From reading the comments left from my 100words on my project, I have realised some key factors I need to address;
1). Explain, what is the purpose and idea of outreach programmes.
Meaning of the word ‘Outreach’ - the act of reaching out; going outside of normal scope to provide information, resources, services with the involvement or activity in the community.
The idea of Chickenshed’s outreach programme is to work with as many people across the country and communities, using their inclusive creative approach to promote the values of Chickenshed, mutual respect and good citizenship.
Chickenshed will group together members of staff and students to deliver and support workshops/ performances within each outreach programme. A key ongoing expansion of Chickenshed is to develop and set up new permanent inclusive theatre workshop resources across the country (starting in other countries like Russia) otherwise known as ‘Shed links’. There are many different layers to their outreach programmes which involves a range of themes, teaching material and performance, which can be tailored to suit the requirements of the participants;
• Tales outreach programme - goes to nurseries and primary schools performing their interactive showcase of Tales from the shed.
• School outreach programme – (like a after school club) goes to primary, secondary and special schools to explore themes/ issues through inclusive theatre workshops (activities and games)
• Youth Clubs outreach programmes – youth and community centres to explore themes/ issues through inclusive theatre workshops (dance, song and drama)
• ‘Show’ outreach programmes – a production at Chickenshed which will tour other theatres, schools and communities, using a performance/ workshop devise. Examples of shows; ‘MOAB’, ‘CRIME’ and ‘SWAGERVILLE’ this shows are exploring the issues of gang and knife crime.
• Corporate outreach programmes – goes to corporate events like meeting, talks to deliver workshops on certain themes/issues. Example of this is a Fair Trade workshop.
• ‘Shed links’ outreach programmes – to assist in the set up and recruiting of members for new ‘sheds’ around the country.
Chickenshed has many different links and already formed relationships within many different communities and schools across the UK which will help me with my project of exploring sexual awareness through theatre for secondary pupils. Although my goal is to hopefully become supported by a council which wants Chickenshed to go into all their secondary schools in their borough.
2). More detailed, expand on my ideas of using different theatre techniques to achieve the final performance/ workshop.
For my project I am going to use ‘Inclusive’, ‘Forum’ and ‘Verbatim’ Theatre to devise and perform my performance/ workshop based on sexual awareness.
Inclusive theatre – An inclusive creative process which means everyone is welcome, and everyone is valued. Having no boundaries or limitations to what you can achieve when using people around you who are willing to share theirs and others ideas with you. Creating a positive, comfortable, accessible environment to create theatre in will allow individuals to reach their full potential.
This style and method has been created and developed over thirty five years within Chickenshed, it is used within every aspect of company; education, rehearsals and performances. I have been with the company for nine years and have experienced this method of working and creating theatre with others on many different levels, with children and youths, as a student at three different levels and as a member of staff and as a performer.
The reason why I am going to use this technique is because I believe using this approach when devising and delivering the performance/workshop will make it become more accessible and allow the participants and performance the time in a comfortable space to understand, question and develop. Also the fact that we are going into schools with Chickenshed’s name I feel we have to try and achieve one of their aims; to share and teach others the way Chickenshed works.
Verbatim Theatre – “The term Verbatim refers to the origins of the text spoken in the play. The words of real people are recorded or transcribed by a dramatist during an interview or research process, or are appropriated from existing records such as transcripts of an official enquiry. They are then edited, arranged or recontextualised to from dramatic presentation, in which actors take on the characters of the real individuals whose words are being used.” Hammond, W and Steward, D, 2008, Contemporary documentary theatre, Verbatim Verbatim (1st ed), London: Oberon Books Ltd.
Verbatim theatre is a new style to me, which I discovered in a drama technique workshop, the idea of using truth and reality to deliver a message, issue or topic through a performance to me is very powerful and hits home to the audience member and I hope to make more impact. The topic/theme I am exploring through performance/workshop is sexual awareness. This is can be a touchy subject and I have to make sure the information is truthful, accurate and can connect with the participant.
Fact: there is a chance you can get an STI without using a condom – This statement is truthful but not making enough of an impact to make sure this stays imbedded in the participants mind. Using the words of someone who caught an STI, their experiences, feelings I feel once we explain all of the information is nonfictional in the performance, hopefully the participants can connect and feel for the characters in the performance.
I know using Verbatim Theatre there will be ethical issues that will arise. I will have to be respectful and responsible with the people’s stories I used, and develop a trust with them in myself. Confidentiality of identity, I will not show or tell anyone or become the true character of the people/person throughout the process, I will only use their words, keeping all documentation and research safe and secure.
To achieve my project, research is a key element and this is the same factor with creating verbatim theatre. I will need to interview, question and retrieve as much information to develop a strong piece of theatre (message), it is not just a play but as an accurate source of information.
Forum Theatre - Is an interactive form of theatre that encourages audience interaction and explores different options for dealing with a problem or issue. In this process the actors or audience members could stop a performance, often a short scene in which a character encounters an oppression or obstacle which they are unable to overcome. The audience would suggest different actions for the actors and the actors would explore the results of these action/ choices with them to create a theatrical debate, in which experiences and ideas are rehearsed and shared, generating both unity and a sense of empowerment amongst the group. This was an attempt to undo the traditional actor partition and bring audience members into the performance, to have an input into the dramatic action they were watching.
I want to use this form of theatre as this is a way of generating ideas and thoughts by breaking down the barrier of stage and audience and combine the two. I want to be able to allow the participants to make the choices for the actors, to feel importance to develop the story of the characters, what direction they will go in. I feel that this form of theatre can be used in how to deal with situations, saying yes or no when it comes down to if you are ready to have sexual relations with someone. Not in life decision making, a pregnant girl if she keeps the baby or not – I feel this could cause debate amongst religion, personal beliefs or us trying to impose a certain opinion on people, this is not our place to explore or do so.
I want to deliver non bias information that will educate participants with knowledge of safe sex and sexual awareness so when they find themselves in situations they feel comfortable and empowered with knowledge.
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