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Community Theatre and the Care Home Industry

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Community Theatre and the Care Home Industry

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Introduction to Creating Performance Material

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Introduction to Creating Performance Material

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Understanding Community and Creating Suitable Performance 

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Understanding Community and Creating Suitable Performance 

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1. Community Brief - Riverside Care Home

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We’re here to show you that there’s no need to dread growing older. Here are some great leisure activities for elderly people to enjoy.

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The benefits of seated exercise - EMD UK

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There are a number of myths and misconceptions around seated exercise, the perception that chair-based exercise is only for frail older adults and those in care. Although it's ideal for this group, seated exercise is incredibly beneficial and versatile and helps many others to improve their strength, mobility, fitness and confidence regardless of age or fitness level.

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Contact Bolton Dementia Support today to see how they can help you and those you care for.

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Az, Daisy, Danni, Emily, Louis, Lauren, Kelsey, Amy

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Az, Daisy, Danni, Emily, Louis, Lauren, Kelsey, Amy

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Sienna, Beth, Ava, Chloe, and Jenna,

Firstly, well done on your efforts in creating a fun and festive Christmas-themed performance for the care home showcase! Your creativity and teamwork were really evident, and it was clear you all worked hard. However, there are a few points to consider for future performances and improvements.

Strengths:

Choreography and Song Selection – The choice to choreograph to a popular song was a great idea! This made the piece accessible and fun. It could be even better if you found ways to engage the audience with simple hand gestures or clapping during certain moments. This interaction would make the performance even more inclusive and enjoyable for everyone watching.

Areas for Improvement:

Involvement of All Performers – It was noted that Sienna seemed to be less involved. It's important to ensure that all group members have an equal role in the performance, whether in the choreography, singing, or other elements. Everyone should feel included and engaged throughout the process.

Rehearsal Plan and Schedule – To ensure everything runs smoothly, make sure to establish a clear plan of action and a rehearsal schedule from the start. Staying on top of your rehearsals will help prevent falling behind. The performance should be complete well before the scheduled date, so factor in additional rehearsal sessions if needed to ensure everything is prepared.

Pacing and Completion – While your energy and enthusiasm were strong, make sure you can complete the entire piece by the performance date. It’s important to leave enough time to rehearse all aspects of the performance, from choreography to any additional elements you wish to include. If necessary, add more rehearsals to make sure everything is polished and ready.

Performance Energy and Facial Expressions – Maintain high energy throughout the performance, and be mindful of your facial expressions. Engaging the audience with your expressions will add depth and emotion to the performance, helping you connect better with the audience.

Song or Dance? – Will you be incorporating singing into the performance, or will it just be dancing? If singing is part of the performance, make sure to rehearse the vocals alongside the choreography to create a seamless piece.

Additional Elements – Consider whether there are any other elements you could add to enhance the performance, such as a skit, props, or a change in scenery to make the piece more dynamic and captivating.

Conclusion:

Overall, you’ve done a fantastic job in creating a memorable and entertaining performance, and with a few adjustments, I’m sure it can be even better. Keep working together, stay organised with your rehearsals, and remember to involve everyone equally. I'm excited to see the final result at the performance!

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Harry, George, Ethan, Robin, and Callum,

Thank you for your hard work on the Christmas-themed performance. You have clearly put in effort and creativity, and it’s great to see how you worked together. Here’s some feedback to help improve your performance for next time:

Strengths:

Energy and Enthusiasm – There was good energy in the performance, and it was clear that you were excited to share your work with the audience. This enthusiasm is a great foundation to build upon.

Areas for Improvement:

Using Music to Transition – There were some moments where the transitions between song sections felt a bit awkward. To avoid dead space and keep the flow, think about how you can use the music more effectively to move smoothly from one section to another. Adding instrumental breaks or small movements can help the performance feel more connected.

"Last Christmas" Song – The "Last Christmas" song has great potential, but it needs to be delivered with more confidence and strength. Make sure you practise this song until you feel completely comfortable with it, and focus on projecting your vocals clearly to give it the impact it deserves.

First Song Concerns – The first song felt a bit awkward and under-rehearsed. It may help to reassess your workload and see if you're trying to complete too many songs in the time available. Focusing on refining one or two songs will help you feel more confident and deliver a stronger performance.

Choreography and Coordination – Ensure that everyone knows all the choreography well enough that you don’t have to check your movements against your peers during the performance. This will help you feel more confident and allow you to focus on performing to the audience instead of worrying about the steps.

Vocal Projection – The vocals need to be louder and clearer, so the audience can fully hear and enjoy the performance. Practising projection and enunciation will help with this. Work on singing with more power and energy, making sure you’re reaching the back of the room.

Refining Songs in Future Rehearsals – In future rehearsals, try focusing more on specific sections of the performance rather than trying to work on everything. You might benefit from narrowing down to 1 or 2 songs and refining those to ensure they are polished and well-rehearsed.

Conclusion:

You’ve all made a good start, and with more practice and attention to detail, I’m confident you can deliver an even stronger performance. Focus on your vocal delivery, choreography, and song transitions, and be sure to dedicate time to rehearse the sections that need the most improvement. Keep up the great work!

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Holly, Immy, Elle, and George,

Firstly, well done on an outstanding performance! Your vocal skills were exceptional, and it was clear how much effort went into the preparation of this performance. Below is some feedback to help you continue to grow and refine your work:

Strengths:

Amazing Vocals – Across the board, your vocals were strong and impressive. You all have such unique styles, and the blend of your voices created a beautiful sound. The song selection was clever and suited each of your personal vocal strengths very well.

Song Cycle Execution – The idea of each person performing a small section before seamlessly handing over to the next soloist was brilliant. This approach kept the performance dynamic and engaging, with a natural flow from one piece to the next. The final number, where you all came together, was particularly stunning, with great solo contributions and lovely harmonies.

Finale Number – The finale number was excellent! The harmonies and backing vocals were beautiful, and the solo parts really showcased each of you individually. It felt like a strong, unified finish to the performance.

Areas for Improvement:

George – Great work overall, but remember to face the audience more. Try not to rely on checking in with your peers for help – your performance will be even stronger if you focus on the audience and let your confidence shine through.

Holly – You did very well, but be sure to project more and keep your head and eyes up. This will help to engage with the audience and show confidence in your performance.

Immy – Your facial expressions were lovely, but try to project more with your voice. This will help your performance reach the entire audience and ensure that your vocals are heard clearly.

Elle – You did a great job, but don’t be afraid to sing a little louder. You have a strong voice, and bringing it out more will ensure that your presence is felt alongside the others.

Balance Between Track and Vocals – As a group, make sure that your vocals are always balanced with the backing track. At times, the music seemed to overpower the vocals, so focusing on this balance will make sure your voices stand out more.

Eyeline and Audience Awareness – Ensure that everyone is aware of their eyeline and engages with the audience throughout the performance. This makes a huge difference in how the performance is perceived and makes the audience feel more connected to you.

Conclusion:

Overall, this was a fantastic performance, and it’s clear how much effort you all put into it. You’ve each shown such vocal talent and commitment, and the finale was truly a highlight. With a bit more attention to projection, confidence, and audience connection, your performances will continue to improve.

Most importantly – enjoy your performances! It’s really good, and letting the audience enjoy it too will make all the difference!

Well done, and keep up the excellent work!

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Lily, Lilly, Katie, and Jay,

Well done on your performance! You all brought strong vocals and creativity to the piece, and your choreography was well thought-out. Here’s some feedback to help refine and enhance your performance even further:

Strengths:

Strong Vocals and Choreography – Your vocals were fantastic, and it was clear that you worked hard on both the singing and the choreography. The energy in your performances really helped bring the piece to life.

Well-Delivered Song – The song was performed with confidence and clarity, which added a lot to the overall impact of the performance. You should be proud of how well it was delivered!

Areas for Improvement:

Backing Track and Instrumentals – When delivering dialogue, be mindful of the backing track and background instrumentals. Make sure you find instrumental versions or lower the volume of the music during the speaking parts to ensure that the audience can clearly hear the dialogue without any distractions.

Clarity of Story – The story felt a bit confusing at times. Consider simplifying and condensing the script so that the main points come across more clearly and quickly. This will allow the audience to focus more on the great singing and choreography, rather than trying to follow a complicated storyline.

Comedic Relief – The suggestion to bring the chairs together and pop out for comedic effect was a great idea! It added a fun, unexpected moment to the performance. Think about whether there are other opportunities within the piece where you can include similar comedic moments to keep the audience engaged and laughing.

Confidence in Choreography – During the performance, it was clear that there were moments when you were checking your movements against each other. To ensure a smoother performance, it’s important that each of you knows the choreography thoroughly. This will help you perform it with more confidence, allowing you to focus on engaging with the audience instead of looking for reassurance from your peers.

Conclusion:

This was a really enjoyable performance, and with a few adjustments, it can be even stronger. Focus on simplifying the story, using the backing track more effectively, and making sure the choreography is second nature. Most importantly, keep working on your confidence – you have the talent to make this performance even more memorable!

Well done, and I’m excited to see how you progress!

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Az, Daisy, Emily, Louis, Lauren, Danni, Kelsey

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Az, Daisy, Emily, Louis, Lauren, Danni, Kelsey

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Az, Daisy, Emily, Louis, Lauren, and Danni, Kelsey

Congratulations on a truly excellent piece! Your performance was enjoyable and very well scripted, and it was clear how much effort you put into bringing the characters to life. Here is some feedback to help refine and elevate your performance further:

Strengths:

Fantastic Characterisation – Each of you did a brilliant job of bringing your characters to life. The personalities came through very clearly, and your performances were fun to watch. There’s potential to take these characters even further—don’t be afraid to emphasise them more and really go over the top to add an extra layer of humour and energy.

Great Production Elements – The thought put into the costumes and the simple scenic elements, like the beads and tinsel, really helped set the scene. These small details added to the festive atmosphere and enhanced the overall performance.

Areas for Improvement:

Vocal Clarity and Pace – While your vocals were strong, it’s important to ensure that your words are clear and easy for the audience to understand. Slowing down just a little bit and emphasising key lines will help with this. Clear delivery ensures that the audience doesn’t miss any important parts of the performance.

Confidence in Song Sections – The light relief moments during the song sections were fun, but you could afford to deliver them with even more confidence. Let go a little more and embrace the playful nature of these parts. When you’re fully confident in your performance, the audience will feel that energy too.

Choreography – It’s essential that everyone knows the choreography well so that the performance flows smoothly. Take the time to rehearse and ensure that you’re all in sync, which will help you feel more confident on stage.

Eye Contact and Engagement – Be sure to keep your heads up and maintain eye contact with the audience. Engaging with the audience through eye contact helps to create a stronger connection and ensures they feel included in the performance.

Breaking the 4th Wall – Consider breaking the 4th wall by interacting with the audience or even moving into the audience space. This could be a great way to draw them in and make them feel more involved in the performance, adding an extra layer of engagement.

Suggestions for Future Rehearsals:

Focus on sorting out the choreography and running through the vocal lines of the songs used. Make sure everyone is clear on their movements and their parts to ensure a smoother, more confident performance.

Conclusion:

Overall, this was an excellent performance, and you should all be very proud of your hard work. By adding a bit more emphasis to your characterisation, projecting your vocals clearly, and focusing on your choreography, you’ll elevate the performance even further. Keep having fun with it and continue to enjoy the process!

Well done, and I look forward to seeing how you progress!

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Jorjie, Mono, Amelia, and Caitlynn,

Great job on your performance! There were lots of fun moments and creative ideas. With a bit of refinement, you can take your performance to the next level. Here’s some detailed feedback to help you improve:

Strengths:

Creative Ideas – Your performance had lots of energy and creativity, and it was clear you all put in a lot of effort. The concept and the overall vibe were enjoyable, and it was clear you were having fun, which made the performance engaging.

Areas for Improvement:

Background Music – The background music, while nice, made it hard to hear the dialogue clearly. I would recommend switching to instrumental tracks for the background music, or using karaoke versions for all songs. This will ensure that the vocals and dialogue come through clearly without competing with the music.

Clarity of Action – At times, the action was a little confusing for the audience. With so much going on, it’s important to make sure the storyline is easy to follow. Simplifying the action and making it clearer will help the audience stay engaged. Consider taking your characterisation over the top—think of something more dramatic and exaggerated, like a soap opera, which will make the story easier to understand and more entertaining to watch.

Story and Projection – The story got a bit lost at times, and the pacing could have been smoother. Keep the piece moving and make sure everything is delivered as clearly as possible. Focus on projection and clarity in your dialogue to ensure the audience can hear and follow the story without confusion.

Song Lyrics – It’s crucial that everyone knows the lyrics to the songs. Confidence in delivering the lyrics will make a big difference to the audience's enjoyment. Take time to learn the songs and rehearse them until you can deliver them confidently. This will make the performance stronger, as the songs and choreography are the key highlights of the show.

Choreography – Ensure that the choreography is tight and coordinated. Stop looking at each other for guidance during the performance and take time to rehearse so you all know exactly what you’re doing. Being confident in your movements will help the overall performance flow better and look more professional.

Suggestions for Future Rehearsals:

Focus on making sure everyone knows the lyrics and choreography thoroughly before the performance. Rehearse with the music at a lower volume to ensure you are focused on your lines and movements, then gradually increase the volume to match the final performance conditions.

Work on making the action clearer and refining your characterisation to make it bigger and more dramatic. This will help the audience stay engaged and fully enjoy the performance.

Conclusion:

Overall, this was an entertaining performance, and with more practice and attention to detail, you can elevate it even further. Focus on clarity, confidence in your lyrics, and tightening the choreography. With these improvements, your performance will shine!

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Simon McBurney on his theatre group, Complicite

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DV8 Physical Theatre - The Cost of Living

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Tips for Making Theatre | Education | Gecko

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The Paper Birds: QUICK-CLIPS - Playing the Same Character: 'In a Thousand Pieces'

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The Paper Birds: 5 Key Ingredients - Character & Narrative

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Wherever you are
I swear that I'll find you
Just know that I'll be there

Whenever you're not okay
I've got a place to stay
I built it just for you

Sleep is for the weak they said
We don't need no sleep today
We'll never go away

Sleep is for the weak they said
We don't need no sleep today
We'll never go away

Whenever you feel alone
Know I will stay as long
As you want me to

Whenever you're down and out
And your heart's filled with doubt
I will guide you through

Sleep is for the weak they said
We don't need no sleep today
We'll never go away

Sleep is for the weak they said
We don't need no sleep today
We'll never go away

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Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.