Monday, November 24, 2008

SORRY - NO PANTO THIS YEAR...


THE MADRID PLAYERS deeply regrets that we have decided not to put on a Christmas pantmoime this year.


The reasons for this difficult decision are numerous, ranging from unsuitable theatres to the financial constraints of our advertisers and sponsors.


We apologise to all those who look forward every year to seeing and taking part in the panto, and wish to thank the many people who have kindly expressed their disappointment at the news.



Meanwhile, we will be busy in the New Year working on a new, fun show that everyone will want to come and see!
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF THE MADRID PLAYERS!



Tuesday, November 11, 2008

WORKSHOPS AT MADRID PLAYERS


Until Tuesday 11th November:

IMPROV WORKSHOP:

In a friendly, non-judgemental environment, we can all just relax and have fun, while at the same time learning something about the “rules” of improv. Maybe we can find the answers to some of our usual panniky questions:

"Help! I can’t think of anything to do!”
“What if I’m not funny!?
“This is not going the way I want it to…!”

Starting with some basic exercises, we will work up to full-blown improv scenes, and hone our talents in an essential theatre skill…

NEW WORKSHOP! STARTS TUESDAY 18th November 9PM



DIRECTING & WORK-IN-PROGRESS WORKSHOP



If you have ever thought of directing, this is a chance to try your hand at it in a friendly atmosphere, with no pressure to come up with a finished show by a set performance date!


We will look at:



  • Holding an audition – things to look out for. The read-through.

  • Pre-rehearsal physical and vocal warm-ups

  • Ways of “blocking” a scene

  • Characterization (physical and emotional)

  • Improvisation and other rehearsal tools

  • Organization: casting sheets, rehearsal schedules, keeping track of blocking, working with a stage manager, deciding on a set, music, lighting, sound…

We will work on scenes from week to week, (work-in-progress), with a view to a possible short in-house production.


We will need plenty of actors too!. So here’s another opportunity to hone your talents and have lots of fun!


Directing doesn’t mean you won’t be able to act. If you are directing one scene, you can also be an actor in another.


Material will include short scenes by:
Shakespeare, Noel Coward, Oscar Wilde, Carol Churchill, Thornton Wilder, Stephen Berkoff, Alan Bennett, Alan Ayckbourn, Sam Shepherd, Samuel Beckett, and also new work.


Tuesdays at the Clubhouse, 9pm – as from Tuesday 18th November.


For this first session, feel free to bring any other material you would like to direct or see directed. Scenes should ideally be no more than three pages long. Monologues, two-handers, larger casts…


IMPORTANT: If you are primarily interested in trying your hand at directing, please contact Thisbe (thisbe@ya.com), asap, so we can work out how many scenes we will need.

Non-members are very welcomne to join in a workshop free of charge, prior to deciding if they want to join the Madrid Players. (Membership is 35€ for a full year, September to September).

SEE YOU THERE!