DRAMA
FESTIVALS – WHY BOTHER?
by Jackie Tanswell (Wilstead Players)
The
extra pressures of time and financial resources needed to present a
play in a festival are considerable commitments but there is huge value
to be obtained from these events.
Firstly, they provide an exciting learning experience. Friends and family tend
to heap praise on a production when it may not always be justified. A well-qualified
adjudicator is completely independent and will give helpful constructive comments.
If you are serious about your acting and directing you will want to improve
your skills and this is an excellent way to achieve this.
Secondly, much will be learned from watching other entries and listening to
the adjudications they receive. Facets of production, stage-craft, staging,
lighting, sound effects, acting techniques, new theatrical genres, all provide
ideas which give considerable food for thought and can be called upon in future
productions.
Thirdly, by entering, each company becomes part of the festival, which means
meeting other people with the same love of theatre. Insularity is broken down,
friendly rivalry and even practical help may well emerge. Your group will become
more widely known in the areas of festivals you enter.
Lastly, every group must perforce present box-office winners for their own
finances, but to grow artistically actors and directors need to keep fresh
and extend their range by trying new, unusual or less accessible work. Drama
Festivals are places where theatrical risks may be taken.
The word “Festival” suggests a celebration, and that is what should
be evident at such an event – drama companies striving for an ever-improving
standard of theatre in an exciting, challenging, joyful atmosphere.
So don’t be satisfied with the “Darling, you were wonderful!” from
friends and family. Take the bold step and find out the truth from an adjudicator!
If you truly were wonderful, how much more gratifying to hear it from an expert!
My own group has been entering festivals for over two decades now and have
learned considerably from the experiences, and have progressed to two National
All-Winners Finals. The challenges and excitement we get from travelling far
and wide with a play would be sorely missed if we were to revert to our previous
insular existence.
Adjudicators are often an act in themselves – entertaining as well as
knowledgeable. They couch criticism in a constructive way and at an appropriate
level so that teams need not recoil from the experience. Go
on – Be Brave! ARE YOU BOLD ENOUGH?
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