The idea
This project will establish and launch Wild Story Theatre. We will develop a new theatre show about Brent Geese, which migrate every year from Siberia and travel 2500 miles all the way to Leigh-on-Sea. This heartwarming family tale will use music, narration and puppetry to follow her adventure and raise awareness of this rare Goose.
Metal Culture are donating rehearsal space to develop the show in January and there will be a showing of the play on the 27th Jan at Clifftown Theatre. We will invite community groups and public audiences to the show, and then deliver creative workshops to community groups at Project 49 and Metal Art School. Workshops will be inspired by the play, and will focus on storytelling, drama, and art, encouraging participants to give input and ideas for the show in the future.
This fund will support the development of the project by enabling funds for theatre hire, providing materials for workshops and employing facilitators to deliver community workshops.
What we'll deliver
- Engage with local children and community groups through drama and puppetry workshops
- Engage with local artists and community groups to contribute their ideas and artistic design
- Produce an entertaining launch event with a theatre showing of our work in progress
Why it's a great idea
Essex has such a rich cultural heritage, there are so many wild and wonderful stories surrounding the history, wildlife and folklore of areas across the county. I am passionate about creating a theatre company that can tell these stories, and engage with local residents and community groups in the process. This is my aim for Wild Story Theatre, and this initial project will enable me to launch the company with a story that residents across the coast of south Essex can relate to. Engaging with local people in the creative process is the exciting part. We will be inviting community groups to view our work in progress for free, and will then deliver creative workshops with them which can allow them to feed back and explore their creative ideas for characters, scenery, design, storytelling and music. Project 49 and Metal Art School are keen to participate. I have also received ecological advice and support from the RSPB and Essex Wildlife Trust, who are keen to raise awareness of the Geese
Steps to get it done
- Produce marketing material
- Hire Theatre Space and Technician
- Book workshops with community groups
- Plan workshops and book workshop leaders
- Rehearse and Perform the Show
- Hold workshops to inspire creativity with groups
We have bid for Arts Council Funding to develop and rehearse the show in January prior to the showing and separate to the workshops. This Spacehive fund will be essential to deliver the community workshops and produce the theatre showing for residents and community groups to enjoy.
