Dream: the joy of creating is a unique event that Rose Bruford College’s TYA Centre runs in association with TYA the UK Centre of ASSITEJ, Ashford Borough Council and Kent County Council.
‘Artists may well need exposure to new skills sets and methodologies, but perhaps what we most need to offer our established makers and performers is a chance to stop. A moment to reflect.’Jeremy Harrison
It aims to share the work of UK innovators in the TYA field, with established practitioners from the UK and Europe. A chance to explore, document and celebrate the best practice aimed at young audiences that the UK has to offer.
“I came into the week wanting some input, some new ideas, new strategies, and new tricks for making theatre. I had anticipated conversations about story arc, character development, perhaps some mention of imagery. This isn’t what happened. Instead, what Mark offered was an alternative way of thinking, more fundamentally, about why and how we make work- whatever our own work might be. Instead of coming away with someone else’s ideas, I’ve felt a renewed surge of excitement and confidence about my own”.Kitty Winter, participant 2012
The event takes place in Ashford, Kent; the first British stop on the Eurostar and our gateway to Europe. It brings together 12 participants from different disciplines and cultures, for a weeklong residency led by a leading artist or company whose work is innovative and targeted at children and young people. Offering a chance to explore, reflect and share skills. To foster international collaboration and understanding and enhance quality.
‘It was just so valuable to be away from work, to have the dedicated space to make, create and explore with other practitioners without looming deadlines/ e-mails/ phone calls. ‘
Janice Kernoghan, participant 2013
In only its second year the event has already brought together participants from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, France, Belgium, Germany, Portugal and Puerto Rico and was cited by ASSITEJ International as an example of international co-operation in action Le Petits et Grands Festival, Nantes, 2013.
Initiated by Paul Harman and Jeremy Harrison in 2012, the first event saw Gill Robertson, the Artistic Director of internationally acclaimed Scottish company Catherine Wheels, curate a week’s work with Mark Storor. In 2013 the founding members of Oily Cart shared their 30 years of experience in making work for children and young people with complex disabilities.
‘ I gained invaluable knowledge and left feeling motivated and positive about the future of effective theatre for children with complex disabilities.’Hollie Smith, attended sharing event 2013
Each residency culminates in a sharing event, where an audience of theatre makers, producers, funders, educators, academics and any one who cares to join can hear about discoveries made and processes explored. A chance to deepen the reach of the event locally, nationally and on the international stage.
‘ I often find myself as a lone voice in an educational system that doesn’t understand or value what I do, or my hopes for the children I work with, so events like today will sustain me in my practice for some time to come.’ Jo Clayton, community dance practitioner, attended sharing event 2013
Each event is documented and disseminated by the TYA Centre, allowing us to capture and extend understanding of best practice in UK Theatre for Young Audiences.
‘The main thing I will take away was the re-connection to the work I really want to make’ Clare McGarry, participant 2012
‘The Northern Ireland artist felt is was one of the best experiences of their career!’ Eimear Henry TYAUK Executive