What a great title for a conference that was both inspirational and shed fresh light on why we chose to be drama teachers in the first place.
The venue was excellent for this conference and the Mast staff were friendly and accommodating. I particularly liked the way we had the same person assigned to a group so we never needed to worry about where to go next, and seeing they obviously enjoyed the sessions too.
The highlight of the day for me were the two practical sessions. From the moment we entered the studio for the Frantic Assembly workshop the tension and excitement were palpable. It was so good to be put into the position of a student and remember what it feels like to be given instructions and deadlines and be physically out of our comfort zone. We had to be flexible and collaborate and I really enjoyed the way we were led through low-risk exercises that built confidence. The tasks progressed to “flying” each other and I particularly valued the way Scott instilled a can-do attitude even in the most nervous teacher. There was plenty here to transfer to the classroom.
The Splendid Productions workshop with Kerry Frampton was a hilarious whirlwind experience of Brechtian Devising for GCSE Drama and I think it could have been stretched into two sessions; we packed so much in. It was freeing to have Tilda typing up the session as it was delivered so that we could focus on the practical. There was a lot to reflect on here, from devising episodically to embracing chaos. A great tip to prevent over-planning by students and teachers alike was the refrain, “Do whatever you think I said!”
It was really helpful having time with the Exam boards, meeting a writer and the Federation of Drama schools gave great advice for students applying to drama school. To be honest, I quite fancied having a go at auditioning!
All in all, there was a wonderful variety of activities and time to network with other drama teachers in the breaks meant that all of the time felt useful and encouraging and what a great idea to finish the day with a theatrical production! My Fair Lady was a fantastic evening of entertainment and we had great seats in the stalls.
I think we all felt a surge of creative excitement and went home, with a plethora of ideas and fresh vision. I can’t wait to sign up for next year. Thanks to Open Drama UK and MAST Studio Southampton for making it all happen!
Grace Hosier is a Drama Teacher at Poole Grammar School in Dorset.