The WAC Ensemble journey so far...
The WAC Ensemble is the first theatre company for care experienced
young adults aged 18-26. It offers a positive, supportive and
empowering creative space where to explore and learn about all aspects of a
professional theatre and develop creative talents.
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| Image Credit: Jassy Earl |
The Ensemble will be performing their first play, Whatever Happened to the Jaggy Nettles?, written especially for them by Martin
Travers, from 12 – 15 February 2020.
But it’s not only about preparing to take to the stage: the
Ensemble have been getting up to all sorts, learning more about what goes on at
a theatre committed to creating meaningful experiences for all, and what goes in
to getting a show on stage.
Performance workshops
From April to June 2019, the group focused on preparing material for their first live performance, building performance skills and broadening their technical ability.
From April to June 2019, the group focused on preparing material for their first live performance, building performance skills and broadening their technical ability.
The group researched and sourced performance material,
devised scenes inspired by theatre company Frantic Assembly, composed a new
song, and created original monologues. They also participated in a devising
session led by a professional playwright which culminated in a new scene being
written for the group based on their improvisations. This cumulated in a Summer
Scratch event where the group were joined by the Citizens Young Co.
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| WAC Ensemble in rehearsal for Whatever Happened to the Jaggy Nettles. Image credit Alex Brady. |
I always had the fear that the fact I grew up in care would somehow restrict me, that I would be put into a box and people would expect a certain kind of behaviour from me. A kid that grew up in care, and nothing more. Becoming part of the We Are Citizens group has made me completely change my opinion.” Participant
Costume Design WorkshopIn April 2019, the group spent a session in the Citizens Theatre Wardrobe Department with Head of Wardrobe Elaine Coyle. The group gained hands-on experience of designing and making their costumes inspired by the 70’s punk scene and helped the wardrobe department source costume for one of our professional productions.
Performances
In recognition
of their developing performance skills, members of the ensemble have given
performances at Life Changes Trust’s Festival of Voices and taken part in public
readings of A Daurk Maiter, a new play in Scots by Martin Travers.
Leading drama workshops
Members of the group have been passing on the skills that they’ve been building on as part of the WAC Ensemble, including delivering Saturday afternoon workshops to other care experienced young people in partnership with Barnardo’s. Members have also been on placement with community arts organisation Incahootz, working on a new play about homelessness with a group of participants who are in recovery.
Members of the group have been passing on the skills that they’ve been building on as part of the WAC Ensemble, including delivering Saturday afternoon workshops to other care experienced young people in partnership with Barnardo’s. Members have also been on placement with community arts organisation Incahootz, working on a new play about homelessness with a group of participants who are in recovery.
“A care experienced theatre company is good for Glasgow because ours are
the voices the city needs to hear. Why ours? Because we don't have power, ours
are the voices that aren't heard. - Participant
Band Rehearsals
The Ensemble will be
performing brand new punk songs live in the play. They’ve been working hard with
Musical Director Michael John McCarthy to perfect the sound of Glasgow’s newest
punk band – The Jaggy Nettles!
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| Image by Alex Brady |
Puppet Training
Create A Puppet,Create Yourself is a new methodology using puppetry
for social integration created by Citizens Learning in partnership with arts
companies in Poland, Lithuania, Italy and Bulgaria. The WAC Ensemble made their
own puppets and devised scenes inspired by their lived experience
Newest theatre fans!
The WAC Ensemble have also become familiar faces in the Tramway auditorium, and have been enjoying lots of nights out at the theatre enjoying Citizens productions.
The WAC Ensemble has been created in partnership with CELCIS and Arts in the City
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