From the 29th of July to the 5th of August, seven GAOS members attended NODA Summer School in Yarnfield (UK). It was the first time for three of us (Kathrin Baetschmann, Barrie Duggan and Özge Tunçalp), the second for another three (Susana Álvarez, Chantal Denton and Aurélie Laporte), and one of us (Mags Sheldon) has been attending for over 15 years. We were also joined by one GEDS member and a group from ZEST (Zurich English-Speaking Theatre).
Barrie learnt about acting techniques, based on the work of several practitioners, such as Stanislavski, Meisner and Uta Hagen. Aurélie and Özge explored the universe of singing through Sondheim. Chantal and Kathrin worked on pantomime in performance, writing and performing in a 10-minute Sleeping Beauty. Finally, Mags and Susana learnt part of the music and, together with their group, put together a very abridged version of Come from Away.
Other courses available this year included musical directing, filming an action movie (which combined writing and filming with stage combat), post 9-11 American drama, stage management and dancing.
Two evenings were devoted to sessions in which the regular tutors offered an opportunity to get a taste of what the other courses were about. This year, for the first time, another evening was given to the students to conduct their own sessions, where we could see new plays and musicals written by them and presented for feedback.
On the social side of things, we took part in the Summer School Quiz, where we managed to do a lot better than last year (not difficult, as we had come last…). We also attended “Sing-along with Phil”, which this year included a section where several students performed songs on their own, followed by the regular sing-along, a sort of collective karaoke evening based on show tunes. We also participated in the annual “Schtumping” competition. This is a made-up sport, involving rings and an empty bottle, among other things. And finally, on the last night, we attended “The Magic of Musicals” party.
The dates for next year Summer School have already been announced: 3rd-10th August. Why not join us next time? Courses will be announced in November, and registration opens in December.
