Festival preparations underway
Preparations are underway for the first BECTU Theatre Festival on 25 May 2007.
All the seminars and workshops are organised and full detailed information is available below.
To register for the Festival, download and return the application form, available in two formats:
- Microsoft Word [74k]
- OpenDocument Text [19k]
All workshops and seminars must booked in advance (other than massage and careers advice) and places will be first come, first served, with any remaining places available on the day, if workshops are not already full.
The Green Room will be open all day from 12 noon so even if you don't take part in a workshop feel free to drop in for a chat, a cup of coffee or even a massage.
There will also be stalls and information from theatre practitioners and organisations, so come and see what BECTU has to offer you.
Workshops and seminars
Rigging
Chris Higgs, rigging tutor from Total Fabrications, will offer hands on basic rigging techniques for the theatre with a chance to do practical work (certificate of attendance available)- Knots and rope work - tying on as a ground rigger, basic knots and coiling lines
- Attaching scenery to flying bars with steel wire rope drifts
- Rigging hoists to structures using slings and shackles
When: 1230-1430
Where: John Thaw Media Studio
Health and safety and why it is so important in live venues
Short intro as to why H&S is so very important and should be taken seriously. Opportunity to ask questions to an expert with many years experience and knowledge, both as a trainer and as a working theatre electrician. This session is run by Maurice Marshal, Chief Electrician at the Northcott Theatre, Exeter. (certificate of attendance available)
When: 1230-1430
Where: Rehearsal Studio
Selling yourself on the web
David Thomas shows how to buy a domain name and set yourself up on the web. Trainees will be students already working in the industry, but who are looking to raise their profile. No knowledge of website production is assumed. Trainees will come away with a clearer idea of:
- the power and limitations of personal websites
- how to focus on users
- how to buy a URL and choose a web host
- layout and content options
Trainees will receive a handout with basic tips and places to get more information.
When: 1230-1430
Where: Patricia Lawrence Studio
Orbital sound
Sound Designer Gareth Owen and Richard Carter from Orbital demonstrate and talk about Computer Systems and how software based playback fits into the artistic process of a show. Followed by an informal session on sound careers in theatre.
When: 1230-1500
Where: John Curry Studio
Creative writing
For those budding directors and writers, a chance to have a go with Stewart Permutt who teaches regularly at the Actors Centre.
When: 1230-1430
Where: Vocal Studio
White Light
White Light will bring along their latest moving lights with a new lighting desk. They will offer a short, hands-on taster session on how they work and what they do, with a chance to get involved.
When: 1500-1700
Where: John Thaw Media Studio
Ropes and splicing
Julian Anderson from Gleistein Ropes will show you how to splice and cover the history of ropes and knots and the transition from ships and sea to theatre (certificate of attendance available)
When: 1500-1700
Where: Rehearsal Studio
Business skills for freelances
Whether you're new to freelance life or have been self-employed for a while this workshop by David Thomas Media will help you keep your finances under control. You'll get tips on how to organise yourself and keep good records. There'll be advice on how to get paid on time. You'll even hear about some ways to predict the future. Every participant will take away handouts full of useful advice and you'll also get some downloadable tools to put you on the right track!
When: 1500-1700
Where: Patricia Lawrence Studio
Dynamic CV writing
A good CV can make all the difference for that sought after job! Want to update your CV and make it relevant to the industry. Run by Skillset, who run training for the AV industry - find out what to include and what not to include - a must if you want to move up in the industry.
When: 1500-1700
Where: Vocal Studio
The future of skills in British theatre
Panel discussion in which experts from the industry discuss this important subject and answer questions from participants.
Panel: Chair, Willy Donaghy, BECTU Theatre Supervisory Official; BECTU Training Officer, Brian Kelly; Skillscene Chair, Anamaria Wills and CC Skills Chair, Tony Hall [to be confirmed].
When: 1700-1800
Where: John Curry Studio
Careers advice
From specialists already working in the industry. From the youngest Theatre Manager in the west end, to all the backstage jobs you can think of, you can find out all you need to know by talking informally; the real truth about hours of work, pay and career prospects from a theatre professional.
When: throughout the day
Where: Green Room
Massage
Here is an opportunity to have a sample massage at lunch time and throughout the day as part of Adult Learners Week. Christopher Ryan is offering Indian Head Massage, Reflexology, and Reiki at the Actors Centre, 1a Tower Street, London WC2 to anyone coming and taking part in the BECTU Theatre Festival. De-stress on your way into work or college with any of the following - first come first served.
Indian Head Massage is ideal for the aching shoulders, stiff neck and headaches associated with working at a computer. It focuses on the upper back, shoulders, neck, head and face. You'll go back to work in the afternoon feeling focused and reenergised. Reflexology focuses on the feet but has an effect on the entire body. It is very relaxing and you'll be walking on air afterwards.
Reiki is a hands-on form of spiritual healing. Meaning Universal Life Energy, Reiki is great for recharging your batteries when you're feeling drained. Christopher is a professional masseur who has worked in several central London health clubs, spas and hotels including the Hilton Park Lane, Relax in Soho, the Oasis Sports Centre and the Nickel Spa Covent Garden.
All treatments are done fully clothed sitting in a chair.
When: all day
Where: Green Room
Amended 17 May 2007