On Saturday 31 May, Doorstep Youth Theatre were invited by Catherine Palmer (Assistant Director of Dream Arts, Theatre Maker, Creative Producer & Specialist in Refugee-Led Theatre & Community Engagement) and Paul Cree (rapper, poet, writer and theatre-maker) and the Dream Arts Rep Company, to be part of their performance of Heads Up: Frank’s Story. This is after 2 years of lead-up work, collaborative scratch nights and workshops together. So they spent the day at Barnfield Theatre, Exeter Northcott, rehearsing their sections so that they could be part of the show.
It was a fantastic day led by artists Catherine & Paul, where the companies got to know one another, rehearsed, learnt new ways of working, ate pizza & performed to a packed out theatre auditorium in the evening.
This is such an exciting partnership for us. So far, Dream Arts have been to Torbay 3 times already to share their scratch work and create with us; in August, Helen, Lead Artist for DYT, is finally taking the Torbay-based young people to London to see the final production and spend a few days with Dream Arts. We cannot wait!
Catherine Directing the actors on stage
3 Dream Arts rep Company members performing
Catherine & Paul celebrating the success of the project – with both companies on stage behind them.
Dream Arts Rep Company on stage performing. One person rapping whilst 6 other performers move.
Close up of Paul Cree Directing the company in rehearsals on stage, with clusters of actors on either side of him.
Distance shot of Paul Cree Directing the company in rehearsals on stage, with clusters of actors on either side of him.
Both groups are together in a circle playing a name game that Paul Cree is leading
The audience arrives
All performers on stage stretching as part of the running club scene
3 performers on stage, 1 person is talking into a microphone, 2 performers are behind them
2 performers centre stage
One performer alone on stage on phone.
3 performers on stage, one holding up a sign that says ‘The ONLY fish and chips on the Island’ whilst 2 others look cold wearing rain macs.
The whole ensemble on stage together performing
The whole ensemble on stage together performing
2 performers on stage wearing Hawaiian shirts
One performer talking centre stage
Catherine Palmer directs the performers in rehearsal
Both groups playing a game on stage led by Paul and Catherine at the beginning of the day.
Catherine Directs the performers in dress rehearsal
2 people stand at the fire exit door
Catherine directs 2 performers on stage
Catherine and Paul address the audience before the show starts.
3 performers on stage
Catherine and Paul stand with two Uni students who helped with the project outside the theatre, with flowers.