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Adult workshops November 2024

We are extremely happy to announce that we are offering 4 workshops at our AGM weekend on the 1st and 2nd November 2024! The following workshops will all be held at the Stirling Court Hotel https://www.stirlingcourthotel.co.uk/ 
 Sound Design with Neal Clark Friday 1st November 6.30 – 9 pm
Directing Theatre with Andy McGregor Friday 1st November 6.30 – 9 pm or Saturday 2nd November 2.30 – 5pm
Lighting Design with Neal Clark Saturday 2nd November 2.30 – 5pm
Acting – from Page to Stage with Pete Collins Friday 1st November 6.30 – 9 pm or
Saturday 2nd November 2.30 – 5pm
The workshops are heavily subsidised by SCDA thanks to a legacy from Dolly Nicol to further the artistic development of SCDA and its members.  This  means that we can offer them at the very reasonable price of £10 for members/£15 for non-members.  Priority will be given to members of SCDA.
You can find our more about the tutors and the content of the workshops below and bookings are now OPEN.  The booking form can be found here 
 It has been some time since we have offered National workshops and we would love to see you there!
TUTOR – PETE COLLINS 
ACTING PAGE TO STAGE
Biog – Pete is an actor, teaching artist and theatre director. He is currently a lecturer on BA Acting at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. As a teenager he was a member of the National Youth Theatre. Originally from Bolton, Lancashire, he studied English at Nottingham University before training to be an actor at Central School of Speech and Drama. He became Associate Director of the National Youth Theatre in 2006 before moving to Scotland in 2011 and returning to freelancing. Pete has since worked extensively in Scotland as an actor, director and voice over artist. Pete was one of the actors on the SCDA Directing Programme in 2019 and he enjoys the creativity, exploration and playfulness of working in community drama contexts.
WORKSHOP DETAILS
This workshop is aimed at people who have some experience of acting.  The workshop will look at how to develop characters using clues in the text.  Working with text, we will consider how to lift the stories from the page to the stage.   Your tutor Pete Collins will share his experiences as an actor, educator and director to explore a variety of scenes with participants.
Book a place on this workshop by clicking here
 
 TUTOR – NEAL CLARK
 SOUND & LIGHTING DESIGN
Biog – Neal is a Sound Engineer and creative collaborator from Thurso, He is a graduate of the Production, Technology and Management course from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland where he studied all aspects of technical theatre. Neal has been involved in many different projects since graduating, involving sound design, production and sound engineering. The most notable are working as a Production Sound Engineer on GlasGlow & The Edinburgh international festival.
Neal’s first experience with SCDA was with Thurso Players and taking part in the SCDA northern final in Plockton. This is where he was bitten by the theatre bug, and it helped him understand the importance of technical skills in an SCDA setting. The SCDA and the Thurso Players were responsible for him pursuing a professional career in technical theatre.
Neal regards community drama as an essential part of society and is eager to ensure that his portfolio of work includes upskilling and supporting anyone involved in the technical aspects of theatre.
WORKSHOP DETAILS SOUND DESIGN
This practical workshop is aimed at people who have some experience of or a strong interest in sound design.  We will be looking at the opportunities for creative use of sound in theatre and participants will work in small groups to create their own design.  We will take a brief look at technology and in particular the use of microphones (both radio and wired) but the focus will primarily be on the design process and troubleshooting challenges that participants face in their own environment.
WORKSHOP DETAILS LIGHTING DESIGN
This practical workshop is aimed at people who have some experience of or a strong interest in lighting design.  We will be looking at the basics of lighting design including the use of colour to creatively enhance a production. Participants will work with birdie lights using model set boxes and posters to put theory into practice.  Time will be set aside for participants to discuss specific challenges they face in order to look for solutions.
Book a place on either of these workshop by clicking here
  
 
TUTOR – Andy McGregor
DIRECTING SKILLS
Andy is a director, writer and composer. He trained at the University of Glasgow and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. As artistic director of Sleeping Warrior Theatre Company he has had his work tour Scotland with 5-star reviewed shows such as Spuds, Crocodile Rock and Battery Park. 
He makes fast-paced, upbeat theatre with a focus on original music. He has worked for companies such as The National Theatre of Scotland, the Royal Court, The Citizens Theatre and many others.
Andy started his career acting with the Largs Players, the Pantheon and Largs Operatic Society, before going on to direct for companies like the Helensburgh Savoy and Largs Players. He co-directed The Cheviot The Stag and The Black Black Oil with the Players and the Largs Gaelic Choir. He has made many one act plays for the Oran Mor – including a number of summer pantos – and is a regular director for the Play Pie and a Pint company.
You can find out more about him at www.andyrmcgregor.com
WORKSHOP DETAILS DIRECTING
This workshop is aimed at people who have some experience of or a strong interest in directing.  We will focus on the short or one-act play format looking at the challenges and opportunities to tell the story.  Your tutor Andy McGregor will share his own experience of writing and directing short plays for Oran Mor and a Play, Pie and a Pint company and will lead practical exercises for people to get stuck into the directing process
Book a place on this workshop by clicking here