2011 Dream-Makers Drama Society Aladdin Evaluation
2011
Dream-Makers Drama Society
Aladdin Evaluation
DREAM-MAKERS DRAMA SOCIETY ALADDIN EVALUATION
Dream-Makers Drama Society Tel: Linda 07895052981 Mark 07969050783 www.dream-makers.btck.co.uk
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DREAM-MAKERS DRAMA SOCIETY ALADDIN EVALUATION
Dream-Makers Drama Society Tel: Linda 07895052981 Mark 07969050783 www.dream-makers.btck.co.uk
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CONTENTS
About Dream-Makers o Members, Volunteers and Workers
About the Show o Management Structure o The Cast o The Crew o Volunteers o Other Involvement o Performance Indicators o Promotional Material
Press Releases & Newspaper Articles Flyer and Poster Programme Tickets T’Shirts Website
o Conclusion
DREAM-MAKERS DRAMA SOCIETY ALADDIN EVALUATION
Dream-Makers Drama Society Tel: Linda 07895052981 Mark 07969050783 www.dream-makers.btck.co.uk
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About Dream-Makers
Dream-Makers Drama Society was established in 2007 by a group of like minded people who
wanted to get involved in Drama. The Society uses performing arts to build self confidence,
communication and social skills and self empowerment. Our aim is to watch members
progress, gain in confidence and produce good quality drama productions in the local
community. Previously we have had three major productions “What People Do” in 2008 and
“Girlfriend/Boyfriend?” and Scrooge in 2009.
Dream-Makers working in partnership with the Workers’ Education Association (WEA) has
provided two courses every week. A voice and movement course has helped with rehearsals,
whilst the creative skills course has enabled us to produce marketing materials, props and
costumes. The group meets every Tuesday from 7-9pm at The Engine Rooms in Skelmersdale
and have assets of Video Camcorder and BoomBox Sound Player.
Dream-Makers also work in partnership with West Lancs Dial-A-Ride who, at the beginning of
2010 has provided transport to our weekly meetings. This has proved popular with our
members that live within a 10 mile radius of Skelmersdale (16 members and carers) and has
provided them the opportunity to attend regularly. Previously they had to rely on taxis which
proved expensive. West Lancs Dial-A-Ride Members can use transport free of charge to Dream-
makers weekly meetings.
Supported by Grass Roots Funding from the Community Foundation for Lancashire the Society
has been able to produce Aladdin to a very high standard. Our Project Manager Volunteer has
co-ordinated all aspects of Aladdin Production. Whilst the Lead Drama Volunteer co-ordinated
drama activities which provided a quality creative experience for all involved.
The Society’s aim was to make this production of Aladdin creative and innovative. The
production has given our members the opportunity to:
· Work alongside creative artists to develop skills and creativity
· Produce a high quality finished performance including costumes, scenery, props, lighting
· Involve the wider community as the audience in celebrating the achievement of members
· Raise the profile of the group
· Sustain a quality experience for members of the Society
DREAM-MAKERS DRAMA SOCIETY ALADDIN EVALUATION
Dream-Makers Drama Society Tel: Linda 07895052981 Mark 07969050783 www.dream-makers.btck.co.uk
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Dream-Makers Members, Volunteers and Workers
Members
Dream-Makers members consist of 26 males and 24 females. Ages range from 17-65. All
members have various degrees of learning disability, some needing 1:1 support, whilst others
have the ability to attend on their own.
Average attendance is 81%. We have several new members that have recently joined the group and attend regularly.
Volunteers There are 8 volunteers, all of whom attend frequently. Volunteer Project Leaders Dream-makers have two Volunteer Project Leaders.
One volunteer is the organizer who provides valuable administration support and co-ordination to the group.
One volunteer is Lead Drama Volunteer who liaises with all other volunteers and group members to ensure safety and artistic values are kept.
Both Volunteer Project Leaders liaise with each other and other volunteers to project manage all aspects of weekly meetings and productions. Project Volunteers Six project volunteers support people that have a learning disability who need help to read scripts and some require help physically in rehearsals and when on stage. These volunteers provide a valuable link between Lead Drama Volunteer and participants, to encourage and respond to the needs of individual participants. Volunteers also support actors during production and stage manage during dress rehearsal and performance periods.
Paid Workers Working in partnership with Workers Education Authority we have two tutors in paid employment at our weekly rehearsal meeting. A voice and movement tutor and design tutor. WEA also provide a Learning Support Worker who takes direction from the two tutors and supports members during rehearsals. At show time these people are instrumental in stage management, sound and lighting operations and support to members during the production.
DREAM-MAKERS DRAMA SOCIETY ALADDIN EVALUATION
Dream-Makers Drama Society Tel: Linda 07895052981 Mark 07969050783 www.dream-makers.btck.co.uk
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About the Show After all the hard work with our last productions “Scrooge” and “Pretty Ugly“ the group decided
to have a bit of fun and produce a pantomime.
Supported by Grass Roots Funding from the Community Foundation for Lancashire the Society
has been able to produce a show to a very high standard. Members have been involved in all
aspects of planning, rehearsing, making props, designing costumes and performing. Being
involved has built self confidence and created a team atmosphere.
Working alongside professional WEA tutors and volunteers Grass Roots Funding has sustained
the group’s weekly meetings at the Engine Rooms Community Rooms in Skelmersdale and
involved the wider community.
After some deliberation the group decided to do Aladdin but didn’t realise how much hard
work having fun is!
The group have developed their ideas into a recognisable panto story with some new songs, old
songs, goodies, baddies and all the panto traditions that everybody knows and loves.
This pantomime has been formed by its members every step of the way. Their ideas have
shaped the action and the concept from the beginning and when not rehearsing members have
worked on creating props and scenery. Regular meetings were held throughout rehearsal
period to co-ordinate and keep everyone informed of progress
Using a mix of physical theatre and visual performance the audience will be enthralled to see
this absorbing modern take on a traditional panto, including a variety of songs and spectacular
dance routines for all to join in!
Aladdin does all he can to win the heart of the beautiful Princess Jasmine. With all your
favourite characters including Wishee Washee, PC Ping and PC Pong, the Sultan and Sultana
and of course, the ultimate pantomime dame - Widow Twankey!
DREAM-MAKERS DRAMA SOCIETY ALADDIN EVALUATION
Dream-Makers Drama Society Tel: Linda 07895052981 Mark 07969050783 www.dream-makers.btck.co.uk
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Aladdin Project Manager
Volunteer
Aladdin Project Lead Drama
Volunteer
(WEA Funded) 2 Tutors
& 1 Learning Support
6 Project Volunteers 50 Actors/Members
Aladdin Project Management Structure
DREAM-MAKERS DRAMA SOCIETY ALADDIN EVALUATION
Dream-Makers Drama Society Tel: Linda 07895052981 Mark 07969050783 www.dream-makers.btck.co.uk
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Dream-Makers Cast
DREAM-MAKERS DRAMA SOCIETY ALADDIN EVALUATION
Dream-Makers Drama Society Tel: Linda 07895052981 Mark 07969050783 www.dream-makers.btck.co.uk
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Top Line, left to right Claire Halfpenny, Eddie Weatherall, John Connolly, Paul Phillips,
Matthew Hodge, Robert Wright, Paul Cowap
Second Line, left to right Brenda Roberts, Ian Arkinstall, John Connolly, Rebecca Jones, Paul
Breton, Harry Eaton, Andrew Hunt
Third Row, left to right Sarah Lathom, Jonathon Whittle, Richard Fagan, Sue Clarke, Suzie
Appleton, Ann Graham, Jeanette Bray
Fourth Row, left to right Mark Knowles, Dale Cahill, Richard Reddington, Lynne Davenport,
Rosanne del Ciarra, Kelly Burke, Neal Smith
Fifth Row, left to right Keith Ward, Debbie Critchley, Jane Hall, Jaspal Singh, Graham Scott,
John Kay, Claire Meskell
Bottom Row, left to right Doreen Iddon, Saicha Cahill, Alison O’Rourke, Colin Dearden
Lead Actors
Aladdin Jeanette Bray Princess Jasmine Rebecca Jones Sultan Colin Dearden Sultana Brenda Roberts Hand Maiden Claire Halfpenny Ava Banana Keith Ward Ava Kebab Charlotte Taylor Wishee Washee Matthew Hodge Genie Mark Knowles Slave to the ring Jane Hall Big Gobba Lynne Davenport Widow Twanky Mark Hill PC Ping Eddie Weatherall PC Pong Paul Cowap
DREAM-MAKERS DRAMA SOCIETY ALADDIN EVALUATION
Dream-Makers Drama Society Tel: Linda 07895052981 Mark 07969050783 www.dream-makers.btck.co.uk
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The Crew
Linda Brunt – Project Manager (volunteer) liaised with Lead Drama Volunteer, providing
support at weekly meeting for members, volunteers and carers. Her role was project
development, management and documentation/evaluation. Linda was responsible for
Programme Booklet, Marketing Materials, Website Update, Evaluation, Fund Raising.
Mark Hill – Lead Drama Volunteer/Co-Director. Mark provided the opportunity for members to
participate in a quality experience which included rehearsal workshops and final performance.
Overseeing Set and Costume Design, Scenic Art, Sound Production, Actor Development.
Kelly Martin is funded by the Workers’ Education Association and was Co-Director and Stage
Manager. Kelly is instrumental in rehearsal workshops and final performance.
Paul Murphy is funded by the Workers’ Education Association and worked with the group to
design and produce props and scenic art. Paul is instrumental in rehearsal workshops and final
performance.
Barbara Anders is funding by the Workers’ Education Association. Barbara supports individuals
and groups taking direction from Kelly Martin, Paul Murphy and Mark Hill. She is instrument in
all aspects of weekly rehearsal workshops and final performance.
Mickie Durgan attends Glenburn School. He leaves during the summer to take up further
education in sound production. Taking direction from Mark Hill, Mickie’s skills were both
professional and efficient. We wish him good luck for the future.
Linda Brunt Mark Hill Paul Murphy Kelly Martin Barbara Anders
DREAM-MAKERS DRAMA SOCIETY ALADDIN EVALUATION
Dream-Makers Drama Society Tel: Linda 07895052981 Mark 07969050783 www.dream-makers.btck.co.uk
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Volunteers
Volunteers provide a valuable link between Workshop Leader and participants, to encourage
and respond to the needs of individual participants.
They participate and contribute fully to the workshop process providing support to participants
and other volunteers.
All volunteers attend on a regular basis and greatly contribute towards the group running
smoothly and efficiently.
Without this dedicated group of volunteers Dream-Makers Drama Society could not continue.
James Philpott
Charlotte Taylor
Julie Davies
Michelle Davies
Mica Holness
Andrew Hill
DREAM-MAKERS DRAMA SOCIETY ALADDIN EVALUATION
Dream-Makers Drama Society Tel: Linda 07895052981 Mark 07969050783 www.dream-makers.btck.co.uk
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Other Involvement
Workers’ Education Association has proved an invaluable asset to
Dream-Makers Drama Society. Without WEA dedicated tutors and
organizers we would not be able to function at the high level of
development we have achieved.
WEA has supported Dream-Makers every step of the way at weekly
meeting, production rehearsals and final performance.
The Engine Rooms is a multi-arts and media venue based in
Skelmersdale.
Dream-Makers use the main hall for weekly meetings
Glenburn Arts Theatre the venue for Aladdin Production.
Grass Roots Funding has enabled Dream-makers Drama Society to
produce “Aladdin” to a high standard.
West Lancs Dial A Ride provide transport from Burscough and Ormskirk to Skelmersdale weekly
meetings and rehearsals.
DREAM-MAKERS DRAMA SOCIETY ALADDIN EVALUATION
Dream-Makers Drama Society Tel: Linda 07895052981 Mark 07969050783 www.dream-makers.btck.co.uk
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Performance Indicators
We used the following performance indicators to help us assess outcomes
Subject Measurable Time Scale Outcome
Attendance/ Punctuality
An attendance
register
01/11/10 – 08/01/11
Regular attendance indicates eagerness
to come and learn and take advantage
of this unique opportunity
Learn New Skills Review at end of each
session
Ongoing
throughout
Helping people to build on existing
skills and progress
Develop
Confidence
Empower individuals
Ongoing
throughout
Empower individuals to become self
aware to enable them to be confident
enough to make decisions regardless of
outcome.
Social Skills
Development
Carers’ Views. Individual Views Quotes from group
Ongoing
throughout
Individuals become comfortable with
friends and with community interaction
Team Work and
Building
Progress of the
current production
Ongoing
throughout
Group members are encouraged to
work as a team and use the interaction
as a means of building a network of
friends who will advocate for each
other.
DREAM-MAKERS DRAMA SOCIETY ALADDIN EVALUATION
Dream-Makers Drama Society Tel: Linda 07895052981 Mark 07969050783 www.dream-makers.btck.co.uk
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Promotional Material Press Releases & Newspaper Articles
PRESS RELEASE
Appeared in Ormskirk & Skelmersdale” Champion” and “Advertiser” Newspapers
“ALADDIN” The Glenburn Arts Theatre, Yewdale, Southway WN8 6NL
7th and 8th January 2011 at 7.30pm
Dream-Makers Drama Society has been in existence since 2007 and are about to hold their fourth major production. The production chosen by the group is “Aladdin”, which will take place in January 2011. Dream-Makers working in partnership with Workers’ Education Association (WEA) provide Tutors, and learning support for the group. In November Dream-makers received Grass Roots Funding to produce "Aladdin" on 7th and 8th January 2011. This production will managed by our Lead Drama Volunteer, assisted by tutors, learning support and volunteers to provide a quality creative experience for all involved. Taking a modern take on a traditional panto, Aladdin includes a variety of songs and spectacular dance routines for all to join in! With all your favourite characters including Wishee Washee, PC Ping and PC Pong, the Sultan and Sultana and of course, the ultimate pantomime dame - Widow Twankey! Aladdin will be does all he can to win the heart of the beautiful Princess Jasmine. Tickets can be reserved from Monday 13th December by calling or texting Linda Brunt on 07895 052981 or email [email protected]
DREAM-MAKERS DRAMA SOCIETY ALADDIN EVALUATION
Dream-Makers Drama Society Tel: Linda 07895052981 Mark 07969050783 www.dream-makers.btck.co.uk
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Promotional Material continued
Flyer and Poster
Printed in A5 and A4 sizes
Tickets
T’shirts
Dream-makers members, volunteers and tutors were provided with T’shirts to wear at dress
rehearsals and show evenings as can be seen on the pictures at the end of the evaluation.
DREAM-MAKERS DRAMA SOCIETY ALADDIN EVALUATION
Dream-Makers Drama Society Tel: Linda 07895052981 Mark 07969050783 www.dream-makers.btck.co.uk
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Programme
DREAM-MAKERS DRAMA SOCIETY ALADDIN EVALUATION
Dream-Makers Drama Society Tel: Linda 07895052981 Mark 07969050783 www.dream-makers.btck.co.uk
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Website
The website was updated to promote the show.
To see pictures from Aladdin click on the Gallery button and then on Aladdin.
www.dream-makers.btck.co.uk
DREAM-MAKERS DRAMA SOCIETY ALADDIN EVALUATION
Dream-Makers Drama Society Tel: Linda 07895052981 Mark 07969050783 www.dream-makers.btck.co.uk
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Conclusion
What Went Wrong
1. The inclement weather at the end of December stopped Dream-makers Rehearsals continuing. We
lost rehearsal time and needed extra time in the run-up to performance.
How can we make it better next Time
1. We must give ourselves more time when applying for funding to enable us to fully rehearse
even if weather cancels meetings.
2. Publicity, although the filthy weather was slightly mitigating we were very late with getting
posters flyers etc. This must be remedied for the next show.
3. The Theatre’s disabled facilities were poor, pavements were uneven and the disabled toilet
was too small.
DREAM-MAKERS DRAMA SOCIETY ALADDIN EVALUATION
Dream-Makers Drama Society Tel: Linda 07895052981 Mark 07969050783 www.dream-makers.btck.co.uk
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Comments from Participants and Audience
Actors
I enjoyed the Aladdin pantomime and also all the rehearsals leading up to it. The singing made everyone feel part of the show. I thought everyone played their part well. My mum and Dad said that it was good how the helpers brought everyone into the show especially the girl who guided Keith. It was full of fun for both all those taking part as well as the audience.
Volunteers
Linda Brunt – Lead Project Volunteer
I have received positive comments so far. Everyone said they enjoyed the experience, actors,
volunteer and audience alike. Actors have built up confidence during rehearsals and show
periods; by speaking in front of an audience they have raised self esteem. By working alongside
skilled performers they have experienced and increased their own skills accordingly.
On a personal note the project was timescale was tight but by hard work by everyone we all
achieved an outstanding end product. I felt a sense of great achievement. Thanks to all those
involved.
Mark Hill – Lead Drama Volunteer
The feedback received from people who went to the show was that cast members were really
enjoying themselves and that came across to the audience really well thus helping them to
have a good night. From a directing point of view I thought that having a "skeleton" script for
the performers to improvise around worked well in some parts not so well in others, I feel that
the performers grew during the process right through to performance time and they really
worked as a team helping each other.
Volunteers as ever were invaluable to the whole process couldn't have produced a show of such value without them.
From a personal point of view I was very proud of everyone who contributed and of the show we produced.
Julie and Michelle Davies
We both really enjoyed being in the show and supporting people to do things they have never done
before. This was shown by the enthusiasm of all those that took part. Both me and Michelle have
learned a lot from taking part and seeing what people can achieve. We can’t wait for the next one.
DREAM-MAKERS DRAMA SOCIETY ALADDIN EVALUATION
Dream-Makers Drama Society Tel: Linda 07895052981 Mark 07969050783 www.dream-makers.btck.co.uk
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Members of the Audience
Liz Arkwright – Workers’ Education Association
I thought the show was fantastic and very well put together and performed.
As a result of the time I have spent with the learners as their art teacher I am very aware of the benefits
the learners were reaping from taking part in the performance. They regularly commented on the fun
they were having in the drama group and in rehearsals. I know the opportunity to be in the show has
greatly benefited the learners, it gave them the opportunity to express themselves and be a part of
something that was exciting and gave them a great sense of achievement.
I thoroughly enjoyed coming to watch some of the learners I had the privilege of teaching and think they
did a fantastic job. The performance was very entertaining and enjoyable, especially due to the fact that
it was clearly obvious how much the learners were enjoying themselves and putting a smile on the
audiences faces. I'm sure their confidence has grown as a result of taking part.
Elaine Bennet – Workers’ Education Association
As the WEA learning manager for Lancashire I have been involved in providing tutored courses
that have supported this production. Throughout the whole process the students who
ultimately became the performers , technicians, creative directors and back of house
volunteers strove, whilst supported by tutors, partners and volunteers to create a magical
and thoroughly enjoyable performance.
It cannot be underestimated of how having such a high profiled and visible public event such
as the performances’ which these groups undertake helps not only in raising skill levels but also
builds a camaraderie of trust, helpfulness, a belief that things are possible and an intense
desire to fulfill ones potentiality to the fullest.
DREAM-MAKERS DRAMA SOCIETY ALADDIN EVALUATION
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Tutors
Barbara Anders – Learning Support
Aladdin was just brilliant and was great to be part of! Such a lot of enjoyment was had by the
learners with enthusiasm sky-high and fun top of the agenda. Rehearsals were well attended
and helped along by the really hard work the learners did. It was “their” pantomime and “they”
loved it. It gave them a wonderful opportunity of working together towards the same goal,
achieving a super production and a rich experience full of learning and fun. Looking forward to
the next one!
Kelly Martin – Tutor
Awaiting
Paul Murphy – Tutor
Awaiting
DREAM-MAKERS DRAMA SOCIETY ALADDIN EVALUATION
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DREAM-MAKERS DRAMA SOCIETY ALADDIN EVALUATION
Dream-Makers Drama Society Tel: Linda 07895052981 Mark 07969050783 www.dream-makers.btck.co.uk
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