Half Hour Call podcast

45:48

We are thrilled to have been in conversation this month with Sam Marsden. Sam has recently published a couple of books to support Drama teachers and theatre practitioners within the rehearsal room/classroom studio. We've reviewed the books on our blog and you can read more here: https://opendramauk.org/2024/05/07/878/ We hope you will be able to join us at our 'Illuminate North' conference in June where we will be giving away Sam's books; you can book your tickets here: https://lipa.ac.uk/whats-on/illuminate-north-drama-teachers-conference-2024/…

Half Hour Call

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Series 4: Ep 8: Bringing communities together with audio installation work 42:13

51 weeks ago42:13

42:13

This month Holly Barradell is in conversation with Anne Langford, co-creator of Helen Crevel’s original audio piece Seedling – that focuses on potential motherhood, environmental responsibility and consumerism – will be installed alongside a new audio piece for children and young people under 12. Housed in a specially designed space, audiences are once again invited inside to hear the piece, feeling like they are entering a domestic space, someone’s home, with the dome-like shape covered in textiles and fabrics. Co-created with Years 3 and 4 at Cottesmore Academy, Rutland, the project captures and amplifies intergenerational stories of multicultural family heritage. Seedling also aims to make discussion around the climate crisis more accessible and more easily understood. Follow these links to read more about content referred to in the interview: https://www.dramaturgy.co.uk/single-post/2016/02/18/interview-with-dramaturg-nina-steiger Understanding Dramaturgy. A intro to the heroine's journey https://heroinejourneys.com/heroines-journey/ Ira Glass on developing Taste and creativity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbC4gqZGPSY&t=5s The Virgins promise, the starting point for Cub https://diymfa.com/writing/virgins-promise-part-one/ Finally, read more about Carbon Theatre and the project here: https://www.carbontheatre.org.uk/seedling…

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Series 4: Ep 7: In conversation with the National Saturday Club 34:04

1 year ago34:04

34:04

In this month's episode Holly Barradell (ODUK Co-founder) is in conversation with Liam Shea, National Outreach Manager at National Saturday Club. In this warm and jovial conversation Holly and Liam discuss the performance, theatre and screen strands of the National Saturday Club's offer, why access is so crucial and how we need to engage with student voice for us all to benefit from the next generation! You can read more about the organisation here: https://saturday-club.org/ You can sign up to their newsletter here You can email Liam here: liam@saturday-club.org…

Half Hour Call

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Series 4: Ep 6: Live from Illuminate 24 with Get into Theatre 28:46

1 year ago28:46

28:46

Holly Barradell and Alex Duarte - Davies, Director of Get into Theatre talk all about what Get into Theatre is and how it provides support and information for Drama teachers. This conversation was recorded in person at Mast Mayflower Studios on Friday 13th January 2024 during the Illuminate 24 conference where Get into Theatre were on hand to support delegates and share information. If you are interested in finding out more about their work click here: https://getintotheatre.org/ Get Into Theatre is the essential website to help you find all the information and opportunities you need to pursue a successful career in theatre in the UK. From backstage to performing, training to apprenticeships, you will find up-to-date theatre jobs information and advice. Here is the Eventbrite link with all the details for " Work In Theatre Digital Teachers Conference" on 04/03/24 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/768893821117?aff=oddtdtcreator…

Half Hour Call

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Series 4: Ep 5: In conversation with Backstage Niche 38:59

1 year ago38:59

38:59

In this month's episode, Ali Warren is in conversation with Sylvia Darkwa-Ohemeng, Founder and Company Director of Backstage Niche. Talking all things Backstage, roles and opportunities because "A career in the creative industry especially theatre is niche and the number of Global majorities working within that is a niche group. We want to change the narrative on both aspects." We are looking forward to Sylvia joining us for the ILLUMINATE 24 conference at MAST in January 2024 too. Don't miss it!…

Half Hour Call

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Series 4: Ep 4: In conversation with Trestle Theatre Company 47:10

1 year ago47:10

47:10

In this month's episode, Ali Warren is in conversation with Helen Barnett, Creative Director of Trestle Theatre Company . Helen and Ali talk about the power of mask work not only from a Drama academic perspective but also for pastoral and community benefit. Trestle will be running a workshop as part of the ILLUMINATE 24 conference in January 2024, you can book your tickets for this event here.…

Half Hour Call

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Series 4: Ep 3: In conversation with Fourth Monkey Actor Training Company 41:33

1 year ago41:33

41:33

In this month's episode, Holly Barradell is in conversation with Fourth Monkey's, Steven Green and Charleen Qwaye, the Fourth Monkey co-founders. Steven is the Artistic Director and Charleen is the Director of Training. They founded Fourth Monkey in 2010 with the mission of revolutionising drama training. The Fourth Monkey Ensemble theatre company gives their actors the opportunity to graduate directly into professional work and their charitable arm provides hundreds of hours of free drama training to young people across the UK. Their North London drama school offers accredited undergraduate and postgraduate courses with their unique approach to training. " Fourth Monkey started life as a revolution. We are grateful to all of those who have been part of our journey and those we are yet to encounter. " Charleen Qwaye, Director of Training…

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Series 4: Ep 2: In conversation with Gecko Theatre 41:40

1 year ago41:40

41:40

In this month's episode we are in conversation with Amit Lahav, Artistic Director of Gecko which was founded in 2001. Their latest production, Kin, which was commissioned by the National Theatre, toured in late 2022 and early 2023 and it takes to the road again this autumn and will be performed at the National Theatre in January 2024. Amit talks with our Champion, Carl, about all things Gecko, family, migration and the story of his life that has shaped the work that Gecko produce. "...when I make something it has to be personal... everything I make is deeply personal..." Amit Lahav, Artistic Director, Gecko Read more about Gecko here: https://www.geckotheatre.com/ and their new creation space: https://www.geckotheatre.com/the-creation-space Read more about their tour of Kin here: https://www.geckotheatre.com/kin…

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Series 4: Ep 1: Have you heard of theatre works! and the amazing work they do? 33:52

2 years ago33:52

33:52

Welcome back to Series 4! To begin this series, this month Holly is in conversation with Sharon Studer, Chair of theatre works! , a charity that provides theatre tickets to disadvantaged children. The charity, theatre works!, has been operating since 2021 and has given or committed to give around 4000 tickets to school children aged 7-16. They target schools and theatres that have the most disadvantaged children; schools must have at least a minimum of 20% Pupil Premium to apply for a grant. Patrons of the charity are Sir Tom Stoppard and Sir Nicholas Hytner. Sharon and her husband, Graham Beckett, want to bring the joy and wonder of theatre into the lives of children. They believe theatre can have a transformative effect on children’s lives. If you are interested in learning more and engaging with their work then: Learn more about theatre works! on their website: www.theatreworks.global and through their social media. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_theatre_works/ Twitter https://twitter.com/_theatre_works Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theatreworks.global…

Half Hour Call

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Series 3: Ep 11: ice&fire theatre's latest touring work 39:07

2 years ago39:07

39:07

In this month's conversation, the last episode of the academic year, Holly Barradell is in conversation with Isla van Tricht - writer, lyricist and sex educator, (More info about Isla and her work here) and Christine Bacon - playwright, producer and Co-Artistic Director of ice&fire theatre . ice&fire theatre was founded in 2003 and explores human rights themes through performance. The Sex Ed Musical was conceived in response to comprehensive sex and relationships education becoming a statutory requirement in UK schools and the growing consensus round sex education being key to fulfilling a cluster of human rights. For more info about their touring show The Sex Ed Musical and how to book: https://iceandfire.co.uk/project/in-our-own-words/ The show is an ice&fire production with script and lyrics by Isla van Tricht and music by Guy Woolf. All material in the show is verbatim, drawn from and extensive interview process and 'listening exercise' with young people across the UK, representing a huge diversity of backgrounds and identities. The show is 60-70 minutes long and followed by an interactive workshop/discussion. Target audience is Year 10 and 11 students.…

Half Hour Call

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Series 3: Ep 10: Live from the ESU-Churchill Public Speaking Competition 2023 36:33

2 years ago36:33

36:33

In this month's episode we've done something slightly different, our co-founder Karen Latto recorded the content live from Churchill College at Cambridge University for the ESU's (English Speaking Union) prestigious Churchill Public Speaking Competition, sponsored by the International Churchill Society. It is the largest such contest in England and Wales, with around 400 teams (each comprising a speaker, questioner and a chairperson). The different roles allow students, from Years 9 - 11, to practise and excel in different skill sets, and the competition’s unique format, which pairs the speaker from one school with the chair and questioner of another, encourages quick thinking and relationship building. We were thrilled to be there for the live event and to be able to catch up with Annabel Thomas and interview her to give us more understanding and context to the whole event. We hope that as teachers and theatre educators you gain some insight into the ESU's work and the opportunities they offer for young people.…

Half Hour Call

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Series 3: Ep 9: Wicked Active Learning with Michael McCabe 41:50

2 years ago41:50

41:50

In this month's episode, Ali Warren is in conversation with Michael McCabe, Executive Producer for Wicked. Michael has been the 'custodian' of the production for the last 17 years having looked after the performance since it moved from Broadway to London in 2006. This powerful production explores friendship as the main and overarching theme rather than a performance about romantic connections, it's also a production showcasing women on stage with the main roles. Michael talks on Half Hour Call this month about his pandemic project ' Wicked Active Learning ' which was able to be built when the pandemic closed theatres and Michael could dedicate the time to researching arts education in depth. Through working parties and from conversations with a Drama specialist Headteacher he was able to craft and bring to life 'Wicked Active Learning' to support teachers to re-engage with commercial theatre, making the production more relevant to school 'needs' and demands when considering trips and visits . " We are all passionate believers that it's [Drama] crucial not just because people might want to come into our industry but because they are tools that can help you in every imaginable aspect of life and employment. " Michael McCabe You can read more about Michael here: https://www.michaelmccabe.net/about-michael-mccabe.php You can read more about Wicked Active Learning here: https://wickedactivelearning.co.uk/…

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Series 3: Ep 8: How are the Environment Agency using the power of theatre to educate and entertain? 33:09

2 years ago33:09

33:09

In this month's conversation, Holly Barradell is in conversation with Alex Scaife (Flood Resilience Engagement Advisor, Environment Agency) and Angela Rogers (Communication Manager, DEFRA) to talk about how they are using the power of theatre to educate communities in the NE of England with the risks that Flooding presents.... think Science and Geography meets Drama and Theatre! Alex Scaife connected with Corinne Kilvington (Artistic Director of Theatre Space North East ) to have this performance created. " Theatre Space go into communities and take theatre to communities that wouldn't necessarily normally experience theatre " Alex Scaife on why they worked with Theatre Space North East The creation of 'Washed Away' an object based theatre performance, showing the emotional/sentimentality attachment that we have to things is crucial within the work so that behavioural change can happen when learning about the consequences of flooding - in short, what would you save and why? The performance has been created, rehearsed and staged through funding from the local levy and it is testament to Theatre Space North East that this hasn't been an expensive project. " It isn't too hard in terms of thinking slightly outside the box to bring something really good through the arts. " Alex Scaife, Flood Resilience Engagement Advisor, Environment Agency…

Half Hour Call

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Series 3: Ep 7: Breaking the perception barrier of the RSC with Jacqui O'Hanlon 46:14

2 years ago46:14

46:14

In this month's conversation Ali Warren is in conversation with Jacqui O'Hanlon MBE, Director of Learning and National Partnerships at the Royal Shakespeare Company. Jacqui talks with great passion and honesty about the work of both the departments (Learning and National Partnerships) she oversees and gives us an insight in to the work that they do to support 2000 teachers a year via approx. 1000 schools. Jacqui comments very honestly about the barriers the company can sometimes face, that she refers to as the 'perception barrier' " ...what we've got with the Royal Shakespeare Company is you've got 'Royal' in the title, you've got 'Shakespeare' in the title and those are barriers; because people will make assumptions if they don't know us and some of those assumptions will be based on an experience - I hope, from longer ago... " Jacqui O'Hanlon " for us, the absolute priority is supporting teachers & young people to use Shakespeare as a Trojan horse through which to unlock potential " Jacqui O'Hanlon To look at the resources and services that the RSC offers follow these links: www.rsc.org.uk/shakespeare-learning-zone www.rsc.org.uk/learn/schools-and-teachers…

Half Hour Call

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Series 3: Ep 6: In conversation with Mark Wheeller 32:39

2 years ago32:39

32:39

In this month's conversation Ali Warren from Open Drama UK is in conversation with playwright Mark Wheeller. Mark opens up about where it all started for him, his passion for David Bowie and why he wants to tell the stories of others through the power of theatre and performance. With authenticity and passion he talks us through his reasons for why he does what he does with top tips, how he has benefited from festivals and why he doesn't feel what he does is challenging it is interesting. " He did it by a simple lighting technique... he was there all along in the shadows... lights on him full blare and he was there " Mark Wheeller and the initial impact performance had on him.…

Half Hour Call

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Series 2: Ep 1: Pearson have new set texts, how did this happen? 40:37

4 years ago40:37

40:37

In the first episode of Series 2, Co-founder, Karen Latto interviews Paul Webster and Sam Prince from Pearson to find out more about the work that happens behind the qualifications teachers deliver. Within this episode, Paul & Sam explain how qualifications for Drama have been reformed previously and talk us through the process of getting a qualification regulated. Furthermore, listeners can understand more about career development and opportunities within the assessment world of education. Find out how teachers and students can get involved in any changes or amendments made to qualifications, Paul talks us through specifically how Pearson modified their current set text list, why they did this and explains the process of selection for the four new texts. "Drama is such an important subject...it cuts across every single subject, it should be at the core of every single curriculum at every stage." Paul Webster (Subject Advisor for Drama and Performing Arts Qualifications) Read the changes to the specification here. Read the article discussing these changes from Drama and Theatre magazine here.…

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Series 1: Ep 6: In conversation with The Paper Birds Theatre Company 29:49

4 years ago29:49

29:49

This month, for the last episode of our first series, Ali Warren is in conversation with Jemma McDonnell from Leeds based Theatre Company, The Paper Birds . Jemma explains about how The Paper Birds strengthened and thought creatively, very quickly in response to the pandemic and how they continue to think outside the box to keep their work alive and relevant. It's music to our ears as Drama teachers and theatre educators as Jemma says "When we started Drama at school I fell in love with theatre!" and look where she is now and what she had achieved. Jemma tells us all about their current project 'The School of Hope' and how to keep up to date with its developments via the website and instagram. "Being women in the industry, running a company, which I'd like to say shouldn't be rare...but it still is fairly rare"…

Half Hour Call

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Series 1: Ep 5: In Conversation with Touchstone 32:30

4 years ago32:30

32:30

This month, Ali Warren talks with Joe from Touchstone, a charity offering transformative workshops for young people with autism. Joe talks us through the principles the practitioners use to ensure every learner gets the most of out of their drama experience with Touchstone. The company began nearly 20 years ago in 2001, formed by three actors from the RSC who have found 'marking space' liberating and a tool for empowerment rather than a COVID secure measure for drama teaching! From beginning in residency at The Glebe School in Bromley, Kent to preparing for their future with Thomas Ashton School in Manchester they enjoy being 'in the moment', using their practitioner craft, working hard and making the very complex 'in the moment' decisions look straightforward. "Treat everyone equally within a session because drama can be a real leveller" Joe, Touchstone You can read more here: www.touchstone.org.uk…

Half Hour Call

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Series 1: Ep 4: In conversation with Katie Mitchell 40:04

4 years ago40:04

40:04

In this month's episode of 'Half Hour Call' Co-founder and Champion for the East Midlands, Ed Boott interviews Katie Mitchell. Their conversation explains more about Katie's influences and phases of her work since 1990 to 2021. Katie reminds us all how even the best sometimes struggle, reflecting on her own imposter syndrome feelings and how in her early days she wasn't successful with any of her bursary applications - it wasn't until she set up her own company on the fringe that he career really took off. This informative and warm conversation with Open Drama UK gives us an insight into Katie's world whilst showing how in awe of the teaching profession she is. "The creativity in a secondary classroom is just as important as an enormous avant-garde production in Berlin!" Katie Mitchell. *Please be aware that there is a quoted swear word within this interview.…

Half Hour Call

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Series 1: Ep 3: Understanding Drama Publishing 41:44

4 years ago41:44

41:44

In this month's episode of 'Half Hour Call' Ali Warren interviews Sarah Lambie ( Editor, Drama & Theatre magazine ) and George Spender ( Founder Publisher and Managing Director at Salamander Street Limited ) to discuss all things publishing within the world of drama education. Their conversation explains more about the world of writing, understanding the process of submitting writing, the vision for Salamander Street and Drama & Theatre magazine moving forward and why Glasgow's lunchtime theatre scene ' A play, a pie and a pint ' is an incredible new writing machine! "As we reopen and try to rebuild our society theatre can have an incredibly powerful, civic role for our communities... a lot of the most effective work will be made by and for local communities" George Spender.…

Half Hour Call

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Series 1: Ep 2: What's it like being a school theatre technician? 41:49

4 years ago41:49

41:49

In the second episode of 'Half Hour Call' Holly Barradell (currently an Extended member of SLT, Drama teacher with a specialism in Technical Theatre and Champion for Open Drama UK South East) interviews Chris Tindall about his role as a school Technical Theatre Manager. This episode talks about the processes of being a technician, how students learn through failure in the live aspects of making theatre, how you can pitch more strategically for a theatre technician of your own and how to purchase equipment and resources that will support your technical theatre offer. Chris suggests equipment that won't blow a Drama department budget and answers guest questions with clarity and generous offers of support. "...if you're a technician in a school environment - making you, your skills and your equipment available to whomever needs it." Chris Tindall.…

Half Hour Call

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Series 1: Ep 1: In conversation with Matthew Nichols 29:36

4 years ago29:36

29:36

In the first ever episode of 'Half Hour Call' Ali Warren (Experienced Drama teacher and Champion for Open Drama UK South West) interviews Matthew Nichols about his new book 'The Drama Teachers' Survival Guide.' This lighthearted, informal interview introduces us to Matthew, why he wrote this book, his experiences from teaching, examining and consulting over the last two decades and why so many Drama teachers can relate. "There is such solidarity in the Drama teaching community" Matthew Nichols.…

Half Hour Call

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Get ready our podcast is coming soon... 0:57

4 years ago0:57