Takeoff Festival 2010 Brochure

takeoff 2010 FESTIVAL OF THEATRE FOR CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE

Darlington Arts Centre 11th-12th November

Welcome to Takeoff 2010 Book your ticket, fasten your seat belt and get ready for Takeoff!

This year’s festival reflects the diversity and ambition of the Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) sector and provides children, young people, families and theatre practitioners opportunities to be challenged and inspired.

Takeoff enables us all to make new contacts, catch up with old friends, see work in development and find out more about life on other planets inhabited by the press, the commercial sector and children’s television. What’s more, Takeoff plays its part in helping to raise the status and profile of theatre for young audiences, build relationships with partners in other sectors and support our own professional development.

We’re all looking forward to welcoming you to Darlington. I hope that you enjoy participating in Takeoff as much as I have enjoyed putting this exciting programme together.

Steve Ba ll Festival Programmer Theatre Hullabaloo would like to thank the following partners and funders

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Theatre Hullabaloo Theatre Hullabaloo is delighted to bring you this year’s Takeoff Festival of Theatre for Children and Young People, packed to the brim with fantastic shows from home and abroad plus a busy programme of discussions and sharing of scratch work.

Takeoff is the place for people working in the field of theatre for young audiences to come together to share in a forum of debate and comparison. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness of the achievement and potential of our field amongst funders, educators, programmers and producers. As partners in the European Small Size Network, this year’s festival programme retains a particular commitment to work for the very youngest with a special strand of some of the best theatre for Early Years.

We’re also delighted to welcome WebPlay

as a contributor to the programme offering new opportunities to conceive the way we present our work in the digital age. As we face new political and economic realities, we must all look at new ways to shape our work for future audiences. There has never been a more important time to come together to advocate loudly for the value of our work and its impact on the lives of thousands of young people across the country every year. We look forward to welcoming you to Takeoff 2010.

Small Size

Miran da Tha in

Creative Producer

Small Size, the European network for the diffusion of performing arts aimed at early childhood (0 – 6 years) provides a structure through which to meet, share expertise and exchange knowledge; to develop collaborative projects and disseminate information and research. The network, which includes 12 co-organisers from different countries, has been awarded EC funding until 2014 to support its work through the Small size, big citizens project. www.smallsize.org Thank you to our partners in the UK Small size micro-network.

Polka Theatre www.polkatheatre.com Starcatchers www.starcatchers.org.uk Sticky Fingers www.stickyfingersarts.co.uk

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WebPlay This year Takeoff welcomes WebPlay as a contributor to the festival, giving delegates the opportunity to learn more about online platforms and how they can extend the learning of the live theatre experience.

Page to Stage is a secure online platform where theatre companies can create collaborative projects with their school audiences. Page to Stage was developed by WebPlay, an arts education charity that creates projects for schools which combine drama and technology.

Over the last ten years, WebPlay projects have demonstrated how technology can be used to further and enhance the live theatre experience for children and young people, linking many of the UK’s top children’s theatre companies with over 25,000 children from across the UK, USA, India and China.

Page to Stage will be launched at Takeoff 2010 with projects that will enable participating schools to interact online with the creative teams and explore the plays and how they were made. During the festival, there will be an opportunity to take part in a presentation about how the projects were made and be ‘in conversation’ with Sydney Thornbury of WebPlay.

www.webplay.org

Takeoff Programmer says,

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“An innovative approach to using new technology to connect theatre companies with their young audiences”

Interact @ Takeoff 2010 We’re making the most of some of the different ways we can record and exchange views and ideas at this year’s Takeoff Festival.

Takeoff Tweeting You don’t have to be a Twitter user to share your thoughts on the shows you have seen or the workshops you have participated in. Simply text our dedicated festival number and your message will be displayed on screen at the festival via our Twitter account.

If you are already on Twitter, follow us now @TakeoffFestival and @HullabalooTweet.

Blogging As part of the Festival, young people involved with WebPlay will be blogging their reviews of the shows they have seen. We will be encouraging delegates to do the same and share their festival experience via our blog.

Flickr Throughout Takeoff we will be streaming images of all the festival fun into our Flickr account. View them and share them by searching for “takeoff2010” at www.flickr.com

Facebook Become a fan of Takeoff Festival on Facebook to get the latest updates.

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Photo: Patrick Baldwin

Oily Cart (England) Drum

6 months - 2 years

Written and Directed by Tim Webb Designed by Claire de Loon Music by Max Reinhardt Following the critically acclaimed Baby Balloon, Oily Cart present Drum, a new multi-sensory and interactive show for 6 months – 2 year olds.

Listen to the gentle rhythm of the big bass drum, watch the shadows dancing on the surface of the small drums. Join Oily Cart in this wonderful new multi-sensory adventure for very young children.

“I loved it, they loved it. It cheered me!

There is not enough of what you do in life.

The pace, involvement, raisins, rice, balls on drums, shadows, rhythms and magic of it all was excellent!” Parent on Drum at TARA Studio.

Takeoff Programmer says, “A welcome return to Takeoff by a company at the forefront of theatre for the early years”

OILY CART has been taking its unique blend of theatre to children and young people in schools and venues across the UK since 1981. Challenging accepted definitions of theatre and audience, we create innovative, multi-sensory and highly interactive productions for the very young and for young people with profound and multiple learning disabilities or an autistic spectrum disorder in the UK.

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www.oilycart.org.uk

Photo: Stefano Mazza

La Società della Civetta (Italy) Droplets

1 - 6 years

Created by Sara Nanni & Guglielmo Papa Directed by Guglielmo Papa Performed by Sara Nanni & Guglielmo Papa Goccioline (Droplets) is a performance about water as an essential resource not to be wasted, but to be valued and loved. The dramatisation, based on words and sounds, unravels throughout a journey from the Western world to Africa, in search of enchantment and magic.

Sara and Guglielmo, through effective and simple actions, invite the children to listen to the water; whether it flows in all its abundance or whether there is very little and it needs to be gathered drop by drop.

Elements on which the performance is based are a thirsty camel, waiting for a cloud and the moment of joy when the rain finally falls.

Takeoff Programmer says, “A delicate and humorous production full of life and meaning”

La Società della Civetta was founded in 2007 by the actor and director Guglielmo Papa who has been active in the field of children’s theatre for more than fifteen years.

La Società della Civetta aims to create an original theatrical language that addresses children and adolescents with a special attention to early childhood, through the production of shows and workshop for the pre-school age. www.lasocietadellacivetta.it

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Photo: Gavin Joynt

Tell Tale Hearts (England) From Here to There

18 months - 4 years

Directed by Natasha Holmes Devised and designed by the company Music direction by Michael Szpakowski A show that’s full of the joy of building and knocking down, climbing over and crawling under, of hiding, of surprising and peek-aboo! A show to make you smile!

Using rhythm and vocal play, shoe boxes, card and the world of the imagination, two quite independent individuals discover ways to play together and reach each other.

Looking at the dynamics of how young children play, both alone and together, this

production brings to life some of the humour, pathos and ridiculousness of bridging two separate worlds with all the problems and hiccups that entails.

Created in collaboration with The Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield.

Takeoff Programmer says, “This was partly developed in the Departure Lounge last year and we’re thrilled to present the full production at Takeoff 2010”

TELL TALE HEARTS was reconstituted in 2003 as a touring visual theatre company that devises and delivers theatre productions exclusively for children and their families.

Our highly inventive productions combine high quality design with performance, live music and puppetry. Our shows give children an interactive and tactile experience of the magical and multi-sensory world of theatre.

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www.telltalehearts.co.uk

Image: map.ref.ltd

Catherine Wheels (Scotland) White

2- 4 years

Created by Andy Manley Designed by Shona Reppe Performed by Andy Manley & Ian Cameron Composed by Danny Krass Come with us into the sparkling world of White where everything is bright and new.

It gleams, dazzles and shines in the night.

White is a playful, highly visual new show for very young children and is a perfect first time theatre experience.

But someone has to keep it that way and there's a problem.

Takeoff Programmer says,

All anyone can think about in this white world is red… and yellow… and green… and blue…

“An exciting collaboration between two artists who really understand their audiences”

CATHERINE WHEELS is an award-winning and internationally acclaimed children’s theatre company, which aims to produce the highest quality, surprising and challenging theatre for children and young people.

Hansel and Gretel the company’s promenade production has recently been nominated for a Drama Desk award for the most Unique Theatrical Experience on Broadway. www.catherinewheels.co.uk

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Illustration: Deborah Allwright

Theatre Hullabaloo (England) The Night Pirates

3 - 5 years

Inspired by the book by Peter Harris & Deborah Allwright Directed by Sarah Argent Choreographed by Kitty Winter with music by Wayne Walker-Allen Designed by Bek Palmer When dark shadows come stealing down Tom’s bedroom walls he thinks it might be monsters or ogres or trolls. So he peeps out of the window and what should he see but PIRATES. Stranger still they're GIRL PIRATES, stealing the front of his house!

Tom joins the Girl Pirates on their daring adventure across the high seas to an island where Captain Patch and his really rough, tough grown-up pirates are guarding their treasure.

Puppets, song and ballet dancing pirates combine in this delightful adaptation of the much loved picture book.

Theatre Hullabaloo presents The Night Pirates in partnership with the egg, Theatre Royal Bath.

Takeoff Programmer says, “A delightful adaptation of the much loved children’s book”

THEATRE HULLABALOO is a pioneering theatre company creating quality work for young audiences. We believe that children deserve work of the highest quality and greatest artistic challenge. It is this challenge that drives us to form collaborations with those working at the forefront of their art form to create fantastic theatre that tours regionally, nationally and internationally.

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www.theatrehullabaloo.org.uk

Illustration: Chris Cyprus

M6 Theatre Company (England) Sunflowers and Sheds

5 - 8 years

Devised by the Company Scripted and directed by Gilly Baskeyfield & Dot Wood Original music by Tayo Akinbode From the creative team behind the critically acclaimed ONE LITTLE WORD, comes a tender and heart-warming story of discovery sure to inspire and delight audiences young and old alike.

On the allotments down by the railway, Frank’s peaceful routine is turned upside down by the arrival of lively Isabella and her chickens on the neighbouring plot.

Through the changing seasons, the seeds of friendship grow side by side with the

raspberries, runner beans, memories and dreams.

Underscored with original music, let the enchanting world of Sunflowers and Sheds take you on a journey that will capture your heart and imagination.

Takeoff Programmer says, “A delightful exploration of unexpected friendship”

M6 THEATRE COMPANY has over 30 years experience of creating and delivering a rich programme of accessible and innovative theatre for young audiences. M6 is renowned for producing work that has deep emotional resonance with its audience and is as imaginative as it is powerful. Our rich and innovative creative programme tours to early years settings, schools, youth settings, prisons, theatre and festivals regionally, nationally and internationally. www.m6theatre.co.uk

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Photo: Dimitri Gácsér

Teatro Munganga Mimo

(The Netherlands)

6 years +

Created and Performed by Carlos Lagoeiro Designed by Marion Hoekveld Music by Ted van Leeuwen Mimo is an old man whose head is bursting with memories.

In the course of his journey, his head becomes gradually emptier.

They are very intrusive, they jump, jiggle and dance in his chaotic mind. They made him laugh and cry. Mimo decides to go travelling.

Can Mimo finally find peace and fall into an eternal sleep?

During his travels, he is able to give important memories from his past a place and make peace with these experiences.

Takeoff Programmer says, “An exciting production which will challenge young and old alike”

TEATRO MUNGANGA was founded by Carlos Lagoeiro and Claudia Maoli in 1987. Teatro Munganga uses a mix of emotion, expression, playfulness, music, dance, puppets, novel sets and humour to tell stories that shed light on the poetry as well as the magic of everyday life.

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www.munganga.nl

Photo: Chris Webb

Tangere Arts (England) Tin Soldier

7 years +

Based on the story by Hans Christian Anderson Written by Noel Greig Directed and Composed by Lewis Gibson Produced by David Johnston & Gary Lagden But in his heart he knows, that if steadfast he stands and steadfast he stares at the one that he loves, then all will be fine in the end... Or will it?

Join our Steadfast Tin Soldier on a magical, musical journey, as he is chased by an evil goblin, threatened by a monstrous rat and swallowed by an enormous fish whilst travelling helter-skelter towards his appointment with destiny.

From the award-winning team who brought you Hood in the Wood and A Tasty Tale, comes TIN SOLDIER, an exciting roller coaster of a performance, for all romantics over 7 years old.

Takeoff Programmer says, “A wonderful opportunity to see Noel Greig’s last play performed by Tangere Arts”

TANGERE ARTS are a regional, national and international Children’s Theatre and Theatre-in –Education company dedicated to creating the very best possible theatre, both as entertainment and as a direct educational stimulus to children, young people and families. Tin Soldier completes a trilogy of plays created by the company with the writer, the late Noel Greig, exploring the hidden meanings of stories and fairy tales. www.tangere-arts.co.uk

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Image: DEKKO

Theatre Centre (England) The Day The Waters Came 13 years + Written by Lisa Evans Directed by Natalie Wilson Music by Dan Steele Designed by Jean Chan with lighting by Aideen Malone It’s summer 2005. Maya Marsalis takes you by the hand, sometimes the throat, and leads you through her landscape the day Hurricane Katrina came, the levees broke, the world watched and the US Government did nothing.

composition and a fast-paced script with snappy documentary-style scenes to shape the story of the residents from the 9th Ward.

Go with her, as she shows you how her world and that of thousands of black American citizens changed forever.

Takeoff Programmer says,

A new production with choreographic ensemble acting, original sound

“A new play by Lisa Evans which asks how people can take the future into their own hands”

THEATRE CENTRE develops new ideas, new voices and new collaborations to connect with today’s young audiences. One of the company’s great ambitions is to inspire and commission mainstream writers and to break down the perception that there is a qualitative difference between writing for young and older audiences.

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www.theatre-centre.co.uk

Departure Lounge The Departure Lounge is the place you go to before you Takeoff!

In an attempt to give people with ideas for a new show a space to share them (perhaps find a collaborator, some funding, a co-producer, just a nugget of wisdom), we will be presenting four new projects in the Departure Lounge at this year’s Takeoff. Delegates will be encouraged to offer advice, share in different processes and have a dialogue with other artists about how work might develop.

How to Get Involved If you would like to show a few minutes of something new, or talk about an idea for a future piece of work that excites you, applications to be part of the Departure Lounge will open 1st September.

We will also be looking for mentors to support this year’s Departure Lounge artists. More details about both opportunities will be available on our website. www.theatrehullabaloo.org.uk

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Delegate Routes There are four routes to choose from at Takeoff this year. The red and green routes will enable you to see eight of the nine shows at this year’s festival, an ideal choice for programmers.

If you choose to follow the blue or yellow route you can see seven shows and have the opportunity to attend a workshop to learn more about WebPlay and how technology can be used to enhance the live theatre experience for children and young people.

Red Route

Includes: Eight shows, two departure lounge sessions, optional workshops & networking sessions, two lunches, one dinner, one post show drink, delegate manual and badge.

Blue Route

Includes: Seven shows, one WebPlay workshop, two departure lounge sessions, optional workshops & networking sessions, two lunches, one dinner, one post show drink, delegate manual and badge.

Green Route

Includes: Eight shows, two departure lounge sessions, optional workshops & networking sessions, two lunches, one dinner, one post show drink, delegate manual and badge.

Yellow Route

Includes: Seven shows, one WebPlay workshop, two departure lounge sessions, optional workshops & networking sessions, two lunches, one dinner, one post show drink, delegate manual and badge.

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Thursday 11th November Red Route

Blue Route

Green Route

Yellow Route

10-11am Registration

10-11am Registration

10-11am Registration

10-11am Registration

Tin Soldier, Tangere Arts

Drum, Oily Cart

Tin Soldier, Tangere Arts

Tin Soldier, Tangere Arts

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

Drum, Oily Cart

From Here to There, Tell Tale Hearts

Droplets, SocietĂ della Civetta

From Here to There, Tell Tale Hearts

From Here to There, Tell Tale Hearts

Droplets, SocietĂ della Civetta

Drum, Oily Cart

Drum, Oily Cart

Mimo, Munganga

Mimo, Munganga

Mimo, Munganga

Mimo, Munganga

Networking events

Networking events

Networking events

Networking events

Departure Lounge Sessions (ends 7.30pm)

Departure Lounge Sessions (ends 7.30pm)

Departure Lounge Sessions (ends 7.30pm)

Departure Lounge Sessions (ends 7.30pm)

Evening Meal

Evening Meal

Evening Meal

Evening Meal

Friday 12th November 9.30am Sunflowers and Sheds, M6 Theatre

9.30am Sunflowers and Sheds, M6 Theatre

The Night Pirates, Theatre Hullabaloo

White, Catherine Wheels

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

WebPlay Workshop

White, Catherine Wheels

WebPlay Workshop

9.30am The Night Pirates, Theatre Hullabaloo

9.30am The Night Pirates, Theatre Hullabaloo

Sunflowers and Sheds, M6 Theatre

Sunflowers and Sheds, M6 Theatre

Lunch

White, Catherine Wheels The Day the Waters Came, Theatre Centre Ends 4.30pm

The Day the Waters Came, Theatre Centre Ends 4.30pm

The Day the Waters Came, Theatre Centre Ends 4.30pm

The Day the Waters Came, Theatre Centre Ends 4.30pm

How to Book Delegate Routes £150 Book online at: www.theatrehullabaloo.org.uk Bookings open on the 1st September Telephone enquiries: 01325 352 004 Early Booking Discount Book between 1st -10th September and receive 10% discount (maximum of five tickets per organisation)

Getting Here By air: There are two airports in the north east of England; Newcastle International Airport and Durham Tees Valley, both have links to Darlington.

By train: Darlington can be reached by train in approximately two hours from Edinburgh, two hours from Manchester and just over two hours from London. The Arts Centre is a short taxi ride or a 15 minute walk from the train station.

Staying Here 17

Hotel Bannatyne is this year’s festival hotel and is a short walk from Darlington Arts Centre. Quote “Takeoff” when booking to benefit from a special festival rate - 01325 365 858

TOURING ATED NOMIN nding tsta for Ou n the ction i Produ for Young e Theatr s category ce n e vor Audi ora Ma D e h s of T Award Moore

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FIVE, our contemporary dance installation for early years, is available for week long residencies and festival bookings in Spring and Summer 2011.

Please contact Diann at diann@theatrehullabaloo.org.uk for more information.

Theatre Hullabaloo would like to thank Lynda Winstanley and Darlington Arts Team for their continued support with Takeoff Festival.

Theatre Hullabaloo Arts Centre, Vane Terrace, Darlington DL3 7AX

tel: 01325 352 004 fax: 01325 369 404 email: takeoff@theatrehullabaloo.org.uk web: www.theatrehullabaloo.org.uk

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