The start of 2014 has kept us busy, refocusing on the theory behind our Cinematic Theatre style and developing a new resource for teachers. After recent discussions with Playlab about the content of our Handbook, it was the perfect opportunity to revisit our creative rationale in order to more clearly define the conventions of Cinematic Theatre. Putting our 10 years of performance work under the microscope lead to some new insights about the ways we use projection both within dramatic scenes, and to transition between them to maintain the suspension of disbelief in our scripts. We are excited to announce that we will be releasing a new revised version of the Cinematic Theatre Handbook published by Playlab in semester 2, which will be accompanied with a DVD featuring examples that link directly back to the conventions outlined in the book. Originally released in 2009, our Handbook provides a hands on approach to using projection in dramatic theatre; from creative development to the live production. The Handbook gives teachers and students a common language to use when developing and critiquing a Cinematic Theatre performance.
The timing of this has never been more crucial with Cinematic Theatre being included as a contemporary style in the new Drama Syllabus. To many teachers, the inclusion of projection in theatre is not new; for others, it is an idea that they are only now grappling with. With increasingly user friendly technology and the continual rise of techno-savvy students, embracing this style of theatre can lead to wonderfully creative work in the classroom. We are constantly in awe of how quickly students grasp the concepts we we deliver our presentation and how many ideas they have when they start to apply the theory to their own work. We are very fortunate to work with many schools as artists in residence and in all of these projects, we specialise in working with teachers and students to create cinematic content and
MARKWELL PRESENTS
incorporate it into their performances in a seamless way. We see the opportunities twofold: providing professional insight and guidance for students in the creation of their work, and providing professional development for teachers in order to make the best of the technology at their disposal. In 2014 we will work with more than 12 schools to develop and produce cinematic content for work that will be presented to a public audience.
We are also very excited to launch our latest resource Game On, at Fusion 14; a practical DVD of drama games designed to energise, create focus, build ensemble and improve students' improvisation skills. With around 15 years working with young people in the rehearsal room, Brad started compiling a list of all the games and exercises he uses on a regular basis. We started talking about how difficult it is to read the description and understand how to play a game and how much simpler it could be to just watch how it is played. So we organised a young ensemble and set up a couple of film shoots to capture around 60 games being played in front of the camera. The games focus on different skills like energising, focus building, ensemble work and improvisation. We have also included some improvisation exercises that work specifically with projection like a version of space jump where actors respond to a change in projected environment. The DVD is structured in a way that enables easy navigation through a menu. It's the perfect resource when you are looking for some new games, need reminding of old favourites or need to leave work for a supply teacher, we know how hard that is in a subject like Drama.
2014 is going to be be another busy one. We pride ourselves on our professionalism, ability to work within a budget and our understanding of what teachers want from an artist in residence. If you're looking to to include projection in your students' work or simply need some advice, don't hesitate to make contact, we specialise in taking the stress out of working with technology.
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