Volition: the story so far (part three)

Shot from a Volition workshop

We last posted a comprehensive update in February, when we were in the thick of weekend of workshops and the infancy of running orders and production meetings. Since then, notions have been refined, decisions made, copy written, struggles overcome and born anew. We are so close to the climax of the nine month programme that the tension and excitement are palpable.

In March, participants met with Conor Hanratty who worked with them on reducing their idea to a pitch, explaining it easily and deciding what it is all about. Volition artists became clearer about the essence of their piece and the importance of being able to describe projects in a simple way, but in a way that conveys their own passion for it.

The following month Thomas Conway delivered a day-long session on the role of the dramaturg in theatre, giving participants plenty of food for thought and, for some, a new consideration around how to approach their piece.

April also saw the first ever Mentor Meeting Marathon where we wrapped up the show and tells, hammered out uncertainties, openly discussed fears and concerns ahead of Saturday 17th May, and tied together any other loose ends that were floating in the ether. From these conversations arose a debate on how we would term the evening, but for the most part it was about checking in to see what everyone needed going into the final month of Volition.

Emma O’Grady sets up her rehearsal space, May 2014

On Friday 9th May, venues across Galway city opened their doors to Volition artists’ seven-day residency. Sh*t just got real.

Carl Kennedy made the trip west on Tuesday 13th and had one-to-one sessions with some participants around sound, direction and writing. Today and tomorrow, Jessica Kennedy from Junk Ensemble meets with Volition artists once more to give feedback, support and expertise.

All that remains is for us all to get through the tech on Saturday and for people to show up to see this fantastic, diverse work from these hard-working, dynamic artists! We hope you will join us this Saturday for a glimpse into what Volition has been about and what work may come.

Tickets are €10 and can be purchased here or through the Town Hall Theatre 091 569 777. Show times is 6:30pm on Saturday 17th May.

**Limited places available to Eve Vaughan’s outdoor piece ‘Open’ which will be performed at 6pm. Email joltvolition@gmail.com to request a place**

#JOLTVOL

 

JOLT: Volition Call for Applicants

JOLT is running a new theatre development programme in Galway called Volition, made possible by funding from the Arts Council’s Theatre Development Fund. The programme centres around creating original work and explores a range of styles, methods and ideas through workshops, festival events,  discussions and on-going mentoring and support. Participants will be mentored as they develop their own original idea and will present their own short performances at the end of the project.

Volition will run from September 2013 – May 2014 and has resource support from Town Hall Theatre, Galway.

What Volition offers

A fully mentored programme of development over nine months with on-going contact from JOLT Producers

Tickets to a selection of events as part of Galway Theatre Festival, TULCA Festival of Visual Art and Baboró International Arts Festival for Children (Delegate Programme)

Workshops and discussions with acclaimed theatre makers. Facilitators include: Junk Ensemble, PanPan, WillFredd, Little John Nee, Noeline Kavanagh (Macnas), Conor Hanratty and Thomas Conway (subject to change).

A week (six days) of rehearsal space in a Galway venue and the opportunity to present a work in progress to an audience of peers

The chance to discuss, create and develop new theatre with a small group of exciting, like-minded theatre makers

Volition is suitable for you if

You have experience in theatre or performance

You have been actively involved in a theatre production in the past two years

You  have an idea for a new performance piece that you are interested in creating

You are happy to participate in practical, physical workshops as well as discussions

You are free to attend evening and weekend performances and workshops throughout October and November

You are free to give up at least one weekend each month from January to May 2014

You are able to travel to, or base yourself in, Galway city for workshops and other Volition events

You are over 18

Cost

The fee for participating in Volition is €50 per person, non-refundable after 20^th September

All workshops, tickets, rehearsal space, performance space and events that fall under the Volition programme are covered by JOLT

JOLT:Volition does not cover travel, subsistence or accommodation costs for participants. Therefore it is important to note that all workshops will be held in Galway city and attendance for participants is mandatory. A full timetable of workshops and events from October – January will be published before Volition commences at the end of September. The timetable from February to May will be confirmed before the year’s end.

If you are interested in applying

Please send an email to joltvolition@gmail.com and include –

Your contact details (inc. phone number)

A brief outline of your creative experience (max 700 words)

Your performance ambitions

Your reasons for applying to Volition

The ways in which you meet the requirements listed above

Closing date for applications is Monday 26^th August at 5pm. Late applications will not be accepted.

What happens after applying

We will make a shortlist of applicants and let you know our decision by Friday 30^th August

Shortlisted applicants will be asked to meet with JOLT in early September for an informal interview, before a final decision is made in mid-September

Successful applicants will be asked to pay a participation fee of €50 by Wednesday 18^th September

Volition will commence on Friday 20^th September (subject to change) with an evening meet-up of all participants and mentors.