Workshops return to NODA Scotland

NODA Scotland previously presented a series of annual amateur theatrical workshops in the central West of Scotland. These workshops proved to be a great success which brought like-minded people together, to develop and enhance essential performance skills required for amateur musical theatre, and hosted in an environment which was safe and where people could make new friends and learn new skills. This overall experience had not been forgotten and our membership recently expressed an interest in the recommencement of this.

The NODA Scotland committee fully supported this initiative with an overarching aim to give the opportunity for members of clubs, societies and individual members across Scotland, to develop their performance skills through the provision of local training.

NODA Scotland currently provides practical workshops at its annual conference and the intent was to replicate this high standard, as well as the standard provided at the annual NODA summer school. It was recognised that for various reasons, not everyone is able to travel to, or attend, these residential events. By offering local training at a central location, people could more easily take part from across Scotland.

The Scottish Committee formed a working group and developed a questionnaire which was circulated to the membership. This identified the things they would like to see and be involved in, at a training day, which would be relevant and inclusive. It was of no surprise that the most popular topics included vocal, drama and dance. Other themes were also identified such as management of societies, props, child protection and diversity and although these topics were not disregarded, it was recognised many are picked up through other channels.

The city of Perth was selected as the central location for our training day. We write this article as we reach the end of a very successful day held in Perth’s North Inch Community Campus, which has all the spatial and technical resources required to meet musical theatre needs.

MTI were extremely accommodating, helpful and supportive. In working closely with them, we got permission to use rehearsal material from the Young Frankenstein- West End version as our focus for the training day. We engaged three highly talented and experienced tutors from across Scotland to lead each of the three workshops; Billy Muir, vocal music; Greg Robertson, dance and Ian Bustard, drama. Our tutors collaborated, and on the day, we experienced some amazing outputs from the individual workshops and when we showcased them at the end of the day.

Our evaluation of the day has been very positive from the 50 delegates who attended. Initial feedback commends the tutors for sharing their skill, talent and support by getting the best from participants and challenging those who attended by taking them out of their comfort zone. Further feedback also indicated the day was well planned and well paced, with final words of expression including: “excellent”, “fab-u-lous”, “fulfilling”, “amazing”, “fantastic”, “brilliant” and “enjoyable”.

In recognition of the encouraging feedback received from this event, we hope to build on this in the future.