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Form and communicate a view on an arts issue

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Form and communicate a view on an arts issue

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Research advanced practitioners and review arts events/experiences

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Research advanced practitioners and review arts events/experiences

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Identify and participate in development opportunities within the wider arts sector

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Identify and participate in development opportunities within the wider arts sector

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What is your main art form/practice?
My typical art form is musical theatre. From a very young age I have been immersed in the musical theatre world. I  have had the privilege of participating in various musical productions, both on a grand stage and in school theatre shows. These experiences ignited my love for the art form and exposed me to the transformative power of storytelling through music and dance. Recently, I've also been involved in creating choreography for a musical theatre show which is just an extension of my main art form but I explored it in a different way, and I have also written an entire jukebox musical for a school project, and that felt really natural to me.

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What is your new arts practice, and why have you chosen it?
For Part A, I want to have a go at developing my own drama script. I have previously done some very minimal script-work when writing my onw musical, but I felt that that script relied extremely heavily on the songs to tell the story, and the only purpose of any dialogue was literally just to connect the songs together. For that piece, I wrote all the songs first, and the script was only there to tie it together. This time, I want to try writing an original story with no songs, so that it relies completely on dialogue to convey the story. I am definitely going to struggle with this, to say the least, as I currently have absolutely no ideas and don't understand how to actually write anything decent, but I'm hoping as time progresses things will flow naturally. I've chosen this because my extensive experience in musical theatre intertwines a lot with drama but I have never actually done anything like this before, and I'm excited to explore my ideas in a completely new channel.

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What is your arts issue and why have you chosen it?
My arts issue is whether film musical adaptations are a good idea. Recently, the 'Mean Girls' musical adaptation was released, leading to lots of discourse about the necessity of movie musicals and I was interested in evaluating whether such adaptations are really a good idea.

How will you present your argument?
I'm going to research this and write an essay exploring different movie musicals and their benefits and drawbacks within film.

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What research have you done into opportunities to participate in the arts?

Through my music teacher, I've made contact with the head of my local music service to see opportunities to get involved with the wider art's community, and she emailed back with a variety of possible ideas.

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RESEARCH INTO ARTS PRACTICIONER

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What research have you done into different views?

I looked into a range of different musical movies from the last fifty years, spanning from Grease in 1972 to Mean Girls in 2024. I had a look at reviews, and different articles which helped me to understand a range of views about individual musical movies and the genre as a whole. I compiled everything into this mood board.

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What research have you done into an advanced arts practitioner?

Have you had any contact with them or others involved in their work?

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What is in your skills development plan?

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What did you do on your arts experience?

How did the experience support your arts development?

What did the practitioners involved in leading the experience have to say about your participation?

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What work have you done with an arts practitioner experienced in the art form?

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How has the research you have done influenced your views?

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REVIEW ARTS EVENTS

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Arts Event One

Before you begin your review, what is the purpose of a review to you?
For me, a review is an honest assessment of an events overall quality. It should evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a performance while maintaining respect towards the performers. Reviews by audience are really important as sometimes critics interviews of performances can be inaccessible whereas if a review is coming from a normal person it can be more relatable to a potential audience member.

Describe the arts event.
I watched a performance of Grease in the West End on the 26th of August 2023. "Grease" is a classic musical that follows the romantic journey of Sandy Olsson and Danny Zuko, two high school students with different social backgrounds. Their love story unfolds amidst the vibrant backdrop of the 1950s, showcasing the challenges and transformations they undergo to be together. As they navigate the complexities of teenage life, Sandy and Danny's relationship is tested by peer pressure and societal expectations. However, their genuine connection and personal growth shine through, reminding us that love can transcend the constraints of time and societal norms.

What art forms were involved?
Within the musical, there were SO MANY art forms involved. For example, visible to the audience, there was singing, acting and dancing.

What did you think was good about this?
This performance was INCREDIBLE! I love Grease and have been in it previously, so this musical was not only a journey back a few years for me personally, but the entire audience was enthralled by the talent displayed by the cast. One thing that immediately got me was definitely the accents- I was impressed because I don't think I have ever seen a 'Danny Zuko' accent done that well! The actors clearly stepped into their characters exceptionally- even the ensemble who showed characterisation through their experiences and their actions on stage. The ensemble members actually seemed like real characters, which is incredible as in other shows I've seen the ensemble may not display a lot of passion on stage which comes across to the audience. The cast were just so impressive, they expertly executed complicated choreography while singing very well. I couldn't understand how they weren't completely out of breath by the end of each number! In particular, Olivia Moore as Sandy was incredible. One thing I found was she was doing note changes in already incredibly difficult songs such as 'Hopelessly Devoted' which was SO impressive. Her voice was just so beautiful and she was really the perfect 'Sandy.'  Some of my other favourite songs from the performance were 'There are worse thing I could do' and 'Those Magic Changes' which had a real guitar performance on stage. Additionally the obvious numbers such as 'Summer Nights' and 'You’re the One That I Want.' The lighting was masterfully done, and complemented the talent on stage.  The makeup and costumes were also great, and conveyed each character perfectly. I particularly loved 'Frenchy's' costumes as they were all pink to match her bubbly personality and bright hair colour. The sets were also incredible, and the props were so cool! The car 'Greased Lightning' was perfect for the show and there was a seamless transition between scenes set inside Rydell High School and other settings in the show. Overall it was an incredible performance of the iconic musical and I am so happy to have seen it in London's West End.

What did you think could be improved?
I thought that the show was perhaps trying too hard to be original. Some of the songs were placed in the wrong place in the story- differing from other versions. For example 'Hopelessly Devoted' didn't happen at the sleepover, but instead at the school danced. Considering it just followed the lively 'Born to Hand Jive' it felt slightly misplaced and some of its grand factor was lost because of that. I even spent half the show worrying about whether they cut 'Hopelessly Devoted' so when it's iconic intro came on I think I actually sighed out of relief. The same happened with 'Look at me, I'm Sandra Dee' but I felt this was slightly better as the placement in the song in the story didn't feel as off which is better. Also some of the iconic choreography was changed from some of the numbers, like 'Greased Lightning' which is a shame as I feel everyone knows and loves that choreo, and weirdly enough the actual hand jive from 'Born to Hand Jive' was changed in order to look more complicated. I understand adding some individual flair to each performance of an iconic show, but I felt this was too much and didn't aid the overall effect of the performance so I was slightly disappointed by these aspects. The cast were so incredible though, and the show was definitely made by their incredible performances.

Did the event develop your knowledge and understanding of the art forms?
Definitely, as I've been in a professional production of Grease before, so it was nice to see another group and casts interpretation of the characters and songs.  Additionally, seeing each cast members different takes on the songs was amazing to see, and perhaps I'll embed the changes i saw in future performances. Additionally, for unit two I will be directing a performance of a song from Grease in the showcase, so this provided some more inspiration for that which was welcome.

How will you share your thoughts with others?
Lots of my friends enjoy musical theatre so I'm definitely going to share my thoughts with them- all my friends know I love Grease so they'll likely prompt me to share my thoughts on the show.

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Arts Event Two

Describe the arts event.
I watched the 'Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour' movie on the 15th of October 2023. This year, Taylor Swift completed the first leg of the record breaking 'Eras Tour' and due to unprecedented demand for the show, she decided to release a concert film to satiate some of this. I already have tickets to the tour in London for 2024, but I wanted to see it anyways as it's the perfect event to write about for my arts award!

What art forms were involved?
Oh my god, there were SO many art forms involved- it's insane. Obviously, it's a film, so film was a massive part of it, things like cinematography and camera work were VITAL to the movie. Also, it's a concert, so obviously music was a huge part of the arts event, but there was also dancing (so much of it, actually) and to a certain level, acting, as well as many special effects. But actually, art also came into it, for the stunning visual effects for the concert, and the animations used to go from one section of the concert to another to separate 'The Eras'- and so thing like animation were also a massive part of it. Also there were so many costumes, at least 11, so fashion ,as well as hair and makeup, was also important. There were so many art forms, it was hard to wrap my head around the amount of work needed to produce something like this.

What did you think was good about this?
I am definitely biased, as a massive fan, so I am going to try and keep my thoughts from a neutral perspective. Obviously, the songs were incredible and the setlist included most of the hits which could help people who aren't massive fans still enjoy the show. The thing that impressed me the most about it was the fact that all the performers (Swift, and all her dancers, vocalists and band) are able to put on an incredible show spanning THREE AND A HALF HOURS, WITHOUT A BREAK? The energetic choreo and vocally challenging songs means I would have lasted thirty minutes maximum, and yet the performers perform at the same level at the start and end of the night, which just has to be commended. I love how the albums all had their moment and section in the show, and they were randomly put in the setlist so you never knew what was next and that aspect was amazing. I specifically remember my friend, who came with me, literally screamed when the 'reputation' section came on as it was so unexpected and she was so excited for that section. Also the actual film was impressive as Swift was able to entertain and engage with the real life crowd at the concert, as well as the future film-watchers which seems so difficult, so that was great too. The choreo was also beautiful and all the dancers looked like they had so much fun, which really came through on screen. The outfits were also GORGEOUS! They were all so glittery and looked perfect in all the lights and I want to steal them all. Also, her makeup stayed on all night so the makeup artist definitely is incredible, and somehow one makeup look managed to suit all the eras so that's very impressive. Overall the film was great, and if anything, it only made me more excited to experience the real concert next year!

What did you think could be improved?
Honestly, not much. Some songs were cut from the movie setlist, which made me so sad as my favourite song 'cardigan' was one of these. However that's just a personal issue, and there was pretty much nothing else. I think Swift's crowd interactions could be a little better, but I also understand that that is the way Swift always performs.

Did the event develop your knowledge and understanding of the art forms?
Definitely. I think my bar for every art form ever has increased a couple of rungs after this film because the entire thing was just so visually beautiful! I also want to learn how to be stable for three and a half hours, because that's a skill I do not yet possess but I am so curious.

How will you share your thoughts with others?
Honestly, I don't think I'll be able to shut up about this film  ever. You can trust all my friends are going to get sick of me raving about this movie as I was honestly in awe the entire team of the hugely talented people who were involved.

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What progress have you made?
Here is my progress diary from the start to the end of the project. I've written details of what I've been working on and any new ideas that have popped into my head. Documenting the project this way was great as it was really easy and it is clear how the project has developed from this progress diary.

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How have you shared your final argument with others?

What feedback have they given you?

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REFLECTIONS

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New Art Work.

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How have your research and experiences influenced your own arts practice?
Right now, I'm working on the showcase for Unit Two, and everything I've seen has definitely influenced my work towards that. I have been so inspired by the choreo in both 'Grease' and the 'Eras Tour', and will definitely take what I've learnt from those events forward. Also, I have been so inspired by the creative direction of Taylor Swift, and how all her albums have such a developed style and artwork and so I'm going to take those visuals forward and implement them in future projects.

How might you develop your arts practice in the future?
From all of this, I really want to get better at singing. As someone who takes part in musical theatre regularly, my singing is okay, but to truly be great my singing really needs improvements as my range is quite small for an alto. Perhaps in the future I will take singing lessons to do this.

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How have you shared your new art work with others?

What feedback have you received?

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Overall Reflection.

What do you think of your new art work?

What went well?

What could have been improved?

What are you proudest of within the piece of new work?

What new skills have you developed?

What influence will this new work have on your main arts practice?

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What is your final argument?