I've been working on an idea to have our own training weekend, but I need to know if people would be interested before I do any more work and book things etc.

The basic outline is as follows. I'm asking people to email me and let me know if they're interested. By doing this you're not commiting yourself, but you will get first refusal on booking, so the earlier you reply the more likely you are to get a place if loads of people are interested - think that makes sense!

The weekend would be the 22nd/23rd and 24th of August (yes Bank Holiday weekend).

It would be in Guildford in Surrey.

Friday afternoon/evening arrive at the hotel. Buffet meal (included) drinks (extra) and a chance to meet and chat with other people.

Saturday morning breakfast in the hotel.

Saturday am and pm training session (dinner extra) There will probably be a choice between something backstage and something for actors.

Saturday evening dinner and disco (included) drinks extra.

Sunday morning breakfast in the hotel.

Demonstrations from the training sessions.

Everyone goes home!!

I haven't costed it out yet, but don't expect for one minute that it will be more than ?250 per person, I hope to get it in at under ?200, but this will depend on charges from the hotel.

If someone wants to come, but doesn't want to go to the training sessions the price will be the same.

Now email me and let me know what you think - the sooner the better!!!!

Sorry Jane.

I'd be very keen to come but that weekend is probably out and the price is a bit steep.

However, that's not to say I won't. I'm easily persuaded.

Sounds like fun, but would depend on programme and cost.

I'd be interested, I guess we could get people to identify what they'd be interested in - and tailor the courses that way

I'm game....

Experience is the key to all on stage and off stage jobs...

Yep! I'm up for it.

The memsahib perked up no end when I said we might go - personally, I'd LOVE to be there!! Unfortunately, as you kmow, my health prevents me from driving any more and it's a bit far for my new electric buggy. If anyone is going by car from the Warwick area, SWTSMBO (she who thinks she must be obeyed) and I would be delighted to chip in for petrol if someone could stand having two decrepit old theatrepeople as passengers...


...HEY!! We're really looking forward to it already!!

I WANNA GO, TOO! It's a bit far for me, but hey, ya'll have a great time!

Please remember that the price isn't fixed yet. I need to investigate hotels etc, but wanted to find out if people would be interested first

If you are definately interested - can you please email me, I cannot access your email addresses via the board and I need to keep a note of numbers, etc. That's for those of you that haven't already.

By emailing me I have a record of date interest expressed so that if we have hundreds of people the early responders are the ones who will get a place.

Cheers

Jane

Jane - Firstly let me say I think it's super that you're trying to set something up. However, the date may be difficult for me. I would also be interested to know what "training" is planned. I can't commit to this date at the moment but it may be possible so can I ask that you post details on this forum for all those who are maybes? I'm sure you were planning on doing this anyway but just in case.

How much would it cost for those who don't want hotel accommodation?

A drink for everyone else who attends since you clearly live in the vicinity

At the moment I don't think we will be able to accommodate people not staying in the hotel. Training places are limited and we will get certain benefits from using a hotel. It would have to be all or nothing.

If people want to arrange their own accommodation it would certainly be a lot easier for me, but it would cause problems with the Friday and Saturday nights. Food, rooms etc are a lot cheaper for residents than they are for non-residents.

Is the general feeling that people would like to make their own accommodation arrangements?

Jane

But I only live a couple of miles from the proposed venue, so wouldn't want to stay in a hotel! I don't want to arrange my own accommodation - I already have it!

Ignore my last post - due to replies, theatre etc things have changed.

Jane

I'm all ears (or pink hair if my new avatar is anything to go by!!)

Looks like a great idea. NODA have been doing type of thing this successfully in Scotland for some time. Unfortunately, it's a bit too far for me to travel. I hope you guys have a great time this year, and, hopefully, you will be able to roll this out further north in 2004???? (Not necessarily Scotland, Yorkshire or similar would be doable).

Hi again

Things change all the time don't they!!

It now looks like amdram.co.uk will arrange the training and charge a nominal fee to do it. People will then book their own accommodation or not as they wish. This has the advantage of getting the costs down considerably. And I would suggest that anyone wanting accommodation do it through me so we might get a discount.

Is anyone else now interested?

Jane

JANE

If it is non residential me and mrs dogs body would be interested.

Please let me have an idea of programme content a sthis will help me decide who would benefit and who to send

John
solveneed@supanet.com

At the moment we do not have a specific programme as I want to make sure we have enough people to make it worthwhile. We will have access to an entire theatre and am expecting to include technical training as well as improvisation etc. Flying has been mentioned

I'm really asking if this is something that people would be interested in. We can then ask specifically what type of training people are interested in and then sort it out from there.

If you want to register an interest, please email me direct.

Jane

Perhaps Jane if you gave examples? Given a wide selection people might be able to then narrow down things...

As I said nothing is booked yet, so examples are off the top of my head and can't be guaranteed. How about lighting, sound, plays from improvisation, set, in fact anything to do with amateur theatre We might even be able to persuade someone to do something about videoing.

Jane

How about a bit of stage fighting!!

Well I'd like to volunteer my services...

Stage Fighting I got quite a bit of experience in (and the real fighting none of this "Fluffy stuff"). Weapons and sword fighting...

Mime I'm hot on... Basic Chorus trade this is...
Everyone can learn more (even me)...

Accents... I can hold my own...

Basics in Digital photography and Digital Videoing/Editing I do as well...

It depends on how many people want what...

Let me bring everyone up to date with what's happening!

Because of the shortage of time between now and the summer and the fact that I have to commit very soon to the theatre it has not been possible to draw up a training plan first. Unfortunately, it appears that people want to know that bit first! So ... there will not be a training weekend this year BUT there will be one next year.

Over the next few months I shall try and put together a training programme for a weekend next summer and then we'll see what people think!

If you can offer training in any way shape or form, can you please email me so we can have a chat (yes George that means you!). If anyone else has attended a training course with someone and they were good can you let me know by email as well please? If you have any particular things you would like training on again email me.

Cheers

Jane

re training course.
I note that several respondents are from the North of England and would prefer a Northern venue for a training wekend or workshop.
We are a relatively new drama group and I have looked for a training weekend which would serve as a good introduction for our leaders in drama coaching, stage movement, singing and music, sceney & props, lighting and sound, & other related skills.

In view of lack of available training I am considering organising a weekend workshop on the above subjects. We would be able to get sponsors or grant aid to make the workshop affordable and probable could do a non-residential course for about ?12 per day inc lunch.
We are based in Widnes, Cheshire at the end of the M62 and M56 - convenient for Merseyside, Manchester and the M62 corridor.
Anyone interested in attending or know any good tutors?
Reply to solveneed@supanet.com or tel 0151 495 3458
John

Widnes is a hell of a lot closer than Surrey. If people are interested it would be nice to make this a regular feature.

maybe have a north and south workshop, just so its easier for people to attend?

Can I just say that the training weekend mentioned in solvenseed's post is not one organised or endorsed by amdram.co.uk

Jane

Jane,

Long time since your last post on this. Any news yet?

Hi Claire

I've had very little response from people prepared to offer training, which means I will need to actively go out and find them. College the last couple of months has been hectic to say the least! Hopefully once that finishes in July I will be able to start getting this together for next year.

Jane

I've noticed round my area... (Berkshire)... that some groups are starting their own "Workshops" on things.

Slapstick seems to be one common one. They invited "experts" (not sure what is an expert in slap stick... *wink*) in and pass the info round the groups in their area for them to come in to join.

Charge about 8 pounds for non group people..

If AMDRAM - which means Jane in fact- organises a Weekend of training?
Maybe the Groups, in whatever region it is organised, should share the load & front up with a lecturer or can orginise a particular topic to assist workshops?
That would mean, possibly only 5 or 6 groups within an area who are members or have members of Amdram, would be effected for basic core topics. Specialists can be used for a fee or favour if required.
I do think the load & possible location should be spread out beyond Southern England.
But still kept under Jane's control & Amdram's good office!
Lets face it -the place is not that big -you are never more than 70 miles from the sea anywhere in Britain!
That?s a thought!
Has anyone got a big boat or a luxury yacht they are not useing???
Chookas
Joe