Welcome Message

As you may know, this blog started life as a resource aimed at the members and Alumni of Birmingham University's Guild Musical Theatre Group.















Since then, I have realised that a great many artists I know could use a serious resource for discussion and debate of the major issues.















So, I open this network to any and all arts professionals who would like to use it. Over the years, I have seen some awe inspiring performances and productions by a great many talented and high ranking individuals, whose knowledge would be an asset to the artistic community. I invite these individuals and others to come forward, so that their achievements may be celebrated.






If you would like to write articles or make comments on this blog, please let me know. My contact email is on the link. Membership is free, and there are no obligations. Existing members are free to write as and when they want.








Its is also easy to forget, that we don't often have a chance to discuss or to think about the most serious issues affecting the arts. Despite all the progress made by online networks like Facebook and Twitter, there still needs to be a place where opinions can be viewed, and I hope that this will be such a place: a neutral ground, where all are welcome, and where knowledge can be shared.















Artists of all disciplines, I hope that this will assist your development and further networking. May this resource serve you well.















Best Regards,















James Megarry















Founder















Sunday 23 March 2014

The Academy System, Making Use of All Auditionees

It sometimes happens, that too many young people come forward to be in the cast of a show, and because of the sheer number of auditionees, a lot don't make it in. The question arises: what to do with the auditionees who were unsuccessful? For amateur dramatic societies especially, there is one option that has proved

While doing voluntary youth work, and visiting Worcester Operatic Society, I became aware of their 'Academy' system. This is an arrangement for the young people who didn't get into the main show, to undertake workshops, and even perform mini shows in effect. At the time, there were an average of 80 young people on the waiting list to join the society, and it made sense to give them a chance. I encountered the same problem in another society, based in Brownhills, Staffordshire. Even with all adult supervisors and a full stage, they couly physically fit 70 young people in that stage: and there were 140 waiting to join.

So it made sense in all cases to use an academy system, (which the their leader has since introduced region-wide, after becoming Youth Adviser). The academy system has several advantages. First of all, it uses all the young people who want to be involved in a show, and gives them worthwhile training for their next audition. It allows them to be part of something, and learn discipline and techniques, that will be very useful later on. The major advantage, that I think is underestimated is: and director of the main show can sleep soundly at night, because there is a whole team of understudies ready to step forward into all of the principal or chorus roles.

On the down side of course, there is the issue of supervision. Who will supervise so many young people? Again, the adult cast members who were unsuccessful could be offered a chance to do this, (who are DBS/CRB checked of course), or the parents themselves. Another good option could be retired teachers, who have skills and the time to spare, to help the young people learn. It would be useful for the Academy group to work towards a mini show; perhaps a revue at the end of their training, or even learning to help backstage in the main production.

It makes sense to use an academy system, when too many young people (or adults) audition for an ameteur society: be it for music, acting, dance, or backstage work. We can ensure that all people who wanted to be involved are still part of the society and the show; and are ready to step forward when their next audition comes.