Your Adjudicator Danny Flowers

Your Adjudicator Danny Flowers

Danny was infected with the drama bug at an early age by regular visits to the Birmingham Rep and was inspired to perform as often as possible. After graduating fron Brecton Hall she went on to teach drama in a tough North London comprehensive whilst attending singing lessons at the Royal College of Music and was also teaching at the Brian Way Theatre Centre where she was involved in experimental theatre and musical performances. The last 18 years were spent at South Trafford College teaching theatre studies and performing arts, and during that time Danny found the time to gain an M.A. in Educational Theatre - graduating in 1992.

Having retired last year some recuperation was needed and the remedy was some long distance travel. Now theatre has again become an important part of life and the opportunity to again adjudicate for Cheshire Theatre Guild was too good to miss.

Important Information re 2003/04 Adjudications

Danny would like to know your play dates as far in advance as possible. I have already been given dates for visits by Danny up to June 2004 (the end of the season). A frightening thought when we are still enjoying summer 2003!

Remember

	1.	You need not give a play title at this moment.
	2.	You can still pay for adjudication per play - however some groups (the cash rich ones) do pay for a whole season on one cheque.
	3.	If you have to cancel a play we can refund your payment.

In a nutshell help Danny plan her diary for the season. AVOID disappointment to yourselves because Danny is unavailable.

WWF / Global Applause - “Fly me to the Moon”

It was only a matter of days after I mailed groups with details of the 2003/04 play that I received notification from the WWF that they had decided to cancel the initiative, and that ‘Amateur Stage’ would be stepping in to save the project.

Enclosed is a story board for the play and an update from the July issue of ‘Amateur Stage’. There is further information in the August issue.

PLEASE NOTE - For performances between September 2003 and 31st May 2004 THERE ARE NO ROYALTIES TO PAY FOR THIS PRODUCTION.

I realize that many groups have already planned a full season - however, if you operate play to play and have a slot available, this could save you a lot of money.

SPECIAL STOP PRESS - I have heard, just in time for this newsletter of a production of “Fly me to the Moon”. This is in the studio theatre at Chester Gateway (tel 01244 340392) dates are September 23rd to 27th at 7.30pm, matinee Saturday at 2.30pm.

This is by Tip Top Productions, I believe they are an amateur group, as the play is not yet available for the professionals.

OOPS Sorry!

To Paul Reid (MADS) nominated as best supporting actor as Egan in “Murder by Misadventure” - somehow - Paul became Peter and this appears on your winners / nominations list.

Sorry Paul! This error was on the list given by the adjudicator - and not picked up by me when I checked names against the actual adjudications.

Form Filling Time

A boring job but one we ask you to do each start of the season. This is the only way we can keep our

Records up to date and I know that there has been several changes of Chairpersons and Secretaries. A speedy return would be greatfully appreciated.

Diary Dates

Never miss out on publicity in The Dairy. Let me have your dates a.s.a.p. and these will go on our web site — www.ctguild.org.uk Post your dates for the entire season to me at 93, Chester Road, Middlewich, CW10 9EU.

And Finally

On writing a play - Some rules by Alan Ayckbourn - from his book “The Crafty Art of Playmaking”.

	1.	Never look down on comdey or regard it as the poor cousin of drama.
	2.	Never start a play without an idea.
	3.	Use the minimum number of characters you need.
	4.	If a play can be too simple then it can also be too complicated. If one element is particularly complicated keep the rest of it simple.
	5.	Never sell your characters short in order to meet the requirements of a gag or even the plot.
	6.	Always try to have the audience looking at the same thing at the same moment.
	7	At least 50% of your play is going to be visual.
	8.	Never include a character with no real function.
	9.	Never underestimate your audience.
	10.	The best comedy springs from the utterly serious.

There are 101 rules in Alan Ayckbourn’s book.

John R Powell
Chairman