Audience Feedback & Self Evaluation:
At the end of each show several Squad members (including at times myself) were usually in and around the audience as they were leaving and we were somewhat overwhelmed by the amount of people who actually took the time to find one of us and then wait to tell us how good the show had been and how much they had enjoyed it!
I spoke to several people inquiring as to what was next? and we have had four people ask to join the group just from being in the audience.
We came from a venue where audience members and numbers were restricted as it was a private police members club so we were unsure as to how well we would do for ticket sales etc.
We staged 5 shows in total - one was for two local schools and we actually over subscribed the seating! The other 4 shows were advertised in the local paper, by posters, leaflets, a banner and adverts in the venue and surrounding area. We also completed two promotion days at the local Sainsburys and as a result sold about 80 tickets on the back of that alone which is an amazing achievement. For a new group, in a new area, at a new venue - those kind of figures for ticket sales are just amazing - beyond all my expectations.
Over all the 4 public shows, we were only left with 24 seats unsold.
8 ) - that's me smiling because I couldn't have asked for more!
We did receive some feedback in relation to the show, most of which was positive - the only negative comment was in relation to some sound issues we suffered - we had already identified a problem with the sound which is mainly down to the buildings logistics but we are in communication with the venues staff and are working together towards a solution to ensure this doesn't re-occur next year.
What did I do wrong?
Regardless of two visits to the theatre I failed to remember that there were several steps at the rear of stage right - unfortunately this was the 'good' side of the stage so housed the most entrances and exits by the most amount of characters - normally this wouldn't have been a problem but the cast were so restricted by their enormous costumes, that several of them couldn't even exit from the stage because they couldn't use the stairs.
It led to me having to very quickly restructure most scenes so that characters could exit and relax and also not cause a blockage in the wings! This was a lot to think about last minute and caused some anxiety as to whether the cast would remember all the changes at such short notice.
Now we have worked there I am happier about the layout but should we consider a different venue again I think I would absolutely take photographs and maybe even do a guided tour video for future reference because its amazing what details you can forget!
What did I do right?
The concept behind the animations, the casting, the script in general, the wolves scene and loading sketch and the overall production went wonderfully and I am very pleased with how it all worked out.
What would I do differently?
I would like to have experimented more with some staging and/or scenery but was extremely concerned about time constraints and adding another worry to an already full box of concern with it being an unknown quantity as a venue. I would have insisted the projection be available much sooner so we could have had time to iron out the sizing issues and therefore presented it in the way it was intended - it wasn't horrendous but it could have been so much more.
What have I learned?
Even though I do more and more in advance with every year that passes, there is still always a last minute rush to get everything finished in time - therefore, I have learned never to waste a moment as the more which is done beforehand, the better!
I have also learned that projection as an effect is rewarding but you have to earn it as it is not straight forward and there is a lot to consider.
What skills / knowledge will I take forward?
I have definitely learned from the projection and will therefore place much more emphasis on forward planning and problem solving far in advance of the show should I decide to use it again in the future.
I now have a good feel for the venue and a better understanding of what it is technically capable of offering. I have discovered that we can fly limited backdrops in, there is a second curtain rail and painting the very rear wall is also possible so I will be able to plan far more advanced staging for future shows.
I have also forged good relationships with all the staff and volunteers by remaining professional throughout and as a result they have not hesitated in allowing us back.
In direct relation to the brief of Unit 2 - I feel it is difficult to compare this event with other students path choices as theirs are incredibly fluid and organic whereas mine was deadline driven and extremely structured.
It has therefore actually been quite difficult to evaluate as a 'developing' style or body of work so I feel should be viewed as an overall creative process for a specific purpose instead.
Here's hoping my viewpoint is shared by those that count!
But regardless - the show was great..... 8 )
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