Conference 2nd November 2011
Our 2011 Conference at the Croydon PArk Hotel was a huge success.
Three of our winners of Awards of Excellence received their Awards from Patron ronnie Marsh - Jonah York, Treasa Toner and Oliver Maddock
A crisp autumnal morning saw teachers and friends of New Era Academy arrive at Croydon Park Hotel for the Annual Conference on 22nd October 2011.
I found myself warming up with introductions to actors drama teachers and learners, some just starting out in their career spanning to those well established, with a wealth of experience, working in all corners of the United Kingdom.
Miranda Jacobs and Derren Nesbitt, busy as usual, meeting and greeting all those gathering. Chairman Linda Cardigan addressed the gathering with coverage of Accredited Exams, the New Syllabus and Training.
Linda encouraged us with the comment that 'We were a lively forefront in our field internationally as well as at home', she wisely added but we will not become complacent'.
Linda praised the huge amount of sterling work Miranda Jacobs had done in achieving the current success of the Academy, coupling this success with the dedication of Derren Nesbitt and Sue Starr.
Chief Examiner Jenny Leworthy spoke with enthusiasm about the New Syllabus asking and answering questions, and listening to opinions on the subject.
PRESENTATION OF SELF IN EVERYDAY LIFE? This was the topic of Guest Speaker Paul Morarity, star of stage and screen.
Changes in lifestyle — hours of our time spent texting, watching TV, computers voice mails— often communication which is not face to face, posing the question 'Are we who we are?'
He then brought the subject to life, as we pushed back our chairs, and took to the floor, with exercises including Breathing, Voice, Status, punctuated by illuminating stories and antidotes.
The workshop was enjoyable and made more so by quips from Derren Nesbitt!
Paul left us with the comment that with Art, Education and Theatre we were in a wonderful place and at a great time to be alive. Paul also reminded us that 'the actors duty is to serve the writer' something well worth remembering.
These actions and thoughts were a novel way to help us discover ourselves. Having enjoyed a delicious lunch it was back to the agenda for the day.
STORYTELLING/IMPROVISATION by well known actor Edward Peel was next on the agenda.
Once again we became learners' when Edward held us spell bound with a story 'Detective Mouse and Assistant Dopey Dog'. Then it was our turn to tell stories and enjoy a variety of scenarios. Edward sent us away inspired for our teaching.
Linda Cardigan brought the formal part of the conference to an end, and when doing so presented Miranda and Derren with gifts, as she again made mention of the very difficult two years the Staff have worked through, and how they are always at our beck and call for advice . These words were warmly applauded by everyone.
It would be remiss of me not to mention how delighted we all were to have in our midst,
our patron, Mr Ronnie Marsh, a true gentleman and an inspiration to each and every one of us.
As well as valuable lessons learned from keynote speakers at the Conference, I believe Drama teachers can feel a little isolated at times, so the opportunity to socialise with like minded colleagues was another useful outcome to another great conference.
