In Tune Theatre Workshops

Last week’s In Tune Theatre Workshop hosted Stage & Screen Fight Choreographer, Chris Janes. Students were initially briefed about the stark differences between ‘real’ fighting and the art of stage combat. In particular, it was clearly explained that the session would not teach them anything about ‘real’ fighting and, to the contrary, the ground rules were set to ensure that everyone remains safe throughout the session.

Students were taught about maintaining a safe distance throughout their choreographed performances to prevent any unintentional contact between actors, and they learnt about how the viewing perspective of the audience really impacts on the illusion of the fighting distance between actors, making choreographed actions look far more realistic to the audience. Students learnt that there is nothing left to chance when choreographing a fight scene and that every move and reaction would be carefully rehearsed, initially in slow motion, so that both actors were absolutely clear as to exactly what was happening, and when.

The same rules applied to the use of stage apparatus and weaponry whereby they explored how their movement combined with their stage positioning made rehearsed actions and reactions appear very realistic to audiences. There was plenty for the students to take away with them and they seemed very keen for Chris to return for a follow-up session!

There is no workshop this week (as it is half term), but the workshops resume on 23rd February. If you’re interested in your child joining the weekly sessions, please contact Danny via Facebook or visit www.intunetheatre.com.

For last week's In Tune Theatre session, the students were really challenged with their initial task of devising child-aged characters. They thought about language, voice intonation and the more physical aspects of their performance (such as how they may gesture with their hands to accompany their dialogue). Following this, they offered their own interpretation of a scene from Blood Brothers. These characters are traditionally performed by adults representing child characters who are, in turn, pretending to be adults. All very confusing!

We then explored a very different adult character from the opening song from The Last Five Years. This song is performed by the female lead who shares right from the outset her pain and dismay following the separation from her husband. We looked at how each phrase may take a different turn in terms of mood and expression - from hurt to anger to frustration. Each student offered their own interpretation of the opening verse, with the other students offering constructive feedback.

The students were set a task at the end of the session: to prepare a song (ideally from a musical) to present to the other students after half term. They should ideally offer at least a verse and chorus, and should think about the character their song represents and how they can tell their character’s story through their singing.

For this week’s session, I am delighted to invite Stage Combat Director, Chris Janes, who will be sharing his experience as an expert in the field!

We welcomed back our students for a second workshop on Thursday, during which they explored different interpretations of text within dialogue, thinking about how their voice intonation, expression, physical movement, eye contact and physicality can impact on the words they share with an audience. They worked in small groups to unpick two script extracts, and played with the text to see how they could deliver meaningful characters while responding to each other. They also took turns to perform a monologue offering their individual interpretation of the character behind the text.

The group practised a couple of new vocal warm-up exercises before learning the verse and chorus of Seasons Of Love (Rent), each performing their own part so as to become more confident in performing in front of, and supporting, the other students within the group. They also worked on singing their individual harmony parts.

Next week, we hope to dig a little deeper into storytelling through song, exploring how we can deliver the lyrics with different emotions, much like we can with spoken word.

In a couple of weeks, we hope to welcome the amazingly talented Chris Janes, stage combat director, who will be teaching the students how to deliver elements of convincing “fight” scenes on stage or screen!

In Tune Theatre Performing Arts Workshops launched this week in Finchley and I was so excited to welcome our first students through the door!

Following some warm-up exercises, our workshop opened with some improvisation activities – quite challenging for a group of students who, for the most part, did not know each other. We explored elements of character development, thinking about body language, posture and speech.

The group learnt the verse and chorus of an ensemble song taken out of context, giving them the opportunity to consider new characters relating to a real-world narrative. They considered how they may capture the emotions and feelings of others within their portrayal. It was lovely to hear the blend of their voices for the first time!

There’s plenty more to explore and we hope to welcome many of them back next week, along with some new faces.

The weekly workshops for 11-17 year olds take place on Thursdays in Finchley (5.00-6.15pm). We explore everything from singing, spoken work, characterisation, story-telling through song, acting, movement and dance. We also welcome a number of experts throughout the term to deliver session in specialised areas of the performing arts, including stage combat and theatre direction.

If you think your child or teenager may be interested, please do get in touch. For further information and bookings, please visit www.intunetheatre.com or message via Facebook!

Really looking forward to welcoming our first set of students to our Thursday In Tune Workshop in Finchley! 🙂

Directed by professional theatre composer, music producer and teacher Danny Davies, In Tune Theatre specialise in offering high quality, credible performing arts workshops and sessions for children and teens. Our workshops are designed to encourage young performers, whether complete beginners or experienced actors & performers, to develop their performance technique in an honest and convincing fashion. Danny is uniquely placed within the industry, with over 30 years experience as a published composer for theatre, TV and film. His musical (co-written with Pete Gallagher) 'Chasing The Dream' was the first musical ever to feature on Britain's Got Talent, reaching the televised semi-finals. His musical theatre album titled 'Hey Producer!" received critical acclaim from national press as well as British actress and treasure, Dame Judi Dench.

Danny has worked with some of the West End's most successful actors, combined with his extensive knowledge & experience teaching academic music, performance and drama in a number of London's most successful schools, as well as diploma level in Musical Theatre performance. For further information about In Tune Theatre, please visit our website www.intunetheatre.com or message Danny via FaceBook!

Home Directed by professional theatre composer, music producer and teacher Danny Davies, In Tune Theatre specialise in offering high quality, credible performing arts workshops and sessions for children and teens. Our workshops are designed to encourage young performers, whether complete beginners or exp...