propeller:

driving artists forward

Intensive, fully-subsidised training for

British Asian actors, theatre directors and designers

February - March 2010, London

propeller is a pioneering intensive training initiative for British Asian London-based actors, designers and directors who are keen to pursue a career in theatre.

Led by Tamasha’s Artistic Director, Kristine Landon-Smith and designer Sue Mayes, the project aims to nurture the artistic individuality of its participants through an intensive programme of training and individual mentoring culminating in showcase performances at the Gate Theatre, Notting Hill. This project is supported through the 2012 London Cultural Skills Fund, funded by London Development Agency and managed by Arts Council England.

propeller is a two-stage project working with four plays currently under commission by Tamasha, by writers who all originally came to us through our TDA new writing course. Stories range from Lancashire entrepreneurs, to beauty salons, snooker halls and family tragedies, click here for more background.

“I loved the challenge. I loved all of it. I loved the fact that I was pushed!” Former TDA course participant

Stage One: Workshop 15 Feb – 20 Feb 2010 for actors, directors and designers

A week-long full-time workshop for 12 actors, 4 directors and 2 designers.

Directors and actors will work with Kristine to explore her unique actor-centred model of practice and all participants will explore the collaborative relationships between director, actor and designer.

Actors will work directly with Kristine in the morning, with directors and designers observing her practice. Afternoons will be a chance for the directors to work with the actors while continuing to be mentored. This is a great opportunity for the actors and directors to explore contrasting working practices.

Designers will observe the directors’ practice and work closely on initial exploration of design ideas while being supported through mentoring.

Kristine’s role as a director is primarily concerned with the actor. She views a director’s job to be to make the actor ‘good in action’ in any piece of work, be it scripted or devised. Her approach engages in depth with the actor as an individual, and focuses on how to bring the actor’s personality, culture and language to the work. Central to her practice is the reinforcement of how to ‘play’ well together. Course participants will work on how to bridge the gap to text work without losing the spontaneity and pleasure of improvisation.

Actor and director participants in Stage One will benefit from:

intensive free training with Kristine in her particular method
exploration through play and improvisation, moving on to script work
support in learning how to communicate between the actor and director, to find and encourage the best work possible
connecting and collaborating with other emerging artists
exploring ways to bring their own individuality to your work
membership of the Tamasha Developing Artists programme, giving you access to a range of training, networking and employment opportunities

Designer participants will benefit from:

tailored mentoring and training that works with each participant’s particular strengths
support in building a collaborative design relationship and working with the directors to develop a joint artistic vision for the pieces
exploring ways to bring their own individuality to your work
a more in-depth understanding of the director / actor relationship and how this can inform their work
membership of the Tamasha Developing Artists programme, giving you access to a range of training, networking and employment opportunities

Financial support: this full-time 1 week workshop training is fully subsidised and offered free to successful applicants. All participants will be paid a travel bursary for the 5 days.

Stage Two: a performance showcase, March 2010, for directors & designers

A two-week rehearsal period (8 – 20 March) culminating in a showcase of the four plays at the Gate Theatre, Notting Hill (22 – 27 March).

The director/designer teams will collaborate with an ensemble of actors to further develop and produce the four pieces in a professional context supported by Kristine, Sue and a team of industry professionals.

“To work with a company of professional actors was a marvellous opportunity” Former TDA course participant

Director and designer participants in Stage Two will benefit from:

growing the collaborative relationship from the workshop to showcasing their work in a professional context
the opportunity to work with a ensemble of actors
using their skills in a real-life scenario with their own budgets and technical support
individual mentoring and support in articulating and realising their own style
the opportunity to work with four new writers
networking opportunities with invited industry guests at the showcase
membership of the Tamasha Developing Artists programme, giving you access to a range of training, networking and employment opportunities

Financial support: This stage is offered free to successful applicants. All directors and designers will receive a bursary of £950 to support them throughout stage two.

HOW TO APPLY:

No formal qualifications are necessary to apply for this project; however, all actor, designer and director applicants must:

be of a South Asian background,
be London-based
and be able to prove they will be out of work at the start of the project

We strongly advise you to contact Tamasha if you have any queries about these requirements and for an initial conversation if you are interested.

Sections 34 and 37 of the Race Relations Act 1976 apply to this initiative.

Actors: (Stage One),

You will have an interest in:

actively pursing a career in professional theatre
exploring an approach to acting that engages the totality of the actor: their personality, culture and background

Application is by CV and a statement of interest detailing why you are interested in this particular opportunity. Applicants must read the application pack for full details before applying: www.tamasha.org.uk or contact Tamasha on 020 7633 2270 or info@tamasha.org.uk

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Friday 15 January 2010 at midday.

Directors and Designers (Stage One & Two)

Application is by CV and a statement of interest detailing why you are interested in this particular opportunity. Designers will be asked to share their portfolio in interview.

Applicants must read the application pack for full details before applying: www.tamasha.org.uk or contact Tamasha on 020 7633 2270 or info@tamasha.org.uk

Designer applicants will

have a design background with some proven professional experience
be able to demonstrate a strong visual sense as well as an inventive and hands-on approach
be particularly keen on exploring the director/designer collaboration

Director applicants will:

be actively pursuing a career in directing with some proven professional experience
be particularly keen on exploring how the director works with the actor as well as the director/designer collaboration

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Friday 15 January 2010 at midday.

Interviews for designers and directors will be held in London w/c 18 January 2010.

This project is supported through the 2012 London Cultural Skills Fund, funded by London Development Agency and managed by Arts Council England.

Tamasha Developing Artists gratefully acknowledges financial support from Awards for All (Lottery funder); The Barry Amiel and Norman Melburn Trust; Conservatoire for Dance and Drama; The D'Oyly Carte Charitable Trust; talkbackTHAMES and Friends and Patrons of Tamasha.