Northern Stage

Blogs, updates, pics and more from some of our upcoming projects.

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The Northern Stage Experience

My name is Brooke and I chose to go to the northern stage for my work experience, and I was not unimpressed with my decision. Northern stage is one of the happiest places anyone could ever know. Everyone in the building are the most genuine and friendly people you could ever meet. During my time there, I had to help out with ideas for communication with the public, help out by making props for the rehearsals of an upcoming show, I got to view behind the scenes, and the technical work. it was an experience I will never forget. The equipment is in perfect condition, the building is 100% safe and the productions shown there are of the best quality. Weather that be other companies coming to the stage to perform, or if its a self produced piece. Northern stage go to the best of their abilities to make sure that the show is perfect for the viewers. Also, a big thanks to Zoe for helping me out while I was there. They offer a summer school as well, where people can come, learn about performance and even perform at the end of summer school! Northern stage is one of the most amazing places in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, I would definitely recommend it to anyone and everyone. :) 

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Artist spotlight: Andrew Bleakley & Gemma Hutchinson

Another day, another artist spotlight! This time we have a spoken word performer and a musician.

Andrew Bleakley

Spoken word

Andrew is originally from Bangor, Northern Ireland and is currently in his final year studying Performance at Northumbria University. Usually the supporting musician or artist, this will be his first solo performance and spoken word debut. Whilst not in arduous study, Andrew can be found rollerblading through the city centre listening to the soundtrack from ‘The Lego Movie’.

Gemma Hutchinson

Musician

Gemma is native to the north- east and regularly performs in open mic nights around the region. Young People's First in 3  will present the debut performance of her new song, alongside other music covers. Gemma is a BA Performance Graduate from Northumbria University.

The curators are all so excited to see the artists perform and this time tomorrow it will all be over! But you've still got time to book- don't miss out! The links are below.

Faith x

Facebook event here

Tickets here

Or call Northern Stage box office on 0191 230 5151

[Images are artists’ own]

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How to Make a ‘Young People’s First in 3’

Yesterday, me, Heather and the lovely Zoe from Northern Stage went on a hunt for the decorations for tomorrow’s First in 3! Unfortunately,poor Faith couldn’t join us as she was stuck on an early morning mini bus ride to Birmingham. I can’t say I was particularly jealous.

Over the past few weeks, us curators have had a lot of mad debating over how we were going to decorate our event room Stage 3. Sure, we wanted to give it a makeover that even Laurence Llewelyn Bowen would be dazzled by, but what kind of makeover?

After throwing about several ideas and themes, inspiration struck when hearing about the topic of our friends at Young Company’s event. Before First in 3 tomorrow, they will be performing their play ‘ENFJ’, named after the possible personality type found in the Meyers-Briggs personality indicator. This got us inspired. So many of the exciting artists performing tomorrow have focused their performances on stories from their own lives and self-expression. Wouldn’t it be great if we could theme our decorations around individuality and personality?

Really interesting, right? Seriously difficult to execute. I mean where do you begin? We decided to pull together a rough list of ideas and things we would need and then hit the shops to unleash our creativity.

So it turns out that if there is something in the world that Poundland doesn’t stock, it isn’t worth knowing about. Their huge range of products left us wondering whether we should abort our original plans and change the theme to ‘Let’s have a 60s party on the moon!’ Maybe next time.

After a quick run around the rest of Eldon Square, the Grainger Market and Wilco, we walked back to Northern Stage laden with bags but extremely happy. We managed to get it all done under budget in just over an hour. It was so much fun I started wondering whether I wanted a career change. Stuff these arts administration aspirations. Call me Kate Duffy: Party Planner Extraordinaire, available for all your upcoming birthday parties, weddings and hen nights.  

So, without further ado, may I proudly present our recipe ‘How to make a Young People’s First in 3’ in three easy steps!

Ingredients:

·         100 pegs

·         50 postcards

·         10 metres of silver cord

·         9metres of silver and purple wrapping paper

·         8 tealights

·         4 packets of sequins (add an extra packet of alphabet themed ones if feeling especially adventurous)

·         1 large pack of metallic paper

·         1 party bag of grey balloons

·         1 bag of star shaped post-it notes

·         As many labels as you can find lurking around the house, office or your nearest stationary shop

·         1 roll of cellotape

·         1 emergency blanket (yes, we are being serious)

·         As many sweets as you can acquire within the budget

And finally, but most importantly, pens! 

 Granted, not the best photo of me in the world (or even remotely close to the best photo) but you get the jist. 

Instructions:

1)      Do whatever is necessary to get yourself into Stage 3 at NS

2)      Take the ingredients and apply them liberally to the venue. Ensure that your cord has been satisfactorily tied up around the room, that the tables have been blitzed with sequins and that there are balloons everywhere!

IMPORTANT: Do not, I repeat, do not eat all the Maoams before the audience arrives. But we totally get it if you do.

3)      Is all your cellotape used up? Are you utterly exhausted? Congratulations! You have just made your very own Young People’s First in 3

And what does the end result look like? Well, you’re just going to have to come along to tomorrow’s ‘Young People’s First in 3’ to see it for yourself.

Check out the Facebook event for more information. Click on the Northern Stage page to get your tickets now!

www.facebook.com/events/1529217084001270

http://www.northernstage.co.uk/whats-on/young-peoples-first-in-3-Oct

See you all tomorrow!

Kate

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Artist spotlight: Rachael Wills, Adam Mann & Jordan Tindale

As we approach the double bill on Wednesday, here's a spotlight on 3 of the artists who will be presenting work at Young People's First in 3

Rachael Wills

Story Telling

'Hi, I’m Rachael. I’m a born and bred Geordie, nearly finished my third year on the Northumbria Drama and Applied course. I am an early riser, coffee drinker and really I have spent this year exploring and finding my creative voice. The story I’ll be performing is the first short story I’ve written, inspired by a love of dark fairy tales and a rainy camping trip to Keswick last summer.'

Adam Mann & Jordan Tindale

Film makers

As Young artists we have been working together for three years. Individually, myself and Jordan are both Film Students with very differing views on reality and the world which makes our partnership particularly effective and our films explorative and culture driven. The films we work on together are indie shoots we do for the love of the craft. Jordan feels film making is about creating informative, engaging work which leaves a lasting impression; for me it is making films which challenge a perception or really broach upon universal themes. Either way both come second to making sure we have fun and enjoy the creative process of filmmaking.

At Young People's First in 3, Adam & Jordan will present their latest production, ‘Beneath The Music’. This film draws upon the themes of love and family and approaches the content in a novel way.

Faith x

Facebook event here

Tickets here

Or call Northern Stage box office on 0191 230 5151

[Images are artists' own]

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Newcastle's New Image

The good news may have been somewhat buried in the ever-frantic build-up to Christmas, but it's official - Newcastle is the best city in the UK.

Late last year, Guardian and Observer readers all over the country were asked to vote for 'Best UK City', and at the end of November, the Guardian's annual Travel Awards announced that our very own little city had triumphed, beating previous winners like Bath and Edinburgh (which took the title for 13 consecutive years!). In the drear of this coldest, wettest, gloomiest part of the winter, I think that's a fact well worth repeating. Now, if you're one of the people lucky enough to call this fantastic place 'home', then it's likely no surprise that Newcastle is the nation's best, but it might well have been a surprise to realize that knowledge of Newcastle's awesomeness isn't the region's best-kept secret.

With London some 250-miles distant, Manchester 100 miles away, and even one of our nearest neighbours, York, a sizeable 75 miles down the road, it can be pretty easy to assume that everything great that happens here never really comes to the attention of anyone else. But the times they are a-changin', and Newcastle is increasingly garnering national attention - the Toon's latest accolade is certainly a testament to that new-found fame. It really is new-found too. The previous year, Newcastle only ranked fifth in the same poll!

So why has Newcastle suddenly shot-up the list? A manageable size ("just right" is the Goldilocks-esque refrain I often hear people use); lovely open spaces like Leazes Park; the fantastic architecture of Grey Street, the Sage, and more besides; a good selection of shops; and great transport links were undoubtedly all key factors, but it's the social and cultural scene that really gives this place life. Most cities have hustle, bustle and business, and while Newcastle has all those things too, it's true 'identity' as a city seems far more focused on being a 'people city', where quality of life is what really matters.

All year round, you can while away some free time with a lovely meal or a relaxed drink in any number of unique cafes, pubs and restaurants. You could follow up with a film at an independent cinema like the Star and Shadow, a concert at the O2 Academy, or take in a fantastic piece of theatre at Northern Stage (shameless plug I know, but it's true!). You could spend a lazy afternoon perusing the books at the beautiful 'Lit & Phil' Library, or wander round the Laing Gallery or Hancock Museum. And there are so many other wonderful things to do and places to go, woven into the fabric of this city - I still come across things I didn't even know exist (as I wrote in my previous blog entry about discovering all the unusual clubs and societies that thrive here).  

There's also the ever-changing roster of occasional or one-off events, that really add some spice and variety. Our very own Young People's First in 3 hits the stage on 18th February, featuring a diverse lineup of music, art, film, dancing, spoken word and theatre, from an incredibly talented group of young performers and artists. Grab yourself a ticket for just £4, or pay £5 to see YPFirstIn3 and Young Company's production 'ENFJ' as well! Just two days later, the BBC 6 Music Festival is coming to Newcastle for the first time, and will be bringing dozens of bands and artists to venues across the city, for what's sure to be a fab two days. Also on 20th February, the EAT! IN food festival kicks off, with a tempting selection of events running right up until 1st March. School half-term is coming up too, so if you're looking to keep little-ones entertained, be sure to check out Seven Stories: The National Centre for Children’s Books. They're hosting a fairy tale celebration for the school break, with a series of events and meet-and-greet fairy tale characters. And that's all just this month, and is far, far from everything! Book launches, gigs, exhibitions, craft fairs, vintage fairs, club nights... There's just so much - and this is a quiet time of the year!

With so much going on, it seems far less surprising that Newcastle is gaining a national reputation as a fantastic place to live, work and visit, and that it romped home to take this year's title of UK's Best City. I wouldn't be surprised if it hangs onto it next year, either.

Heather

[Images by Wilka Hudson (CC-BY 2.0), Patana Rattananavathong (CC-BY-SA 2.0), and Northern Stage]

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One week to go

With only one week left until Young Company and Young People's First in 3 double bill (we can't believe it either!), I thought it'd be nice to give you an update on what we curators are up to. Now that we've got our artists, we've been thinking all about the night itself. We're putting together a running order and approaching the idea of hosting- Yes that means you may see us up onstage next week. And hopefully not falling over on our way up there... Young People's First in 3 is a performance opportunity but equally an opportunity for feedback for the artists. So we're also thinking of creative ways to take audience feedback so that audience members feel they can be honest and constructive and the artists can make the most of comments. Next up its the first meeting with all of the artists together, then before we know it it'll be the tech run! Lots of bits and pieces to be getting on with... And in the mean time, here's our talented line-up for your perusal. Adam Mann & Jordan Tindale (short film) Victoria Gibson (theatre) Rachael Wills (storytelling) Andy Bleakley (spoken word) Gemma Hutchinson (musician) Will Kirk (visual artist) Newcastle University Irish Dance Society (with a twist!) Intrigued? You should be! Come and find out what it's all about NEXT WEEK! Faith x

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Young People's First in 3 - line up confirmed

It's been a bit quiet on the blogging front, we know...now we are very excited to make a (brief) announcement!

The artist line up for Young People's First in 3 is now confirmed! What a range of applications we received- we had some tricky decisions to make.

We've got a wonderful range of young artists for the performance and we're confident you will love to see what they have to say and show!

Watch this space for more info on the selected artists, but while you're waiting, why not pop on over here or give our box office a call and book your ticket for our double bill with a brand new show from Northern Stage's Young Company. This promises to be a night not to be missed.

Faith x

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Young People's First in 3 - Meet the Curators

Young People’s First in 3 is as much a great opportunity for young artists as it is for us- the curators of Young People’s First in 3! We three are busy coordinating the event; from selecting the acts to writing on this blog. Since you’re going to be hearing from us directly, we’d like to introduce ourselves. Without further ado…

Kate

My name is Kate, I’m 22 years young and I’m one of the curators on Northern Stage’s upcoming ‘Young People’s First in 3’. 

Originally from Northumberland, I relocated to Scotland in pursuit of rainy weather, battered mars bars and an English degree. After four years of all nighters and thistly cross cider, I graduated and have been involved in cultural organisations ever since. These include Hay Festival, Glasgow Commonwealth Games and several fantastic months at Bloody Scotland Crime Writing Festival. These days I can either be found running madly around Seven Stories children’s literature centre with paint and glitter or chilling out with mates, a box set and a mug of Sencha tea. I’m very excited to be part of this year’s ‘First in 3’; it’s a fantastic opportunity for young people in the region to showcase what they love doing and meeting others with the same passion and enthusiasm for their own art. Bring it on!

Heather

My name’s Heather, and since graduating I’ve been working as a pattern designer, graphic artist and photographer. In my spare time, I enjoy watching movies (musicals and period films in particular), blogging, making jewellery, and sewing, and I could spend hours in art galleries and costume museums. I have a soft spot for almost all things old, some things new, and cute dogs.

I first got involved with arts event production at university, and I immediately loved the wonderfully creative atmosphere, as well as the sense of passion, dedication and camaraderie among those taking part. I’m so excited to be part of Young People’s First in Three - I’m working with a fantastic group of people, and it’s a real privilege to be able to help talented young artists and performers develop their work, and present it to an audience just as enthusiastic as they are.

Faith (that’s me!)

@ginner2

I’m Faith. By day I work in Sage Gateshead’s operations team; by night I am having a quarter-life crisis based mainly around home-baking and Netflix. I went to Edinburgh University and spent a ton of my spare time producing student theatre there- that’s when I knew an arts career was for me. It’s awesome working in such a central location for music in the North East; but probably my biggest passion is theatre. And a secret affair with film on the side…Fickle I know!

That’s why I’m really excited to be a curator for Young People’s First in 3, and showcasing a total variety of disciplines in one night. I am looking forward to meeting and working with the talented artists we have at our fingertips in the region and seeing what big ideas and new perspectives they come up with.

So that’s us! Pleased to meet you :)

 Faith x

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A Net of Nooks & Niches

One of the things I love about working on theatrical events, is how much variety is involved in putting them together. You never know who you might meet, what you might have to do. Every day can be surprising, and it's usually really good fun because of that. The thing that has surprised me most about working on Young People's First in 3, is the sheer number of clubs and societies I didn't even know existed.

By their very nature, scratch nights are wonderfully diverse events. They feature lots of different kinds of work, by lots of different people, so to publicize the event and let as many people as possible know that applications were open, I had to contact all sorts of different groups. Now, I'd always thought I had a fairly decent grasp of what's going on in the area - vintage and craft fairs; exhibitions at museums and galleries; plays and concerts; independent cinemas showing great movies; dancing lessons; live music nights at clubs; writers, artists and filmmakers having meetups - all the fun things I'm interested in. I didn't have to look around for very long, however, or step very far from the things I'm familiar with, to realize that there is so much else...

Perhaps because its easy, perhaps because it's free, or maybe because it's so ubiquitous now, Facebook is generally the main way that organizations keep in touch with people, so I started there. If you're familiar with Facebook groups you might be aware of this already, but down the right hand side of the page, there's a column featuring 'Suggested Groups'. It shows you groups similar, or close, to the one you're looking at. Click on any one of those and you get taken to that group's page, with more 'Suggested Groups', and so on and so on. It's like going down the rabbit hole, and wow, what an amazing rabbit hole it is.

Starting with long-established local amateur theatrical companies, in only a few clicks you can find yourself looking at groups for anything from regional branches of the Magic Circle, to those training people in circus skills! And they're really popular! There was a circus society at my university, but for whatever reason, it didn't have a huge number of members - I guess because of that I've always thought of things like magic, juggling, acrobatics etc. as very niche interests. It didn't really occur to me just how many people might actually be interested in that niche, and I certainly never thought the number would be sufficient to make a dedicated society a viable prospect. I'm delighted to say I was wrong.

I find it so pleasing to know that the less traditional performing arts are not only surviving, but thriving, despite the economic downturn, despite cuts to arts budgets and all manner of other obstacles. The dozens of highly active societies dedicated to innumerable activities and subjects, which are scattered throughout the North East, are testament to that.

If you've ever had to change your password for a website because it's been hacked, or your inbox has been inundated with spam, then you'll know that the internet is far from perfect - but if there's one thing it excels at, it's allowing people to find one another. If you have a burning desire to learn to do magic, fly through the air with the greatest of ease, or something else entirely, then why not see whether there's a group or club near you? You may not have heard about it but it might still exist, and I would urge you, don't just assume you're the only person interested, because judging from the wondrous variety I've found online, the odds are very much in your favour that you won't be...

Heather

[Images by DirkJan Ranzijn (CC-BY-ND 2.0), Quinn Dombrowski (CC-BY-SA 2.0), and Pierfilippo Mancini (CC-BY-ND 2.0)]

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Humble beginnings!

Hi!

I’m Faith, and I’m one of the curators for our upcoming Young People’s First in 3 at Northern Stage, and I’ve been trusted with the first ever blog around these parts (no pressure…)!

Here you’ll find information on all manner of exciting opportunities to get involved and participate at Northern Stage, as well as pics and juicy backstage gossip on our upcoming events.

For my part, the curator team and I will be keeping you up to date on the process for Young People’s First in 3, being performed on Wednesday 18th February. Applications are OPEN, so if you are aged 16-25 and are a performer, actor, writer, comedian, musician, film maker, beat poet, swing dancer, magician… You get the idea. We want you! Take a look at the link below where you’ll also find an application form.

http://www.northernstage.co.uk/take-part/perform/young-peoples-first-in-three

Oh, and the deadline’s Friday 23rd January… Hop to it!

Faith x