the opportunity to become involved with us is something I’m really keen on doing. I’ve already been lucky to see some dazzling transformations of the current cast since we started rehearsals. The other quite special thing is the various backgrounds the cast have come from and I think it has allowed a very special bond to form so that we are like a little family.

The practice of going to the local pub straight afterwards has allowed the cast to get to know each other not only on a performer level but as people. This chance doesn’t always come through at rehearsals when people are focused on lines, blocking and where they need to be next but having that relaxation time afterwards has worked wonders. I’d compare it to the ‘cool-down’ you have at the gym after a hard work out and gives you that reflection time to realise how much hard work you’ve just done. Hopefully we can keep this talented group of actors together for as long as possible, whilst complimenting it with additions depending upon the project. That said the strength of the relationship is such that if there wasn’t a suitable part for any of the group there would be no issue of ‘ego bruising’ or falling out as they understand our need to maintain casting integrity.

Recently we secured two spots at the Camden Fringe Festival in August 2014. Everyone’s reaction so far has been great with the whole casting keen to stay involved if at all possible. It is quite rewarding when people are eager to support you as it shows you’re doing something right to inspire that sense of loyalty, with everyone happy to come down to see our performance if they aren’t cast. Locally in the amateur scene it is very cut-throat and if people aren’t cast for a particular show they can often desert that particular group entirely until the next valid production comes along which they can be involved in.

The message here is simple. Support because you want to breathe life into a project, not because you want something in return.

Bloglovin

Unleased upon the masses!

It has rapidly come to my attention that to fully get the most out of this blog, people need to be able to find it. I could write volumes and volumes of top quality material but if people can find me and thus get access to this 'gold' then it's all for nought. Unless I'm using this to simply air my thoughts and cleanse my soul.. No, I don't believe that either!

Well I've been summoned by the mighty overlords at Bloglovin to include a bit of texty code in a post so this will prove a good vehicle for that. 

The good news will be that people can give good feedback and make what I type count. After all, the greatest prophet could have the most profound message, but if the masses don't hear him, then it is merely but a whisper.

I saw a good comedian last night at the venue I'll be performing at in May. His name was Liam Williams and he appeared at the last Edinburgh Fringe. He was very good, articulate and clever in his humour, which is probably why I didn't stop laughing. I can sometimes be sat watching a stand up show on TV and it gives me very little pleasure at all. My conclusion - either I need 'smart' humour to tickle my funny bone or I'm a sucker for in-person interaction. Either way, I had a good time and if his tour is coming near you I'd advise you buy a ticket!

I'll no doubt soon (in the next hour) look at making this a little bit more pretty and visually appealing. The trouble with starting a blog is that you want to fill it with content, namely your thoughts. However if you dress it up poorly, no one will hang around to read. 

Thoughts?

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The Beginning

I’m not sure where to begin if I’m honest.

I’ve just spent the last few minutes looking at the above line wondering how to continue then suddenly realised as I type that I have in fact begun. Life can be like that sometimes. You ponder and worry what the next step to take is and sure enough, by the time you’ve plucked your head out of the clouds you’re walking. Sometimes you don’t know where, but.. isn’t that sometimes the best way? You’re on your way to work on the bus or tube, you feel miserable. Why? Because you know what awaits you. The same building, the same dreary office furniture, the girl you like who is enraptured by the new guy.. That’s why I enjoy what I do.

Theatre.

I’m sure many posts will be of course littered with thoughts and opinions on theatre and a kaleidoscope of other somehow related disciplines, locales and people. It is of course the latter that can leave the most long lasting impression on someone, so maybe I should have put that first, it did however allow me into this train of thought. People can have such a huge impact, in a positive or negative light, that it can seem a risk stepping out of your door and opening yourself to the experiences they can offer. But then, what would have happened to Middle Earth if Bilbo hadn’t taken that first step he almost didn’t make?

I digress. The point I think I was trying to make was that if you don’t give people the scope to not only enter your life but also stay around a little then you deprive yourself. Life can be hard enough, but to choose to battle it out alone when you have potential allies at every turn just seems madness. I’m quite impressed by myself that this is a theatre blog but I have now only mentioned it twice. Maybe it’s a lesson that no ‘one’ thing should be all encompassing and to give passions and interests room to breathe you in fact nourish them rather than provide an over suffocating blanket, similar to an overzealous parent on that first day at school.

I’m Chris btw. I’ve let you into my mind so I thought it only polite to introduce myself. I won’t bombard you with an avalanche of experiences, events and mindless data just yet. I’ll try to slowly let it seep out through the cracks of my conscious so I don’t overwhelm you too suddenly. I’ve been involved in theatre for four years and have worked with probably 200+ people in that time, across a multitude of venues across the UK. I guess that’s why I like theatre so much, it isn’t the same building or the same furniture or people.

The pretty girl smiling at me in the front row one night could just as easily be a discerning critic the next. Different venues offer a range of alternatives experiences on so many levels from meeting staff who weren’t working the night before to the change of promo material and propaganda. I’m sure future posts will explore this angle in more detail but I’ll leave you with a thought. Venues change with the seasons. Make sure you bring your umbrella.

Chris