The Take Art Programme Sept - Dec 2018

What's On A smoochy new season of live performances

Take Part

Photo credit: Zoe Manders. Show: Juliet and Romeo by Lost Dog

Auditions, CPD, schools, workshops artist training

NEWS Incredible new projects in the UK and Europe

2018 AUTUMN SEASON facebook.com/takeart

twitter.com/takeart

September - December www.takeart.org

Contents ............................................................................................................

Welcome to Take Art's Autumn 2018 brochure.

Discover What's On and What's New in your corner of Somerset.

TAKE PART For Artists

WHAT'S ON 4 Word/Play: Rainbow Fish Speak Easy 5 Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra: Strings Ensemble 6 Ange Hardy: In Concert 7 Luke Wright: Down the Pub with...

8 The Big Bang Gang: Sarajevo Big Bang 8 Scratchworks: Great Train Robbery 9 Mumblecrust Theatre: The Tale of the Cockatrice 10 Neil Maya Quartet: The Brubeck Project 10 Buffalo Gals: Miraculous Medicine Show 11 Lost Dog: Juliet and Romeo 12 Jonny Fluffypunk: How I Came to be Where I Never Was 12 The Last Baguette: The Little Match Girl 13 Bojangles: The Legend of Excalibow 14 Tangled Feet: Need A Little Help 15 Fine Chisel: Flit, Flap & Fly 15 Dancing Strong: Light Steps 30 Listings

16 17 19 22 23

Early Years: CPD Dance: CPD Gecko Theatre: Workshop Diversity Forum BARNfest: Theatre Festival

For Young People 18 Somerset Youth Dance Company: Auditions 19 Jump Start: Boys Dance Classes

For Teachers 20 InspirED

NEWS 24 Youth Music Award: The SoundWaves Network and Out There 25 MERYC18 Conference 26 Dance and Health project 27 West Somerset Dance 28 European Projects: RIOTE and SPARSE 29 Word/Play on Tour

Keep up to date with our latest news and events by joining our mailing list.

Sign up at www.takeart.org, call 01460 249450 or email info@takeart.org.

September - December 2018 | Take Art

Welcome to

2018/19 at Take Art

A message from Chief Executive, Ralph Lister

SoundWaves Network, as well as introducing a new NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) focused music project, Out There, delivered in partnership with Actiontrack. See P24.

Secondly I am delighted that SPARSE (Supporting & Promoting Arts in Rural Settlements of Europe), is about to begin.

It is a brand new Creative European funded project with partners in Estonia, Italy, Lithuania and Spain, with further associates in Norway and Sweden. Over the next three years we will share our accumulated rural touring knowledge with the aim of stimulating new rural touring networks in each of the partner countries.

One of the biggest challenges we face is that of developing ideas and then successfully raising the funds to enable them to happen.

We also have a brand new look Take Art website, where you can explore all our new and current projects and events.

Over the summer we have had several pieces of good news, and alongside our continuing diverse and high quality programme, we have two new projects to announce.

Exciting times indeed!

Firstly we received ÂŁ146,778 for a Youth Music funded initiative supporting our regional Early Years programme, The

You can read more about Take Art and the work we do around Somerset and beyond within the following pages and also online at www.takeart.org

Book online at www.takeart.org

Ralph Lister

Executive Director, Take Art

Welcome

3

WHAT'S ON Rainbow Fish Speak Easy Word/Play

For the broken and the brilliant (and all their friends) Rainbow Fish Speak Easy is a bi-monthly spoken word poetry night for Yeovil, with open mic slots available for anyone with an original poem to share. The event, which is hosted by Liv Torc, is fun, funny, tender and tremendous, with tips for successfully navigating the human condition in all its luminous, ludicrous and lunatic dimensions.

Along with an open mic, feature slots and a short performance from the Somerset Word/ Play group, September's headliner will be Malaika Kegode, the (reluctantly) ‘exotic’ girl from a quiet Devon town, who is now a significant force on the poetry scene, running Bristol's very popular Milk Poetry.

The Rainbow Fish Speak Easy has been touring this summer, appearing at Buddhafield and WOMAD festivals to huge success. The show comes out of the Somerset Word/Play project (see P29). Email livtorc@yahoo.com for an open mic slot.

DATES & DETAILS ......................................................

Thur 20 Sept | 7.30pm (doors 7pm) The Hub, Yeovil | donations

4 What's On

September - December 2018 | Take Art

Resonate Strings

Symphony Orchestra. This engaging concert will reflect the wonderful diversity of the classical string repertoire featuring music from Vivaldi to Brahms, Mozart to Puccini, and Handel to Astor Piazzolla.

The wonderful BSO are coming back to Somerset to fill your hearts with extraordinary symphonies. It is indeed a rare thing to hear this nationally renowned classical ensemble in your own village hall; for some just a short walk from their own front door and for others, Castle Cary is still within easy reach for many South Somerset residents.

If you cannot make this date or live on the other side of the county, then rest assured they will be back in mid January when they will be touring to Dulverton again.

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO)

Resonate Strings are five gifted musicians, each of whom represents one of the five string sections of the Bournemouth Book online at www.takeart.org

www.bsolive.com

DATES & DETAILS ...........................................................

Sat 29 Sept | 7.30pm | Caryford Community Hall ÂŁ15/ÂŁ10 child | 07863 222394 or visit Bailey Hill Bookshop

What's On

5

In Concert

Ange Hardy “One of Britain’s top folk musicians.”

The Telegraph

Ange Hardy’s albums regularly receive fivestar reviews in mainstream publications and her last three have hit No 1 in the Amazon music charts. Legendary radio broadcaster Mike Harding referring to her as “one of the most interesting, powerful and talented singer songwriters to come out of recent years.”

As a solo artist she supports her stunning vocal delivery with a range of acoustic guitars, a classical harp, subtle percussion, traditional whistle, and breath-taking harmony lines. With almost 100 studio recorded songs under her belt she rarely performs the same set list twice, allowing for a level of improvisation and spontaneity 6 What's On

that makes her one of the most diverse solo artists you’re likely to encounter.

Alongside a staggering list of other accolades she’s been nominated at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, awarded FATEA Magazine’s Female Vocalist of the Year in 2013, Album of the Year in 2014. Ange’s 6th solo album Bring Back Home was released in 2017.

At the root of Ange’s music is the captivating art of storytelling. She sings about stories and events that span the generations and appeal to all walks of life. www.angehardy.com

DATES & DETAILS ..............................................................

Fri 19 Oct | Show 7.45pm (doors 6pm)

Henhayes Community Centre | £10/£18 with hot supper & dessert | 01460 74340

September - December 2018 | Take Art

Down the Pub with…..

Luke Wright

The pint drinking poet of his generation Flamboyant, political and riotously funny, Luke Wright creates inventive poems with loads of heart. Part Essex wide boy, part dandy fop, he writes from the sidelines about small-town tragedies and national farce, then performs his work with snarl and spit.

In Down the Pub with... you will see one of Britain’s most engaging performers where he belongs, spinning yards down the boozer.

He’ll make you laugh, he’ll make you cry and he might even get a round in.

We are really thrilled to be able to work with Luke and The Inn Crowd project, who bring exceptional live events to rural pubs in Somerset. And thanks to the brave landlords Book online at www.takeart.org

who have stepped into this adventure with us – it promises to be a lot of fun.

“Cool poems.” Patti Smith “One of the funniest and most brilliant poets of his generation.”

Johann Hari, The Independent “Performance poetry’s key revivalist.” Metro “He must be on some kind of dope.”

John Cooper Clarke

DATES & DETAILS ............................................................

Fri 26 Oct | 8pm | Black Swan Inn, Langport | £5 | 01458 251836

What's On 77

The Big Bang Gang Sarajevo Big Bang

Great Train Robbery Scratchworks Theatre

A thrilling tale of modern Europe

The gals that got away!

How could that fatal gunshot in Sarajevo change everybody’s life – even yours, even today? This fabulous Swedish theatre company use stories, songs and a crazy cabaret to make you understand just how you are connected to the gunshot that started The Great War.

In the early hours of Thursday 8 August 1963, the heist of the century is under way.

Signals are scrambled, phone lines cut and millions of pounds of cash – stolen.

Five days later the first clues are found, the gang is busted and the rest is history. But what about the ones that got away?

Maria is a professional storyteller and artist.

She follows the nervous young men of the action group, their pockets loaded with guns, bullets and poison. Staffan is a writer who brings to life the tensions and the historical background of the shot and its Big Bang aftermath. Eva is a singer and actress. In stories and typical songs of the time she builds an atmosphere that brings you nose to nose with these people and their fate. Follow them on a surprising journey through power struggles and secret machinations.

Join the four feisty forgotten females from the Great Train Robbery, as they leave behind their kitchen-sink lives and embark on a madcap adventure of mischief and mayhem.

Using a raucous combination of physical theatre, live music and joyful clowning.

DATES & DETAILS ...........................................................

Fri 19 Oct | 8pm (doors 7.30pm) | Roadwater Village Hall | £9/£6 child | 01984 640976 or Roadwater Community Shop Sat 20 Oct | Appley Pavilion | 7.30pm | £10/£5 child/student | 01823 672131 | Bar available 8 What's On

Scratchworks are an award winning physical ensemble of four women who create playful, accessible theatre from scratch.

“A totally captivating show!” Beaford Arts www.scratchworkstheatre.co.uk

DATES & DETAILS ..........................................................

Sat 27 Oct | 7.30pm | Chilthorne Domer Village Hall | £10/£3 child | 07951 470104 Optional hot supper and dessert, £5 per head

September - December 2018 2017 | Take Art

The Tale of the Cockatrice Mumblecrust Theatre

A dark monster-loving fable for all ages Deep in the vaults of an ancient priory a hideous creature awakens. A deadly cockatrice is born! Bold knights flee in terror... can a humble nun defeat the beast?

Two inter-dimensional storytellers, trapped in an empty void of forgetfulness, recount the legend of this evil creature, set in the village of Wherwell. We hear of the village’s struggles, the lives lost and the heroes slain.

Multi-award-winning Mumblecrust Theatre present two muddle-headed storytellers, an obscure British legend, breathtaking puppetry and spine-tingling live music in this dark and winding fable for monster-lovers young and old.

Book Book online online at at www.takeart.org www.takeart.org

Great for everyone 4+, this show is perfect for 7-12 year olds and will entertain parents and grandparents as well.

Awards “Best Newcomer to Brighton Fringe” 2017 “Best of Brighton Fringe: Children and Families Award” 2017 ***** “a genuine work of art” The Voice ***** “a fascinating world of intrigue, mystique and fantasy” Primary Times www.mumblecrust.com

DATES & DETAILS ..............................................................

Wed 31 Oct | 2.30pm | Bruton Club | £5 07473 864 413 | Church Bridge Stores/ Bruton Pharmacy

What's On

9

The Brubeck Project Neil Maya Quartet

Miraculous Medicine Show Buffalo Gals

The Golden Age of Jazz Reborn

A guaranteed cure for the 21st Century!

The fabulous Devon based Neil Maya Quartet take you back to 1959 and the cool sounds of one of the greatest jazz bands in existence, the Dave Brubeck Quartet. Playing such classics as Blue Rondo Ala Turk, Unsquare Dance and Take Five.

Let the disheartened be uplifted, let the nonbelievers find meaning, the frail find strength and the dead be raised to their feet to dance… Buffalo Gals return to Somerset and if we could bottle this feeling, we would – so leave your aches, pains and furrowed brows at home and join the band for an evening of ‘Doctor Good’. Featuring the music of The Carter Family, Woody Guthrie, Hank Williams, Pete Seeger and other greats, as well as their own original compositions.

Neil Maya on saxophones delivers quality accessible music, with a light skilful touch and an air of frivolity. He is joined by some of the most exciting jazz musicians working in the South West today. Listen out in the first half for the band’s original compositions and other standards and then all the Brubeck favourites in the second half.

“Electrifying performances from a band that has everything” Teignmouth Jazz Festival www.neilmayaquartet.co.uk

DATES & DETAILS ..........................................................

Relying faithfully on the magic of fiddle & banjo, the Gals trust in the restorative, positively miraculous powers of the music of bygone days; early bluegrass, early country music, blues and rags, ballads, dance numbers, spirituals and gospel. Reveling in the uplifting joy of percussive dance & the edifying effects of a good story well told. www.buffalogals.co.uk

Beercrocombe Village Hall | £10 including

DATES & DETAILS ...........................................................

Thur 15 Nov | 7.30pm | Lamyatt Village Hall

Village Hall | £13/£7 student | 01460 75313

Fri 2 Nov | 8pm | Curry Mallet and nibbles | 01823 481441

Sat 3 Nov | 7.30pm | Clapton and Wayford

£12/£6 student | 01749 812031 10 What's On

September - December 2018 2017 | Take Art

Lost Dog

Juliet and Romeo A guide to long life and a happy marriage Lost Dog’s new show reveals the real story of Romeo and Juliet. It turns out they didn’t die in a tragic misunderstanding, they grew up and lived happily ever after. Well they lived at least. Now they are 40ish, at least one of them is in the grips of a midlife crisis, they feel constantly mocked by their teenage selves and haunted by the pressures of being the poster couple for romantic love. They have decided to confront their current struggles by putting on a performance; about themselves. Their therapist told them it was a terrible idea.

With Lost Dog’s blend of dance, theatre and comedy this stunning duet takes on our cultural obsession with youth and our struggle with how things are supposed to be. A humorous and heartfelt investigation into love, loss and longevity.

“Ben Duke’s take is no straightforward adaptation. He scrubs things out, scribbles in the margins, blurs art and life until the two are almost indistinguishable...it’s all the more stunning for it.” Exeunt www.lostdogdance.co.uk

DATES & DETAILS .........................................................

Sat 3 Nov | 7.45pm (6.30pm) | Williams

Photo credit: Zoe Manders

Hall, Stoke St Gregory | £12/£8 including supper | 01823 698283 Lost Dog Choreography Workshop 2-4 pm | £10 | 01823 698283 You can also stay to watch two short Tone Dance films after the workshop

Book online at www.takeart.org

What's On

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How I Came to be Where I Never Was

The Little Match Girl

"A comedy colossus" The Source, Bristol

A warming tale for winter

How do you find yourself when you find yourself where you don't belong?

London. Christmas Eve. The snow is falling.

A little girl struggles fiercely through the cold.

Jonny Fluffypunk grew up in the far-flung, forgotten reaches of outer suburbia. In 1984, he was fifteen. This is a story about being the first punk in the village and the only trainspotter in eyeliner. About unrequited love and youth club and John Peel and the forgotten gods of small record shops end of nowhere.

We follow her throughout the day as she encounters the funny and zany characters of the vibrant city streets. In an attempt to stay warm she strikes a match. The flame blazes to life, illuminating fantastic Christmas visions. We meet talking turkeys, dancing rats, Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their chattering Christmas tree.

This is lo-fi stand-up spoken word theatre for anyone who has listened to late-night radio under the bed covers, or fallen in love, or just been alive.

In this touching, madcap and heart-warming Christmas show, The Last Baguette use visual story telling, live music and puppetry to shine a light on Hans Christian Andersen’s classic winter tale.

Jonny Fluffypunk

"Acute social observation, intricate humour, surreal fantasy, sharp irony and wit… and England’s most pretentious moustache."

The Independent

The Last Baguette Theatre Co.

“The energy and commitment of the company is infectious...This is unique small scale theatre with a great heart” Theatre Bath

www.jonnyfluffypunk.co.uk

www.thelastbaguette1.weebly.com

DATES & DETAILS ..........................................................

DATES & DETAILS ...........................................................

Inn, Churchinford | Donations

3pm | £6/£4 child | 01458 250367

Mon 12 Nov | 8.15pm (doors 7pm) | York

12 What's On

Sun 2 Dec | 3pm | High Ham Village Hall

September - December 2018 2017 | Take Art

In Cabaret Bojangles

They play, leap, tumble, juggle and joke Bowjangles are a string quartet who can really play. They dance whilst they play. They sing whilst they play. They can do it all and this is their most magical, and ludicrous, show so far. A theatrical, musical journey through myths, folklore, legends and a portal in a cello case in the quest to find the most priceless relic of all; a magical violin bow know as Excalibow.

You can expect tales of ancient gods, monsters, historical figures and characters of pure fantasy in this action packed show, all presented in Bojangles own inimitable and unique style. Full of comedy, energy, panache and almost every musical genre you can imagine.

Book Book online online at at www.takeart.org www.takeart.org

Suitable for all ages. Be warned, may contain traces of Abba.

Bojangles are four very clever and funny performers, not to mention truly excellent musicians. This is a cabaret comedy night of pure fun that is always a big hit on the rural touring circuit.

“Funny, genius, utterly inspired.” Dillie Keane

DATES & DETAILS ..............................................................

Fri 7 Dec | 7.30pm | Charlton Horethorne

Village Hall | £12 | 01935 814199 or Charlton Horethorne Village Shop

Sat 8 Dec | 7.30pm | Kingsdon Village Hall £10 | 01935 840912 or Village Shop

What's On

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Photo credit: Stephen Beeny

HOPPER ON TOUR Hopper, an exciting new Early Years Theatre initiative, is on tour for its third season of shows this Autumn. Season one and two brought circus, storytelling and dance as well as lots of “wows” and “awesome” from children, parents and promoters.

Aiming to make theatre for under 5s easier to see and as inexpensive as possible, Hopper shows tour nurseries, schools, libraries, children's centres and theatres. This idea is being tested in Somerset and Surrey thanks to funding by Arts Council England and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation. Led by Take Art, Surrey Arts and China Plate, it’s hoped the project will be rolled out to other counties in the future.

If you fancy joining in the fun, there are three Hopper shows coming up in October: Fine Chisel’s squawking bird adventure Flit, Flap & Fly, Dancing Strong’s Light Steps for all those little dance movers and Tangled Feet’s poignant tale Need A Little Help exploring the joy of caring.

www.takeart.org/hopper 14 What's On

HOPPER: Show One | Age 2+ and families

Need A Little Help

Tangled Feet

Empathy, friendship and the joy of caring Joe and Ella are a great team - they make each other laugh, help each other out and tackle all the chores, until one morning things begin to change. Based on the experiences of young carers, the show explores what it means to look after someone else when you are young.

Need a Little Help is a deeply moving and joyfully uplifting piece of interactive and physical theatre from award winning ensemble Tangled Feet.

“We love this because it shows how children can help their grownups” www.tangledfeet.com

DATES & DETAILS ...........................................................

Tues 9 Oct | Williams Hall, Stoke St Gregory 10.30am & 1.30pm | £2 | www.takeart.org Wed 10 Oct | 10.30am & 1.30pm | Bridgwater Arts Centre | £6 child (adult free per child) 01278 422700 | bridgwaterartscentre.co.uk Thur 11 Oct | Nether Stowey Village Hall Book at www.takeart.org

HOPPER: Show Two | Age 2+ and families

HOPPER: Show Three | Age 2+ and families

Flit, Flap and Fly

Light Steps

Get ready to take flight for the very first time

Following the song and dance of the sun

Flit, Flap & Fly follows a young chick’s frantic and funny journey towards independence, and her relationship with her fine-singing single father. FINE CHISEL are known around the UK for their playful theatre and footstomping live music. Join them on this noisy escapade about growing up and singing your heart out.

Join Alex a rag doll on a magical journey with the sun, from the gentle light of an emerging dawn, dancing into the multicoloured blaze of a beautiful sunset. Alex’s day is overseen by three guardian‐angels/friends (dancers & musician) whose ethereal movements, music and dance mirror Alex’s feelings, experiences and inquisitiveness.

“The touching tale of a baby bird learning to spread her wings... pure theatrical joy” **** The Stage

A soundtrack to Alex’s exploits is provided by a profoundly beautiful live musical composition reflecting the various stages of the day’s light.

This dance and music performance piece is made for children and their families to enjoy colour, movement and music.

Fine Chisel

“We love this because it’s hilarious, musical, flexible and flappy.” www.finechisel.co.uk

DATES & DETAILS ...........................................................

Tues 2 Oct | St Peter’s First School Williton Wed 3 Oct | Wembdon St George Primary Thur 4 Oct | 10.15am & 11.30pm | The Brewhouse Theatre and Arts Centre, Taunton £8.50 child (adult free per child), discounts for EY settings. Book on 01823 283 244 Book online at www.takeart.org

Dancing Strong

“We love this because it's great dance full of big, gentle emotions.”

DATES & DETAILS ..........................................................

Tues 9 Oct | Bridgwater Rugby Club Visit www.takeart.org to book Wed 10 Oct | 10.15am & 1.30pm | Taunton School | Visit www.takeart.org to book

What's On

15

EARLY YEARS CPD Hopper Passport Artist Access to Early Years Theatre

FOR EARLY YEARS PRACTITIONERS Calling all artists interested in Early Years Theatre and Early Years Professionals!

A final chance to grab a heavily discounted pass to see three Early Years shows and learn more about the Hopper project.

The passport costs £5 and will give you (and a small person if you have one) a chance to see Fine Chisel’s squawking adventure, Flit, Flap and Fly, Tangled Feet’s poignant drama Need A Little Help and Dancing Strong’s gentle Light Steps. There will also be a Q and A with the companies post performance.

The Hopper tour will take place in venues across Taunton, Bridgwater and Williton from the 2-11 October.

Need A Little Help?

Early Years CPD

A practical workshop for Early Years Practitioners led by Nathan Curry CoArtistic Director of Tangled Feet. Their show, Need A Little Help made with an Early Years audience in mind, was inspired by young carers and is part of the Hopper initiative.

Come along and find out ways theatre can be used to explore empathy, resilience and teamwork. Explore lots of great games and exercises to unleash a child’s imagination and get them moving and using their bodies.

This workshop was rated as excellent by all participants at Take Art’s recent Small Steps Big Noise conference.

For more information contact Tamsin Mosse at Take Art. Email tamsin@takeart.org

“Great ideas, which I feel that I can take away, and use with my Reception class!”

SSBN workshop participant

To find out more about the project visit www.takeart.org/hopper

DATES & DETAILS ...........................................................

Twitter @TakeArt #Hopper Facebook Take Art Early Years 16 Take Part

Wed 10 Oct | 6–7.30pm | tbc | £10 / £5 for InspirED schools | To Book: email earlyyears@takeart.org

September - December 2018 | Take Art

Photo credit: Alsorts Photography

TAKE PART

DANCE IN SOMERSET

DANCE CPD

Dance Forum on Tour!

Take Arts hosts the county dance agency and through this role we aim to support dance artists, practitioners, teachers, students and venues. We will be hosting a number of Dance Forum meetings across the county in the following six areas: Frome Merlin Theatre | Thurs 11 Oct | 4-6pm Taunton Tacchi Morris Arts Centre | Date TBC | 4-6pm Minehead LA Festival | Tues 2 Oct | 4-6pm Bridgwater McMillan Theatre | Date TBC 4-6pm Street Strode Theatre | Date TBC | 4-6pm Yeovil Yeovil College | Date TBC | 4-6pm The forum meetings will be your chance to meet the dance team at Take Art, share ideas and to learn more about each others work. Take Art will be on hand to answer any questions about our overall strategy for the county as well as explore the best way to profile and represent dance artists and teachers based in Somerset. Refreshments will be provided.

To register your interest email kim@takeart.org

MEET THE DANCE TEAM

Our team consists of Director of Dance Alison Lord and Dance Coordinator Kim Bardget

FIND US: www.takeart.org/dance takeartdance

@TakeArtDance

CONTACT US

18alison@takeart.org and kim@takeart.org

Take Part

17 19

DANCE AUDITIONS AUDITIONS

Somerset Youth

Photo credit: Paul Blakemore

Dance Company

Auditions

Somerset Youth Dance Company This September Somerset Youth Dance Company (SYDC) is running auditions for young dancers aged 13-21, with a passion and commitment to develop their dancing.

SYDC is a group of gifted and talented young dancers from across Somerset, who share the passion and enthusiasm to perform and dance together.

We will also be offering places to ‘apprentice dancers’ who show potential to join the company at a later date. The company focus mainly on contemporary dance techniques taught by Katey Leader and work with professional dance artists in at least one residency per year.

18 Take Part

THE COMMITMENT Rehearsals: Every Thursday 7-9pm at Strode College Sports Centre, Street (term time only).

Autumn term rehearsals start on 4 October.

Yearly Fee: £150 (£120 for apprentices) to include all rehearsals, residencies and performances. Can be paid in three termly instalments.

DATES & DETAILS .........................................................

Thur 20 Sept | 6.45-9.30pm

Strode College Sports Centre, Street kateyleader@hotmail.com Katey Leader is the Artistic Director of SYDC, to register your interest or if you have any questions please email her directly.

September - December 2018 2017 | Take Art

Photo credit: Rich Rusk

DANCE CLASSES

FOR TEACHERS

Somerset BOYS ONLY Dance Group

Jump Start Boys

Gecko Theatre Co. RETURN! Drama and DanceNET

Jump Start is an exciting, high energy, physical adventure that incorporates parkour, break dancing and contemporary dance styles. The weekly classes take place in Yeovil and are set up specifically to engage boys in dance. They are open to boys 10-19 years, of all abilities, who have a passion to move.

After the tremendous success of Gecko’s visit to Somerset in April, InspirED welcomes the company back this November to lead a full day workshop, where participants will experience Gecko’s unique style of movement and physical theatre and gain insight into their creative processes.

Starting in September 2018 we are looking for new members for our Yeovil group. We also want to set up new boys dance groups in other areas including Frome, Bridgwater, Taunton, Minehead and Street/Glastonbury.

Founded in 2001, Gecko is an award winning, internationally acclaimed physical theatre company, led by Artistic Director Amit Lahav.

*when we have 10 or more boys signed up in an area we will be able to start weekly sessions

DATES & DETAILS ..........................................................

Weekly | 7-8pm | Yeovil and more | £40 per term | For further info or to register your interest call Take Art on 01460 249450 or e-mail kim@takeart.org Book Book online online at at www.takeart.org www.takeart.org

The workshop is for all teachers, drama and dance artists, practitioners, students (age 18 +) and anyone wanting to be inspired.

Bookings MUST BE made in advance.

DATES & DETAILS ..........................................................

Fri 9 Nov | 9.30am–5.30pm | Bishop Fox's,

Taunton | FREE to inspirED teachers/£80 for

individuals | email inspired@takeart.org or call Katy on 01460 249450

Take Part

19

FOR TEACHERS

Creative Opportunities for children and young people Creative Opportunities for children and young people in in education in Somerset

education in Somerset

InspirED Somerset

Photo © allsorts photography

• Performance, visual & digital opportunities • For children & young people age 0-19 • Inspiring others • Upskilling teachers • Supporting the Creative Arts • Enriching the curriculum with a balanced & varied programme

Subscribe to InspirED and find out what's on in 2018/19 at www.inspiredsomerset.org.uk

Get InspirED InspirED launches its 2018/19 academic year with a host of enriching, creative and life-affirming opportunities for children and young people.

This term Take Art, Somerset Flim and Somerset Art Works offer teachers more 20 Schools

creatively engaging arts projects to enrich the curriculum. See the full programme at www.inspiredsomerset.org.uk InspirED is a partnership of three awardwinning arts organisations; Somerset Film, Take Art and Somerset Art Works, along with Somerset County Council.

September - December 2018 2017 | Take Art

A Strange New Space, by Tessa Bide

Primary Dance & Drama Festival

One Item Only, by Egg Productions

The InspirED Effect What teachers, children and parents are saying...

..........................................................

"It is always good for children to have the opportunity to experience professional live performances... all year groups were captivated throughout the show.”

Liz Herbert from West Chinnock Primary School on dance show, A Strange New Space, by Tessa Bide “It was amazing how a few props could enhance the drama, especially when money was turned into a paper boat, it made me think long and hard about refugees paying for their passage to safety.”

Matilda (9 yrs) on InspirED drama show, One Item Only, by Egg Productions “Just so good to see young people all expressing and enjoying themselves on stage with their school peers, outside of the classroom. Thank you InspirED” Parent at InspirED Primary Dance & Drama Festival, Strode Theatre “...The 2018 Celebration Event has encouraged the Head teacher to consider the advantages of introducing contemporary dance into the school."

Kevin Ross, Drama teacher at Selwood Academy

Selwood Academy at 2018 Celebration Platform

Schools

21 19

DIVERSITY FORUM

Diversity Forum

For the Performing Arts in Somerset The Take Art Diversity Forum provides a safe place for people to have honest conversations around diversity and equality, challenge perceptions, share experiences and provoke individual and collective action. There is a real hunger in Somerset to put the arts under the microscope and we are already noticing changes in the way artists and theatre makers tackle diversity issues.

Over the last few years, we have showcased the culturally diverse work available in the county, looked at gender issues of inequality and debated the touchy subject of ‘class’. Most recently, in May, we gave young people the platform and they offered us the provocation of why they feel ‘Arts organisations are failing them’.

22 Take Part

After a healthy discussion, there was a request for the following to be actioned: •

• •

Arts Ambassadors in schools and colleges for arts organisations and venues to share information through and gain feedback Young People to be offered free tickets and travel expenses to go along to shows and write reviews Development of a Somerset events listing site

Another positive outcome since the May forum for young people, is that a group of Yeovil College performing arts students were invited to join a day of skill sharing with our European RIOTE project partners at Dartington.

Keep a look out on the Take Art website for the next Diversity Forum www.takeart.org/diversity-forum September - December 2018 2017 | Take Art

BARNfest

BARNfest 2018 BARNfest is a small-scale theatre festival showcasing work made in Somerset and the South West. It is produced by Take Art and The Brewhouse with support from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.

On Friday, BARNfest will also host the next regional Venues SW meeting providing a discussion platform for programmers as well as pitches from theatre-makers and networking opportunities.

The full programme is available on our website with registration details and a list of affordable accommodation.

Photo © allsorts photography

So join us for two days of celebration, stimulation, provocation and lively debate around best practice in contemporary theatre. The two days of BARNfest will be a chance to see work from companies such as Mumblecrust; Tangle; Wassail; Through the Red Door; Richard Crowe; Tor Theatre; amongst many others.

BARNfest PART ONE A day for Somerset theatre-makers, featuring discussions, a showcase of Plop, a tour-ready children’s show by Sarah Mooney and a Scratch show organised by Sarah Mooney & Leela Bunce. Includes lunch and plenty of time to network and share ideas.

DATES & DETAILS ..........................................................

Fri 12 & Sat 13 Oct | in and around The Brewhouse Theatre and Arts Centre, Taunton Book online now at www.takeart.org

WHAT IS BARN?

BARN is a three-year theatre initiative (201719) that supports Somerset’s emerging theatremaking sector to develop, test and showcase new work in a predominantly rural context.

BARNfest PART TWO An evening event featuring a double bill of tour ready shows, including Lilith by Tor Theatre and a production from a SW

Photo: Mumblecrust Theatre: The Tale of the Cockatrice

What's On

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NEWS Take Art Receives Vital Youth Music Funding Take Art has been awarded £146,778 by Youth Music to undertake a three-year programme of music activity, designed to support the development of children and young people in Somerset and the South West. The award is divided between two projects, The SoundWaves Network and Out There.

The SoundWaves Network

AN EARLY YEARS MUSIC NETWORK FOR THE SOUTH WEST 24 News

The SoundWaves Network: Training the EY workforce

The SoundWaves Network is delivering a three-year early childhood music education programme incorporating a strong element of training for the current and future early childhood workforce in the South West.

Starting in July 2018, the project takes place within three musiclearning communities, located in Plymouth, Bristol and Somerset, working with early childhood settings, universities, advisory teams and Music Education Hubs.

Jane Parker, The SoundWaves Network Project Leader, said “In order for our work to have a sustained impact we must continue to engage with everyone involved in the education of young children. We support their conviction and belief in the value of musical play, their knowledge of how young children play musically and their early childhood music pedagogical expertise. This is essential. All young children will have the very best musical opportunities to learn and develop.”

Find Out More

www.takeart.org/soundwaves-extra "Puts you onto the right path to being email earlyyears@takeart.org human-whole again,’ Julie, participant September - December 2018 2017 | Take Art

OUT THERE

FOR EY PRACTITIONERS

Music in Early Childhood Out There is a participatory music programme, delivered through Actiontrack at their recording studios in Taunton, working with 70 young people, who are not in education, employment or training 'NEET's. They will work in one to one and small group sessions, culminating in a collaborative sharing event.

Out There aims to re-inspire its participants, giving them new skills and renewed confidence. Students will be referred to the project through a number of agencies, including FE colleges, CSW Group, Somerset County Council Post 16 Advisor, PRUs, schools and Targeted Youth Support.

To help capitalise on the impact of this project, Take Art and Actiontrack will work with NYMAZ and the Somerset Music Hub to develop a viable online teaching resource suitable for NEETs. Ralph Lister, Take Art’s CEO says “This is a wonderful opportunity for us to work with terrific partners and make something really significant happen for young people in Somerset.”

Book online at www.takeart.org

MERYC18 Conference ‘New Directions and Valued Traditions’ MERYC18 Conference, in partnership with Take Art and Bristol Plays Music, presents original research and examples of practice to stimulate discussion and deepen understanding of early childhood music education. This year’s conference will celebrate the traditions that underpin and shape practice; while at the same time challenging taken-for-granted assumptions; looking at the new directions needed to support Early Years creativity in the 21st Century.

The conference begins early evening on Friday, offering workshops, presentations and networking opportunities. On Saturday an inspirational keynote address from Katherine Zeserson. A research seminar led by Dr. Susan Young and a Mighty Song Sharing led by Linda Bance and Margareta Burrell will be an optional pre-event taster for delegates.

DATES & DETAILS ..........................................................

Fri 9 Nov | 4.30pm-7.30pm & Sat 10 Nov | 9.15am -5.30pm The Colston Hall, Bristol

Register at http://meryc.co.uk

News

25

Photo Credit: Andy Barker

Photo: ?

NEWS

Dance to Health Take Art is always seeking new projects that combine the arts and health, to improve the quality of life for people living in Somerset.

In our most recent dance initiative Take Art has joined forces with Aesop, to deliver a fantastic new project at Dunkirk House in Taunton, which is part of the national project Dance To Health; a pioneering ‘falls prevention’ dance programme for older people.

Dance to Health groups are led by trained dance artists who embed evidence based falls prevention exercise in creative, fun, sociable dance session for older people who have been suffering falls or at risk of falling.

Now Take Art and Aesop will start delivering the project here in Somerset in late September, 26 News

Dancing for falls prevention with two Somerset based dance artists now recruited to start their training with ‘Later Life Training’.

Alison Lord, Take Art Dance Director said, “This is significant development to our programme here at Take Art. The project is a fantastic way to work with national partner, Aesop, to deliver an evidence based falls prevention project with The British Legion at Dunkirk House. We are confident the project will really make a difference to the lives of the residents taking part there.”

If you want more information, or would be interested in setting up a falls prevention older peoples group in your area please get in touch with Alison Lord, Dance Director, alison@takeart.org or call 01460 249450.

To find out more visit:

www.ae-sop.org/dance-to-health September - December 2018 2017 | Take Art

Photo Credit: Rod Higginson

NEWS

Dance in West Somerset NYDC and Stacked Wonky offer more opportunities for young dancers.

We caught up with Stacked Wonky’s Artistic Director Sarah Shorten to find out all about their exciting new dance project with National Youth Dance Company (NYDC).

Along with running their company of 41 dancers, the National Youth Dance Company deliver a bespoke regional project each year to connect with dancers across the country. With no young people from West Somerset currently engaged with the NYDC project based at Sadlers Wells, the area was identified as a ‘cold spot’.

Evidence was also coming to light that West Somerset had been listed as the worst area for social mobility in the UK (January 2017 identified). Alison Lord, Director of Dance at Take Art put NYDC in touch with Sarah Shorten, Artistic Director of Stacked Wonky.

Sarah has been making incredible and highprofile site work in West Somerset for years and knows the area well, “…it’s a close knit community and I knew you couldn’t just arrive and expect people to ‘get it’, said Sarah. "The Book Book online online at at www.takeart.org www.takeart.org

process would need to be more interactive and work closely with local people.”

Since Alison’s introduction Sarah has been working collaboratively with Elaine Foley, project manager at NYDC, developing an open exchange, which included Stacked Wonky performing on stage for members of NYDC to rapturous applause!!

In return seven young dancers from NYDC were welcomed to Stacked Wonky site specific dance academy in August, running for three days in Porlock.

Sarah wants to continue to work with NYDC on a potential co-commissioning project and hopes that NYDC will bring one of their pieces to Somerset next year as part of Take Art’s annual Spring Forward Festival.

Alison Lord says “We hope to build on these kinds of opportunities and to ensure that this goes some way to making a difference to young people who live in West Somerset”.

For more information please contact Fiona on 07900 212747 or at fiona@stackedwonky.com News

27 19

NEWS

Teatro Tascible workshop in Bergamo, Italy

Take Art's two European Projects Take Art is really delighted to be part of two exciting European funded projects, RIOTE2 and SPARSE.

RIOTE2

brings together outdoor theatre companies from Slovenia, Italy, Romania, Hungary and the UK to share their skills and training. The UK company, Broken Spectacles, hails from Devon. For our part Take Art has been invited to share our knowledge of how to run a rural touring scheme. To do this we are creating a practical guide to the sector, in the form of a Rural Touring handbook, to be published online in May 2019.

In May all the partners came over to Somerset and spent a week with Take Art, observing our work and meeting village promoters, 28 News

theatre makers and artists. In turn, we are visiting their regions to learn more about their work and local culture.

SPARSE is a brand new project which

starts this September with arts organisations in Spain, Lithuania, Estonia and Italy. The partners are also interested in developing rural touring schemes in their localities and working towards the creation of a European Rural Touring Network.

Our dream at the end of both projects is to have built firm relationships with theatre companies and organisations across Europe and to develop a touring infrastructure between us all.

You are invited to hear all about RIOTE at a one day end-of-project symposium at Dartington Hall, near Totnes on Weds 29th May 2019. Take Art will be arranging transport so if you would like to join us please contact sarah@takeart.org September - December 2018 2017 | Take Art

NEWS

Word/Play on Tour This Summer participants from Take Art's Performance Poetry on Prescription project Word/Play took their community poetry show the Rainbow Fish Speak Easy on tour, appearing at both Buddhafield and WOMAD festivals.

Spoken Word artist and former Rainbow Fish Speak Easy headliner Melanie Branton reported from WOMAD….

“If Saturday’s mental health day was at the heart of the Hip Yak’s programming, then the hour-and-a-half segment presented by the Rainbow Fish Speak Easy, a Yeovil spoken word night which has grown out of a Take Art project piloted in GPs’ surgeries in Somerset, using spoken word poetry as a therapeutic activity for mental health service users, was at the heart of Saturday.

It was led by Jamie, Jon and Julie, three service users who discovered spoken word through the scheme and who have gone on to run the Yeovil night – their own brutally candid, exquisitely crafted, professional standard Book Book online online at at www.takeart.org www.takeart.org

poetry about their experience of mental illness, delivered with swagger and skill, was interlaced with poems from more established poets on the bill who have also experienced serious mental health problems.

This was no sympathy project – all the poets who took the stage had created work which clearly deserved to be there on merit, the quality and power of the poetry was uniform across the board and moved many of the audience to tears – many, many audience members I spoke to said that it was the most powerful, moving and urgent section of this year’s programme."

As Word/Play goes from strength to strength, Take Art in partnership with Miles Phillips Consulting aim to launch a new series of workshops in 2019, while supporting the current participants as they continue to share their powerful and life changing poetry about mental health.

The next Rainbow Fish Speak Easy will be on Thur 20 Sept at the Hub, Yeovil. See P4 For more information about the project visit www.takeart.org/wordplay

News

29 19

Listings

To book, call or email the local box office. To book online and for full information about all shows and the accessibility of venues please visit www.takeart.org Date

Time

Company

Event

Venue, Sat Nav Postcode and Tel

Page

Thur 20 Sept 7pm

Word/Play

Rainbow Fish Speak Easy

The Hub, Yeovil BA21 4JD

4

Thur 20 Sept 6.45pm

Somerset Youth Dance Company

Auditions

Strode College, Street BA16 0AB

18

Sat 29 Sep

7.30pm

BSO

Resonate Strings

Caryford Community Hall BA7 7JJ | 07863 222394

5

Tue 2 Oct

TBC

Fine Chisel

Flit, Flap & Fly

St Peter's First School, Williton TA4 4SF

15

Wed 3 Oct

TBC

Fine Chisel

Flit, Flap & Fly

St George's Primary School Wembdon TA6 7PS

15

Thur 4 Oct

10.15am & 1.30pm

Fine Chisel

Flit, Flap & Fly

The Brewhouse, Taunton TA1 1JL 01823 283 244

15

Tue 9 Oct

TBC

Dancing Strong

Light Steps

Bridgwater Rugby Club TA6 4TZ

15

Tue 9 Oct

10.30am & 1.30pm

Tangled Feet

Need A Little Help

Williams Hall, Stoke St Gregory TA3 6EU

14

Wed 10 Oct

10.15am & 1.30pm

Dancing Strong

Light Steps

Taunton School TA2 6AD

15

Wed 10 Oct

10.15am & 1.30pm

Tangled Feet

Need A Little Help

Bridgwater Arts Centre TA6 3DD | 01278 422700

14

Wed 10 Oct

6pm

Tangled Feet

Early Years CPD TBC

14

Thur 11 Oct

TBC

Tangled Feet

Need A Little Help

Nether Stowey Village Hall TA5 1NH

14

Fri 12 Oct

10.30am

Take Art

BARNfest

The Brewhouse, Taunton TA1 1JL 01823 283 244

23

FOR A LARGE PRINT COPY PLEASE CALL 01460 249450 30 Listings

September - December 2018 2017 | Take Art

Date

Time

Sat 13 Oct

Company

Event

Venue, Sat Nav Postcode and Tel

Page

10.30am Take Art

BARNfest

The Brewhouse, Taunton TA1 1JL | 01823 283244

23

Fri 19 Oct

7.45pm

Ange Hardy

In Concert

Henhayes Community Centre TA18 8DA | 01460 74340

6

Fri 19 Oct

8pm

The Big Bang Gang

Sarajevo Big Bang

Roadwater Village Hall TA23 0QY | 01984 640976

8

Sat 20 Oct

7.30pm

The Big Bang Gang

Sarajevo Big Bang

Appley Pavilion TA21 0HH | 01823 672131

8

Fri 26 Oct

8pm

Luke Wright

Down the Pub with…..

Black Swan Langport TA10 9RQ | 01458 251836

7

Sat 27 Oct

7.30pm

Scratchworks

Great Train Robbery

Chilthorne Domer Village Hall BA22 8RD | 0795 1470104

8

Wed 31 Oct 2.30pm

Mumblecrust Theatre

The Tale of the Cockatrice

Bruton Club BA10 0HG | 07473 864413

9

Fri 2 Nov

8pm

Neil Maya Quartet

The Brubeck Project

Curry Mallet & Beercrocombe Village Hall TA3 6SY | 01823 481441

10

Sat 3 Nov

7.45pm

Lost Dog

Juliet and Romeo

Williams Hall, Stoke St Gregory TA3 6EU | 01823 698283

11

Sat 3 Nov

7.30pm

Buffalo Gals

Miraculous Medicine Show

Clapton and Wayford Village Hall TA18 8PS | 01460 75313

10

Fri 9 Nov

9.30am

GECKO Theatre Company

Drama and Dance CPD

Bishop Fox's School, Taunton TA1 3HQ

19

Mon 12 Nov 8.15pm

Jonny Fluffypunk

How I Came to be Where I Never Was

York Inn Churchinford TA3 7RF

12

Thur 15 Nov 7.30pm

Neil Maya Quartet

The Brubeck Project

Lamyatt Village Hall BA4 6NJ | 01749 812031

10

Sun 2 Dec

3pm

The Last Baguette The Little Theatre Company Match Girl

High Ham Village Hall TA10 9DA | 01458 250367

12

Fri 7 Dec

7.30pm

Bojangles

In Cabaret

Charlton Horethorne Village Hall DT9 4NL | 01935 814199

13

Sat 8 Dec

7.30pm

Bojangles

In Cabaret

Kingsdon Village Hall TA11 7LL | 01935 840912

13

Some tickets may include supper and refreshments. Enquire with the box office for more information.

All details correct at time of going to press.

Book Book online online at at www.takeart.org www.takeart.org

Listings

31 19

Take Art events this season are at: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Appley Bridgwater Bruton Castle Cary Charlton Horethorne Churchinford Chilthorne Domer Clapton & Wayford Crewkerne

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

Curry Mallet Frome High Ham Kingsdon Lamyatt Langport Minehead

Nether Stowey Roadwater Stoke St Gregory Street Taunton Williton Yeovil

11

16 18

22 17

2

20 19

21 1

12 15

7

14

3

4 13

5

10 7

6

23

9 8

Find us online

26

For more information on Take Art including our events, projects and news, visit our website:

www.takeart.org Follow us on:

Facebook, Twitter & Issuu Mailing list

If you would like to receive a copy of the programme through the post, or sign up to receive our e-bulletin, email info@takeart.org or sign up at www.takeart.org

Get in touch 01460 249450 info@takeart.org Take Art Ltd The Mill Flaxdrayton Farm South Petherton Somerset TA13 5LR Registered Charity No: 298671 Registered in England: 2203943