Makers Drama Society Aladdin 2011 - Microsoftbtckstorage.blob.core.windows.net/site839/2011/Aladdin...DREAM-MAKERS DRAMA SOCIETY ALADDIN EVALUATION Dream-Makers Drama Society Tel:

2011

Dream-Makers Drama Society

Aladdin Evaluation

DREAM-MAKERS DRAMA SOCIETY ALADDIN EVALUATION

Dream-Makers Drama Society Tel: Linda 07895052981 Mark 07969050783 www.dream-makers.btck.co.uk

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http://www.dream-makers.btck.co.uk/



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CONTENTS

About Dream-Makers o Members, Volunteers and Workers

About the Show o Management Structure o The Cast o The Crew o Volunteers o Other Involvement o Performance Indicators o Promotional Material

Press Releases & Newspaper Articles Flyer and Poster Programme Tickets T’Shirts Website

o Conclusion




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About Dream-Makers

Dream-Makers Drama Society was established in 2007 by a group of like minded people who

wanted to get involved in Drama. The Society uses performing arts to build self confidence,

communication and social skills and self empowerment. Our aim is to watch members

progress, gain in confidence and produce good quality drama productions in the local

community. Previously we have had three major productions “What People Do” in 2008 and

“Girlfriend/Boyfriend?” and Scrooge in 2009.

Dream-Makers working in partnership with the Workers’ Education Association (WEA) has

provided two courses every week. A voice and movement course has helped with rehearsals,

whilst the creative skills course has enabled us to produce marketing materials, props and

costumes. The group meets every Tuesday from 7-9pm at The Engine Rooms in Skelmersdale

and have assets of Video Camcorder and BoomBox Sound Player.

Dream-Makers also work in partnership with West Lancs Dial-A-Ride who, at the beginning of

2010 has provided transport to our weekly meetings. This has proved popular with our

members that live within a 10 mile radius of Skelmersdale (16 members and carers) and has

provided them the opportunity to attend regularly. Previously they had to rely on taxis which

proved expensive. West Lancs Dial-A-Ride Members can use transport free of charge to Dream-

makers weekly meetings.

Supported by Grass Roots Funding from the Community Foundation for Lancashire the Society

has been able to produce Aladdin to a very high standard. Our Project Manager Volunteer has

co-ordinated all aspects of Aladdin Production. Whilst the Lead Drama Volunteer co-ordinated

drama activities which provided a quality creative experience for all involved.

The Society’s aim was to make this production of Aladdin creative and innovative. The

production has given our members the opportunity to:

· Work alongside creative artists to develop skills and creativity

· Produce a high quality finished performance including costumes, scenery, props, lighting

· Involve the wider community as the audience in celebrating the achievement of members

· Raise the profile of the group

· Sustain a quality experience for members of the Society




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Dream-Makers Members, Volunteers and Workers

Members

Dream-Makers members consist of 26 males and 24 females. Ages range from 17-65. All

members have various degrees of learning disability, some needing 1:1 support, whilst others

have the ability to attend on their own.

Average attendance is 81%. We have several new members that have recently joined the group and attend regularly.

Volunteers There are 8 volunteers, all of whom attend frequently. Volunteer Project Leaders Dream-makers have two Volunteer Project Leaders.

One volunteer is the organizer who provides valuable administration support and co-ordination to the group.

One volunteer is Lead Drama Volunteer who liaises with all other volunteers and group members to ensure safety and artistic values are kept.

Both Volunteer Project Leaders liaise with each other and other volunteers to project manage all aspects of weekly meetings and productions. Project Volunteers Six project volunteers support people that have a learning disability who need help to read scripts and some require help physically in rehearsals and when on stage. These volunteers provide a valuable link between Lead Drama Volunteer and participants, to encourage and respond to the needs of individual participants. Volunteers also support actors during production and stage manage during dress rehearsal and performance periods.

Paid Workers Working in partnership with Workers Education Authority we have two tutors in paid employment at our weekly rehearsal meeting. A voice and movement tutor and design tutor. WEA also provide a Learning Support Worker who takes direction from the two tutors and supports members during rehearsals. At show time these people are instrumental in stage management, sound and lighting operations and support to members during the production.




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About the Show After all the hard work with our last productions “Scrooge” and “Pretty Ugly“ the group decided

to have a bit of fun and produce a pantomime.

Supported by Grass Roots Funding from the Community Foundation for Lancashire the Society

has been able to produce a show to a very high standard. Members have been involved in all

aspects of planning, rehearsing, making props, designing costumes and performing. Being

involved has built self confidence and created a team atmosphere.

Working alongside professional WEA tutors and volunteers Grass Roots Funding has sustained

the group’s weekly meetings at the Engine Rooms Community Rooms in Skelmersdale and

involved the wider community.

After some deliberation the group decided to do Aladdin but didn’t realise how much hard

work having fun is!

The group have developed their ideas into a recognisable panto story with some new songs, old

songs, goodies, baddies and all the panto traditions that everybody knows and loves.

This pantomime has been formed by its members every step of the way. Their ideas have

shaped the action and the concept from the beginning and when not rehearsing members have

worked on creating props and scenery. Regular meetings were held throughout rehearsal

period to co-ordinate and keep everyone informed of progress

Using a mix of physical theatre and visual performance the audience will be enthralled to see

this absorbing modern take on a traditional panto, including a variety of songs and spectacular

dance routines for all to join in!

Aladdin does all he can to win the heart of the beautiful Princess Jasmine. With all your

favourite characters including Wishee Washee, PC Ping and PC Pong, the Sultan and Sultana

and of course, the ultimate pantomime dame - Widow Twankey!




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Aladdin Project Manager

Volunteer

Aladdin Project Lead Drama

Volunteer

(WEA Funded) 2 Tutors

& 1 Learning Support

6 Project Volunteers 50 Actors/Members

Aladdin Project Management Structure




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Dream-Makers Cast




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Top Line, left to right Claire Halfpenny, Eddie Weatherall, John Connolly, Paul Phillips,

Matthew Hodge, Robert Wright, Paul Cowap

Second Line, left to right Brenda Roberts, Ian Arkinstall, John Connolly, Rebecca Jones, Paul

Breton, Harry Eaton, Andrew Hunt

Third Row, left to right Sarah Lathom, Jonathon Whittle, Richard Fagan, Sue Clarke, Suzie

Appleton, Ann Graham, Jeanette Bray

Fourth Row, left to right Mark Knowles, Dale Cahill, Richard Reddington, Lynne Davenport,

Rosanne del Ciarra, Kelly Burke, Neal Smith

Fifth Row, left to right Keith Ward, Debbie Critchley, Jane Hall, Jaspal Singh, Graham Scott,

John Kay, Claire Meskell

Bottom Row, left to right Doreen Iddon, Saicha Cahill, Alison O’Rourke, Colin Dearden

Lead Actors

Aladdin Jeanette Bray Princess Jasmine Rebecca Jones Sultan Colin Dearden Sultana Brenda Roberts Hand Maiden Claire Halfpenny Ava Banana Keith Ward Ava Kebab Charlotte Taylor Wishee Washee Matthew Hodge Genie Mark Knowles Slave to the ring Jane Hall Big Gobba Lynne Davenport Widow Twanky Mark Hill PC Ping Eddie Weatherall PC Pong Paul Cowap




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The Crew

Linda Brunt – Project Manager (volunteer) liaised with Lead Drama Volunteer, providing

support at weekly meeting for members, volunteers and carers. Her role was project

development, management and documentation/evaluation. Linda was responsible for

Programme Booklet, Marketing Materials, Website Update, Evaluation, Fund Raising.

Mark Hill – Lead Drama Volunteer/Co-Director. Mark provided the opportunity for members to

participate in a quality experience which included rehearsal workshops and final performance.

Overseeing Set and Costume Design, Scenic Art, Sound Production, Actor Development.

Kelly Martin is funded by the Workers’ Education Association and was Co-Director and Stage

Manager. Kelly is instrumental in rehearsal workshops and final performance.

Paul Murphy is funded by the Workers’ Education Association and worked with the group to

design and produce props and scenic art. Paul is instrumental in rehearsal workshops and final

performance.

Barbara Anders is funding by the Workers’ Education Association. Barbara supports individuals

and groups taking direction from Kelly Martin, Paul Murphy and Mark Hill. She is instrument in

all aspects of weekly rehearsal workshops and final performance.

Mickie Durgan attends Glenburn School. He leaves during the summer to take up further

education in sound production. Taking direction from Mark Hill, Mickie’s skills were both

professional and efficient. We wish him good luck for the future.

Linda Brunt Mark Hill Paul Murphy Kelly Martin Barbara Anders




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Volunteers

Volunteers provide a valuable link between Workshop Leader and participants, to encourage

and respond to the needs of individual participants.

They participate and contribute fully to the workshop process providing support to participants

and other volunteers.

All volunteers attend on a regular basis and greatly contribute towards the group running

smoothly and efficiently.

Without this dedicated group of volunteers Dream-Makers Drama Society could not continue.

James Philpott

Charlotte Taylor

Julie Davies

Michelle Davies

Mica Holness

Andrew Hill




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Other Involvement

Workers’ Education Association has proved an invaluable asset to

Dream-Makers Drama Society. Without WEA dedicated tutors and

organizers we would not be able to function at the high level of

development we have achieved.

WEA has supported Dream-Makers every step of the way at weekly

meeting, production rehearsals and final performance.

The Engine Rooms is a multi-arts and media venue based in

Skelmersdale.

Dream-Makers use the main hall for weekly meetings

Glenburn Arts Theatre the venue for Aladdin Production.

Grass Roots Funding has enabled Dream-makers Drama Society to

produce “Aladdin” to a high standard.

West Lancs Dial A Ride provide transport from Burscough and Ormskirk to Skelmersdale weekly

meetings and rehearsals.




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Performance Indicators

We used the following performance indicators to help us assess outcomes

Subject Measurable Time Scale Outcome

Attendance/ Punctuality

An attendance

register

01/11/10 – 08/01/11

Regular attendance indicates eagerness

to come and learn and take advantage

of this unique opportunity

Learn New Skills Review at end of each

session

Ongoing

throughout

Helping people to build on existing

skills and progress

Develop

Confidence

Empower individuals

Ongoing

throughout

Empower individuals to become self

aware to enable them to be confident

enough to make decisions regardless of

outcome.

Social Skills

Development

Carers’ Views. Individual Views Quotes from group

Ongoing

throughout

Individuals become comfortable with

friends and with community interaction

Team Work and

Building

Progress of the

current production

Ongoing

throughout

Group members are encouraged to

work as a team and use the interaction

as a means of building a network of

friends who will advocate for each

other.




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Promotional Material Press Releases & Newspaper Articles

PRESS RELEASE

Appeared in Ormskirk & Skelmersdale” Champion” and “Advertiser” Newspapers

“ALADDIN” The Glenburn Arts Theatre, Yewdale, Southway WN8 6NL

7th and 8th January 2011 at 7.30pm

Dream-Makers Drama Society has been in existence since 2007 and are about to hold their fourth major production. The production chosen by the group is “Aladdin”, which will take place in January 2011. Dream-Makers working in partnership with Workers’ Education Association (WEA) provide Tutors, and learning support for the group. In November Dream-makers received Grass Roots Funding to produce "Aladdin" on 7th and 8th January 2011. This production will managed by our Lead Drama Volunteer, assisted by tutors, learning support and volunteers to provide a quality creative experience for all involved. Taking a modern take on a traditional panto, Aladdin includes a variety of songs and spectacular dance routines for all to join in! With all your favourite characters including Wishee Washee, PC Ping and PC Pong, the Sultan and Sultana and of course, the ultimate pantomime dame - Widow Twankey! Aladdin will be does all he can to win the heart of the beautiful Princess Jasmine. Tickets can be reserved from Monday 13th December by calling or texting Linda Brunt on 07895 052981 or email [email protected]


mailto:[email protected]



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Promotional Material continued

Flyer and Poster

Printed in A5 and A4 sizes

Tickets

T’shirts

Dream-makers members, volunteers and tutors were provided with T’shirts to wear at dress

rehearsals and show evenings as can be seen on the pictures at the end of the evaluation.




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Programme




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Website

The website was updated to promote the show.

To see pictures from Aladdin click on the Gallery button and then on Aladdin.

www.dream-makers.btck.co.uk





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Conclusion

What Went Wrong

1. The inclement weather at the end of December stopped Dream-makers Rehearsals continuing. We

lost rehearsal time and needed extra time in the run-up to performance.

How can we make it better next Time

1. We must give ourselves more time when applying for funding to enable us to fully rehearse

even if weather cancels meetings.

2. Publicity, although the filthy weather was slightly mitigating we were very late with getting

posters flyers etc. This must be remedied for the next show.

3. The Theatre’s disabled facilities were poor, pavements were uneven and the disabled toilet

was too small.




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Comments from Participants and Audience

Actors

I enjoyed the Aladdin pantomime and also all the rehearsals leading up to it. The singing made everyone feel part of the show. I thought everyone played their part well. My mum and Dad said that it was good how the helpers brought everyone into the show especially the girl who guided Keith. It was full of fun for both all those taking part as well as the audience.

Volunteers

Linda Brunt – Lead Project Volunteer

I have received positive comments so far. Everyone said they enjoyed the experience, actors,

volunteer and audience alike. Actors have built up confidence during rehearsals and show

periods; by speaking in front of an audience they have raised self esteem. By working alongside

skilled performers they have experienced and increased their own skills accordingly.

On a personal note the project was timescale was tight but by hard work by everyone we all

achieved an outstanding end product. I felt a sense of great achievement. Thanks to all those

involved.

Mark Hill – Lead Drama Volunteer

The feedback received from people who went to the show was that cast members were really

enjoying themselves and that came across to the audience really well thus helping them to

have a good night. From a directing point of view I thought that having a "skeleton" script for

the performers to improvise around worked well in some parts not so well in others, I feel that

the performers grew during the process right through to performance time and they really

worked as a team helping each other.

Volunteers as ever were invaluable to the whole process couldn't have produced a show of such value without them.

From a personal point of view I was very proud of everyone who contributed and of the show we produced.

Julie and Michelle Davies

We both really enjoyed being in the show and supporting people to do things they have never done

before. This was shown by the enthusiasm of all those that took part. Both me and Michelle have

learned a lot from taking part and seeing what people can achieve. We can’t wait for the next one.




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Members of the Audience

Liz Arkwright – Workers’ Education Association

I thought the show was fantastic and very well put together and performed.

As a result of the time I have spent with the learners as their art teacher I am very aware of the benefits

the learners were reaping from taking part in the performance. They regularly commented on the fun

they were having in the drama group and in rehearsals. I know the opportunity to be in the show has

greatly benefited the learners, it gave them the opportunity to express themselves and be a part of

something that was exciting and gave them a great sense of achievement.

I thoroughly enjoyed coming to watch some of the learners I had the privilege of teaching and think they

did a fantastic job. The performance was very entertaining and enjoyable, especially due to the fact that

it was clearly obvious how much the learners were enjoying themselves and putting a smile on the

audiences faces. I'm sure their confidence has grown as a result of taking part.

Elaine Bennet – Workers’ Education Association

As the WEA learning manager for Lancashire I have been involved in providing tutored courses

that have supported this production. Throughout the whole process the students who

ultimately became the performers , technicians, creative directors and back of house

volunteers strove, whilst supported by tutors, partners and volunteers to create a magical

and thoroughly enjoyable performance.

It cannot be underestimated of how having such a high profiled and visible public event such

as the performances’ which these groups undertake helps not only in raising skill levels but also

builds a camaraderie of trust, helpfulness, a belief that things are possible and an intense

desire to fulfill ones potentiality to the fullest.




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Tutors

Barbara Anders – Learning Support

Aladdin was just brilliant and was great to be part of! Such a lot of enjoyment was had by the

learners with enthusiasm sky-high and fun top of the agenda. Rehearsals were well attended

and helped along by the really hard work the learners did. It was “their” pantomime and “they”

loved it. It gave them a wonderful opportunity of working together towards the same goal,

achieving a super production and a rich experience full of learning and fun. Looking forward to

the next one!

Kelly Martin – Tutor

Awaiting

Paul Murphy – Tutor

Awaiting




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Documents

Makers Drama Society Aladdin 2011 - Microsoftbtckstorage.blob.core.windows.net/site839/2011/Aladdin...DREAM-MAKERS DRAMA SOCIETY ALADDIN EVALUATION Dream-Makers Drama Society Tel: