Hello world! Welcome back to another blog. Today I will be taking you through a brilliant weekend I had with the National Youth Theatre, which took place between 16th-18th February 2024!
During this weekend, their Access Acquired event took place. This was the first in person event I went to, and I'm glad I did go, as it's not very often I get to go to events like these, so when I do, I take in every moment of it. There was a lot to take in, so here is a lowdown of what went on for each day.
Friday: The first day was the open event. And I was so surprised by how chilled and relaxed it was. Not only did the building feel more like a canteen more than a professional building, but I also couldn't believe by how chilled and relaxed the environment feels. They weren't kidding when they said it would be a chilled relaxed weekend, and if this was the first day I was looking forward to what was to come.
To start with, Esther introduced herself and what to expect for the weekend. And what a lovely lady she is. Her passion for making this event as disabled friendly as possible, knowing that if we need a time out at any point we can was remarkable. But the best bit was still to come.
Then the curators of the event, Anya, Rana and Emily, came on to talk about why they decided to set it up in the first place. And I need their energy around me, as their passion, dedication and time to make this event is truly inspirational. And seeing them without being behind a screen gave a whole new meaning and purpose to this event. It truly was special indeed.
Jasmine Thien from the previous event came on next and she literally was a breath of fresh air. Not only is she a naturally funny person, but her enthusiasm and passion to show that just because you're disabled it doesn't mean you can't achieve anything you put your mind to really showed. Her poem "I Dreamed Of Colour" taken from her one woman show with the same name was so powerful, and it made me think about what we need to do as a society to make sure that everyone is safe and happy. And her interview afterwards was also eye opening, as one thing that stuck out to me was "When paying actors for your project, make sure you pay yourself as well". This will really stick with me, as my first short film was on a zero budget, but once I go onto developing my craft to the point where I pay actors, then that is definitely something to take on board.
The other acts of the night, who were the curators of Access Acquired, were also so hypnotizing. Anya's spoken word called "A Modern Shelley" really grabbed my attention from the first word. It had a mixture of comedy, dramatic moments and the pace was a brilliant mixture of speeding up one minute and then slowing down the next. It definitely had it all, and as someone who's free writing and making their own monologues, I know that she would be the right person to come to for advice.
Next up was Rana, who along with Anya as her reader did a duologue, where in her words, it was about her identity and creating a new world the way she personally sees it. And I love how specific it was, and part of it was thinking "Me, that's how I literally describe things". And with the bonkers element in it, it really made the piece entertaining. After finding out that she also wrote it in a short space of time was also remarkable, so well done Rana for creating a beautiful and funny piece.
The final performer was Emily, who performed an original song called "Piss On Pity" based on the real-life campaign with the same name. This was a catchy song, and after her previous song which was "The Stim Dance" (which I may implement in my next script for a new film), I knew she would continue to be brilliant at what she does. And I was right on that score. A perfect way to end a brilliant first day.
Saturday: To start the second day of this brilliant event off, I got involved in a movement workshop. This was ran by Blink dance company, a group who are a big advocate in getting all people from different abilities and ranges and backgrounds involved in movement. This was also great for me as the night before I didn’t really sleep the best (maybe due to being in a different environment for the first time in a while) so this was definitely a pick me up i needed. And their quote really stood out to me. This was: “If You Can Blink, You Can Dance”. And that will stay with me forever. One of the leaders, Francis, a young man with downs syndrome was one of those members. And he was a bundle of joy to work with, and is so passionate about what he does. I also met someone from my intake course, who was doing the socials for the event itself. And it was great to see what she's been up to and asking me about my film, and after recommending someone for the next project, I will definitely keep that in mind.
The first exercise we did was tapping to the rhythm of the music. This was a good way to wake us up, get our bodies moving, and really focus on getting us into the day. Especially when the beat got faster.
We then managed to do a full body warmup with Francis leading. And I must say that he is a skilled mover, and the moves he did were even challenge me. But the feel of getting your body moving was just fantastic, and it was a lot of fun.
Another activity we did was Cake or friend. This was where we had to decide what we like more, Cake or Friends. This was then followed by Chocolate or sweets, burgers or pizza etc. but the catch is we had to add in movement to it. These included hip swivels, spine, waves you name the rest. It was actually quite hard to pick a side whilst moving, but it was a good way to put our thinking caps on whilst we did some moving.
The next activity we did was following the eye contact of our partners whilst they look in different directions. And this one was really eye opening (literally). It was like you’re being hypnotised by the other person to dance, and it was actually really fun. Especially when there was some music that was quicker than others.
Another exercise I did was moving but using props. We gradually had a group of 3, which then built into a whole group. And its surprising how you can create a story just by using a simple prop. And also making some new moves whilst travelling through the ropes made the process a whole lot of fun.
To finish off we did a surprise dance. This is something they would do at the end of every session to end it on a high, and whilst we couldn't do it due to time, the stuff they shared out was very interesting. One of which was using a dragon, and that is my cup of tea. As someone who had a special interest in dragons in the past, I would find this enjoyable to do.
To finish off the session we ended with a cool down led by Francis. He was right to make us do it lied down as it never felt so good to rest and recuperate from this amazing session. And I would say that I would look into this amazing company. And as my aim is to explore more movement to add onto my spotlight profile, this is definitely one on my list.
Next up was a workshop called Zain. I didn't know what to expect, and after not getting in a good night sleep, I did wonder if I was going to do it. But I'm glad I did, as it turned out to be very therapeutic. I noticed that there were alot of paper, felt tip pens and glue sticks. So my guess is it involved alot of creativity. Which I was looking forward to.
The first thing we did was we picked our pictures from different kinds of newspapers. I decided to go for paloma faith along with some animals. I didn’t know what it was about it, but that one got me hooked the most. Maybe it’s because I haven’t heard any of her music for so wit bought back a lot of nostalgia.
The next exercise we did was doing a self portrait of ourselves, but the trick was we can’t take our pens off of the paper. At first I thought mine looked awful, as it looked nothing like me at all. But surprisingly everyone thought that it was brilliant. They referred the picture to a certain artist and whilst my memory became blank now on who it was as I’m writing this, it made me more assured that maybe I’m not witch a bad drawer.
The next exercise we did was doing different patterns and textures to different sounds of music. This one was surprisingly therapeutic, as each modified I guess represented a different emotion and colour. It’s also gave me some exploration on using this as a form of therapy if ever I need to let out any repressed emotions in a positive way.
The second to last exercise we did was noting our favourite drink, and instructions on how to make it. Some of my peers drinks and instructions were very specific and straightforward. But I guess as neurodiverse individuals we need to have specific brands and flavours just to avoid getting sensory overload. Mine was a cup of tea, but it had to have the right amount of tea and not too much milk in it. It also can’t have any sugar in it, as the last time I had sugar in my tea (which was accidental) it was too much for my tastebuds. So useful lesson: when asking me for a drink, whether that’s tea, juice or another mixed drink of some sort, make sure it’s sensory friendly for myself to avoid sensory overload. That’s the important part.
The final thing we did was sticking our photos together and what they meant to us. For mine as seen below, my pictures was that paloma faith was queen of the jungle, and that the extra men are her servants rescuing the gorillas from the brink of extinction. I didn’t know how I came up with it but I thought of the first thing that came to my head and I was pretty impressed with myself.
So overall despite having reservations knowing I didn’t sleep great the night before, I was proud for taking part in this class. As it was what I needed and a nice relaxing thing to do in preparation for the monologue night later that evening.
Before I went back to my Airbnb to relax, I had a rehearsal for my monologue. I got some wonderful and useful pointers from one of the team called Jessica, and I thought the feedback was very helpful. I knew then that I was ready to perform, and that what they said I would take on board with me.
Between the end of the rehearsal and the start of the show, I had some time to chill out, knowing that i didn't sleep great the night before. At first I was slightly worried if they would think I'm being lazy or they didn't agree with what I was going to do. But they were actually okay with it. I guess it came from the fear of feeling pressured to do everything and people saying quotes like "I'll sleep when I'm dead" or be one of those people that works constantly. But now at this point I could see why this event was held, as yes it's to take part in amazing opportunities, but to also see that we want to enjoy it but at our own pace. And if it means missing out on a few events so we can be fully charged for whats to come, in this case, the open mic night, then that's what we need to do. And boy did I feel better for it.
It was then time for the main event... The Open Mic Night. This was the main event, and because it would also be my last opportunity to get involved in this wonderful event, I couldn't pass down the opportunity. And the talent in the room was insane. The event itself was so chilled and relaxed, it needs to be implemented in every relaxed performance of shows you see on the west end, Broadway and in theatres across the world. These like the previous events, included a time out room if need be, and like the open event, the houselights were not dimmed, there were 20 second reset breaks before the next act, and they had ear defenders and fidget toys if need be. There was also a BSL interpreter and a screen with the dialogue for those who are hard of hearing, which was also wonderful to see. Yes it wasn't a packed audience but you know what? I didn't mind it.
The first piece was a monologue about Autism by written and performed by a girl called Grace. This was a beautiful piece, and as a fellow autistic individual, it really hit home, but in a good way. Grace has a real talent for bringing authenticity to the table, and its inspired me to continue to write even more. Whether that'd be scripts, stories or even doing some free writing, noting the first things that come to my head which I can then develop into something bigger.
The next person was called Richard, who performed a song they wrote themselves. This was all about ADHD, and what really goes on in their heads. What I liked about this one was that he nit picked everything you would get in how the brain works, which is what I think makes it all the more detailed. And it's safe to say I need to learn the guitar again, as he has got some great skills on him.
Once again Anya performed her piece "A Modern Shelly", which was once again a work of art. Once again I was hypnotised by so many descriptive words to express the process of diagnosing chronic pain. And it was a hit with the audience as well, and I just wanted to hear more of this stuff all day everyday.
The next piece was a duologue taken from a play a boy called Rhys wrote themselves. He had Grace from the first act of that night read in with them, and it was essentially about doing what's best for your child in a difficult situation. And what was lovely about that was that it was broken down into moments where you just want to cry with them, and then the next you laugh at the little light hearted moments. Its pieces like this that win audiences over. So all in all they did a good job on how it was delivered.
The next performer was Sinead, who performed a monologue from a published play. Wow... Wow... Wow! That was all I have to say on that matter. As the power, energy and dedication she put into the performance was off the chart! And she was the sort of person you wouldn't want to get on her bad side with. So I was definitely impressed with the skills she had and whilst I never seen the play it was from, she definitely made it her own.
After a quick interval, it was then time... My piece. I didn't really have a title for it, but they knew it was inspired by "Come Outside", and despite a slip up, which was only minor, it was a hit with the crowd. I had people say to me that it brought back so much nostalgia, which is what I wanted, as sometimes you need to come back to the child within you in order to seek those moments of happiness. And it's moments like this where you can have a bit of fun, and I felt honoured to do it.
After my piece, next up was my roommate Charley who did a piece on Neurodivergence. Her writing in this definitely showed, and I could tell she meant every word of it. My favourite part of them all though was the yoga, as it was her ritual to keep calm in a situation where you're trying to justify to a neurotypical individual on what neurodivergence is. So all in all, I was proud of her for presenting some beautiful creativity in a venue that is celebrating just that.
Rana then took to the stage to perform her duologue again, with Anya stepping in as her reader like the previous night. I thought it was better than the first night, and once again those minor bits of detail I could connect to on so many levels, and also gaining an insight as to how she sees the world. And the humour was still there where it was needed, so I was pleased I got to have another giggle where appropriate. She also mentioned that she wasn't well either, so to get up there knowing that she wasn't 100% showed true admiration
The final piece was once again Emily's song "P*** on Pity". This time all of the performers, including myself got involved in the ending. This was a perfect way to end the night, and it really reminded me of a home I found in another part of the country. I really felt like at this moment, I would remember this night forever.
So overall this event was life changing for me. Not only to come to a place where I can be my true authentic self without any judgment, I can honestly say that I have found a home to come back to. And despite nearly losing my case on the way back (don’t ask), I would do it again in a heartbeat.
I hope you enjoyed this read, and if you want to find out more about what The National Youth Theatre do, please see the link here: National Youth Theatre (nyt.org.uk)
See you soon for another blog. Until next time...
This is The Autistic Actress Signing off :)
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