Creative NZ Directors’ School Update

So many people have been asking so, with the MTNZ Executive’s OK, I can confirm the following, however, at this stage we can’t quite take registrations as we are still working through some budgeting, however, the school will go ahead in Christchurch from 3 – 5 June (Queens Birthday Weekend) so start planning now.  David Adkins is the tutor and he can take up to 20 people maximum, so register your interest now with me kate@musical.org.nz and I will get the information and registration packs out as soon as the are available.  I would like to thank Marcelle Sherwood and the Board of Showbiz Christchurch for their assistance with the venue for the school.   But just to give you a sneak preview and remember, the school is open to all MTNZ members and preference will be given to people who are members of a MTNZ society, or work for a MTNZ school, corporate or associate member:

Musical Theatre New Zealand Inc. with assistance from Creative NZ

Directing Musicals – An Introduction
3 – 5 June 2011, Christchurch

About the Course - The course is intended as an introduction to Directing Musicals (hence the name!) and is most suitable for those who have never directed at all.  It concentrates on relationships, basic stage craft, administration (rehearsal schedules etc) and how (and what) to communicate to other departments of a show. Common past participants have been those looking to direct in the future, those who’ve tried and struggled, those who’ve directed plays and are looking to try musicals, performers looking to better understand their craft, production managers and committee members with an interest in “the other side”. Participants leave with a broad understanding of the structure of a musical and the management team, a little practical experience, a long list of don’ts and a whole heap of example hand-outs including a very detailed rehearsal schedule, props list, directors lighting notes, wardrobe list, running list, character assignment list, audition documents (and so on).

Programme

Venue:           Showbiz Christchurch, 11 Balfour Street, Christchurch

Friday 3 June

6pm                 Informal meet and greet - for those course participants who are in town and would like to do a meet and greet before the weekend.  Venue:  Showbiz Christchurch, 11 Balfour Street, Christchurch

Saturday 4 June – Participate from your chair

8.30am            Registration and tea and coffee

9am                 Course commences

10.30am          Morning tea

12.30pm          Lunch

3pm                 Afternoon tea

5pm                 Conclude

6.30pm            Dinner venue to be confirmed, however, as participants will have homework and need to prep for the following day, this will not be a late night

Agenda topics for Day One to include

The roles of the management team (Director, Musical Director, Choreographer, Production Manager etc); What does a director actually do ; The vision; Responsibilities; The need to educate; Preserving the illusion; Selecting a show; Time table formulas; People; The rehearsal schedule; Preparing and meetings; The crew; Auditions; Rehearsals; Dealing with beginners and prima dona’s; Common directing errors; What happens after opening; Plus a whole heap of other little bits and pieces and information

Sunday 5 June – Practical directing and script work

8am                 Tea and coffee

8.30am            Course recommences

10am               Morning tea

Midday             Lunch

3.30pm            Conclude

Today is a practical exercise with participants “directing” each other using scripts provided by David from the previous day. 

Introducing Course Director – David Adkins

David is 46 years old and was born in London and raised in New Zealand.  David is the Group Retail Manager for Ziera Shoes Ltd (formerly Kumfs) with responsibility for NZ, Australia and the USA and is a guest lecturer at Auckland University (MBA). He has directed for North Shore Music Theatre, Torbay Dramatic Soc, Auckland Arts Council, Independent Players, Company Theatre and is a Past President Torbay Dramatic Society.  David has directed and produced numerous business training and informational video’s (Pro); has dance qualifications to Grade 3 (honours) in Jazz Ballet and is currently directing Miss Saigon at the Civic for North Shore Music Theatre. 

David’s theatrical experience includes directing, chorography, stage management, lighting design and operation, sound design and recording, props, crew, set design, production management and the very important role crucial to any production - tea person!  David also worked professionally in the UK theatre scene in the late 80’s for two years as assistant stage manager and stage manager of a professional cabaret with acts such as Suzie Quattro, Aker Bilk, Hale and Pace, Dudley More, Little and Large, Gene Pitney, and Dionne Warwick. Onstage David has undertaken leading roles such as Jesus  (Godspell), Nathan Detroit (Guys and Dolls), Bill (Me and My Girl), Fagin (Oliver) and the MC (Cabaret).  Leading roles in plays such as Run for your Wife, Caught in the Net, Boeing Boeing and Noises Off. David has been a NAPTA nominee (best Director and Best Show) for The Producers and Blood Brothers.