Skill Up Report 11

“The most important

and fun event in my CPD calendar!”

SKILL UP 2011 delegate

PEEBLES 2011 EVENT REPORT AND EVALUATION

Promote YT (Scotland) is a Registered Sco sh Charity No: SC 035765

Page 1.

Event Summary

SKILL UP is Promote YT’s annual training and networking conference for organisa ons and individuals with a stake in youth performing arts. It is the largest event of its kind in Scotland.

SKILL UP provides a broad range of quality training experiences which appeal to all levels, skills and abili es. It is our vision to set a benchmark of prac ce development which delegates will go on to deliver to their young people. The event is open to anyone with a vested interest in youth performing arts, regardless of their experience and is delivered in a style which oers individuals the opportunity to develop skills, share prac ce and experiences, network with colleagues and establish new contacts within the sector.

Through SKILL UP, Promote YT has con nued to deliver a range of training ini a ves that focus on the principle objec ves of our TRAINING FRAMEWORK*. These ini a ves are based upon the sector's feedback from past events, direct requests for speciďŹ c training from prac oners and topics that are prevalent in today's youth theatre climate. Now in its sixth year SKILL UP has grown to become a highlight on prac oners’ calendars oering relevant and aordable skill development training and networking opportuni es to a sector which, by its nature, is widely dispersed.

The following report oers a summary of SKILL UP 2011, staged in March at the Eastgate Theatre and Arts Centre, Peebles and includes feedback from the delegates who engaged in the post-event evalua on process.

CONTENTS: Funding & Support Event Venue Par6cipa6on Event Programme Addi6onal Evalua6on Development Acknowledgements

Page 1. & 2.

Page 2.

Page 3.

Page 4. - 6.

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Page 9.

All evalua on results published in this report are based on a 74% response from SKILL UP 2011’s total par cipa on of 106 delegates. For more detailed budge ng / evalua on informa on please contact Promote YT directly. *Promote YT’s TRAINING FRAMEWORK highlights the principle areas of prac ce per nent to all youth performing arts groups in Scotland regardless of scale, style, status or approach. Laid out in an accessible from the Promote YT TRAINING FRAMEWORK is available to download from: www.promoteyt.co.uk

Funding, Partnerships & Support In order to achieve maximum impact SKILL UP has purposely been developed as a peripate c event which relocates to a dierent region in Scotland each year. Promote YT has been commi"ed to staging an event which is as diverse as the sector it serves. SKILL UP is accessible to all and is reliant on regional partners to annually provide the ďŹ nancial and infrastructure support which makes the event possible. Previous SKILL UP events have been staged in the following loca ons: Exchange 2005 SKILL UP 2006 SKILL UP 2007 SKILL UP 2008 SKILL UP 2009 SKILL UP 2010

Pitlochry Fes val Theatre Sco(sh Youth Theatre Drumnadrochit Community High School Perth Concert Hall Carnegie College Eden Court Theatre

Perth and Kinross Glasgow Highlands Perth and Kinross Fife Highlands

Promote YT was delighted to have the opportunity to take SKILL UP to the Sco(sh Borders for the ďŹ rst me, working in partnership with Sco(sh Borders Council and the Eastgate Theatre and Arts Centre, Peebles.

Page 2.

Funding, Partnerships & Support con nued > The breakdown of EXPENDITURE was as follows: 1.

2.

3.

4.

4

Event Structure (57%)* Venue hire (22%) Facilita on (22%) Marke ng / Recording (3%)

3

1 2

*Includes catering, accommoda on deposits, delegate packs and social events The breakdown of INCOME was as follows: 1.

2.

3.

Delegate Fees (64%) Sco(sh Borders Council Grant (25%) Youth Music Theatre UK (11%)

3

2

1

Event Venue 23 miles south of Edinburgh, the Borders town of Peebles has for many years been a market town cherished by locals and visitors alike for its picturesque and unspoilt character. The town boasts a wide range of outdoors ac vi es, ďŹ ne shopping, award-winning restaurants and outstanding accommoda on to suit all budgets. Peebles is also widely recognised as an arts des na on town.

The core programme of SKILL UP 2011 was delivered in the Eastgate Theatre and Arts Centre situated in Peebles town centre, with addi onal workshop space provided by Peebles Drill Hall and the council-run Burgh Hall situated within easy walking distance.

Delegate accommoda on was provided by several local hotels, chiey Peebles Hydro, and catering for the event was provided in-house by the Eastgate Theatre and Arts Centre.

Delegate evalua on was as follows: Accessibility to the event: 3

1.

2.

3.

4.

4

Very Good (44%) Good (29%) OK (25%) DiďŹƒcult (2%)

1

2

The venue: 1.

2.

3.

Excellent (56%) Good (38%) OK (6%)

3 2

1

Page 3.

Par6cipa6on

Although principally focusing on the youth theatre sector, SKILL UP is open to any adult who has a stake in youth performing arts, regardless of experience.

OďŹƒcial bookings for SKILL UP 2011 opened four months in advance of the event and delegates paid the following sliding scale fee which covered the whole event programme as well as an evening meal and refreshments: • • •

ÂŁ120 full fee ÂŁ100 membership fee* ÂŁ80 bursary fee*

*exclusive to Promote YT members SKILL UP 2011 was a"ended by 106 par cipants. 9 delegates were supported by Promote YT through a bursary which subsidised ÂŁ40 of the fee. A further 34 Borders-based prac oners were supported by subsidy provided The trend of PARTICIPATION was as follows: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

3

Youth Theatre / Organisa on (66%) Teaching (13%) Arts Development (11%) Student / Graduate (8%) Other (2%)

4

5

2

1

“Fantas!c, SKILL UP is a facilitator for facilitators! Really enjoyable, immediately applicable and fun.�

The geographical range of PARTICIPATION was: Aberdeen Angus Ayrshire Borders Clacks Dundee Edinburgh Fife Glasgow Highlands & Lanarkshire Perthshire Stirling West Lothian International Unknown

4 1 2 34 1 3 13 4 19 9 1 2 1 4 3 5

Page 4.

Event Programme - THE PERFORMANCE

REAL MEN DREAM IN BLACK AND WHITE

To open SKILL UP 2011, a pre-event social evening was held on the Friday which enabled Promote YT to programme a notable performance of youth theatre work.

REAL MEN DREAM IN BLACK AND WHITE was created by its four young performers, Director Lissa Lorenzo and Associate Director Gareth Nicholls as part of the Na onal Theatre of Scotland’s Exchange, a showcase of new work by some of Scotland’s young peoples’ theatre companies which took place at the Byre Theatre, St Andrew’s during summer 2010.

The performers were eager to explore what it means to be a “real manâ€? in modern society, and drew from their own life experiences to reect on this ques on. They considered tradi onal rites of passage in contrast to what growing up is like for today’s young men; the expecta ons, challenges and goals and the role models who have helped their personal journeys. The performers explore what it means to be a man in today’s society, how diďŹƒcult that can some mes be, ul mately recognising their individual strengths and unique masculine quali es.

An aSer-show discussion with the cast and Director was hosted and the inclusion of REAL MEN DREAM IN BLACK AND WHITE in the SKILL UP 2011 programme was kindly supported by the Na onal Theatre of Scotland.

Delegate eleva on of the performance and aSer-show discussion was: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Excellent (59%) Very Good (26%) Good (10%) OK (5%)

3

2

“SKILL UP creates a real sense of community amongst freelance prac!!oners.�

4

1

Event Programme - MAIN EVENT

Page 5.

Promote YT was once again thrilled to be able to a"ract high-proďŹ le specialists from the UK and overseas to engage delegates in hands-on skill development workshops.

Staged on the Saturday and the Sunday the 3-hour workshops were the mainstay of the event. Delegates were able to choose 3 out of the following selec on of 4 workshops delivered over the weekend.

The main event programme was:

CO-OPERATIVE STORYTELLING Led by Sune Tønning Sørensen Director of Educa6on, FILUREN, Denmark Using the world of tabletop role-play games as a focus par cipants got the opportunity to explore the dramapedagogical process of co-opera ve storytelling as well as dierent strategies for crea ng games as a theatre educator.

Delegates overall ra6ng of workshop: GOOD

COMMUNITY SOAP Led by Peter Hussey Ar6s6c Director CROOKED HOUSE THEATRE COMPANY, Ireland Through prac cal and interac ve work shopping par cipants explored how to manage the crea on, elicit drama c narra ves and assist actors in developing relevant issue- based themes and characters.

Delegates overall ra6ng of workshop: EXCELLENT

CONTEMPORARY WAYS OF CREATING THEATRE Led by Tanja Spinger Director, JUNGE AKTEURE, Germany Tanja’s unique approach to theatre crea on looked beyond the tradi onal processes, structures and characters. Par cipants explored choral speech, story-telling and other aesthe c instruments as prac cal tools in contemporary theatre making.

Delegates overall ra6ng of workshop: GOOD

AN INTRODUCTION TO VOCAL COACHING Led by Lin Marsh Composer and Vocal Coach, Voice Works, YOUTH MUSIC THEATRE UK This workshop explored safe vocal training with and for young people in an inspiring and enjoyable way. Par cipants learnt about the physiology of the voice, breathing and teaching techniques, singing in performance and vocal func on.

Delegates overall ra6ng of workshop: EXCELLENT

Event Programme - SKILL SHARE OPEN PLATFORM

Page 6.

Building on previous SKILL UP events, the 2011 programme introduced SKILL SHARE OPEN PLATFORM, oering the opportunity for 3 ar sts working in Scotland to reveal and explore their prac ce. Applica ons were solicited in advance of the event and the following workshops were selected by Promote YT’s Board of Directors: • CREATING STORIES FOR AND BY YOUNG PEOPLE WITH ADDITIONAL COMPLEX NEEDS Led by Karen McGrady-Parker – Associate Director, SCOTTISH YOUTH THEATRE This workshop gave par cipants the opportunity to hear about Karen’s experience in this specialist ďŹ eld alongside an opportunity to create their own workshop from simple s muli, taking me to consider how to adapt exercises to suit group needs.

Delegates overall ra6ng of workshop: VERY GOOD • ARTISTIC INCLUSION Led by Katrina Caldwell – Freelance Director, Theatre-maker & Educator This workshop explored the crea ve inspira on and techniques needed to adapt popular ac vi es, oering a sense of the prac cal considera ons needed in running mixed ability groups.

Delegates overall ra6ng of workshop: VERY GOOD • WHAT IS APPLIED THEATRE AND WHY SHOULD WE APPLY IT? Led by Stephanie Knight – Ar6st, Researcher & Academic Looking at young peoples involved in poli cal life this workshop examined how you can create trusted environments for young people to explore issues that aect their lives.

Delegates overall ra6ng of workshop: GOOD

Event Programme - FUNDING THE FUTURE SKILL UP 2011 hosted two exci ng partner events designed to explore and debate the future funding of youth theatre in Scotland and inform the development work of Promote YT:

PANEL DISCUSSION Oering a regional, na onal, interna onal and commercial perspec ve on arts funding our guest panel of experts examined and debated past, present and future support for the Arts, and youth theatre in par cular.

Delegates overall ra6ng of Panel Discussion: EXCELLENT

FACILITATED WORKGROUPS Following on from the panel discussion, delegates were invited to share what the view from Scotland’s reshaped Arts landscape now look like from where they are standing.

Delegates overall ra6ng of Facilitated Workgroups: VERY GOOD

Page 7.

Addi6onal Evalua6on How delegates found other elements of the event: Value for money Excellent Good OK Poor

Staff helpfulness Catering Event information Booking process Advanced publicty

How delegates found out about the event: Word of mouth

33

Promote YT event

26

Promote YT website Other website

49 6

Promote YT network

30

Other network

7

Promote YT E-newsletter Other newsletter

51 6

“Thanks to the panel discussion I now have a be8er understanding of the new Crea!ve Scotland Youth Arts Strategy.�

How delegates paid for their SKILL UP 2001 place: 1.

2.

3.

Paid by wider organisa on (66%) Paid directly by individual (23%) Subsidised by a wider orgainsa on (11%)

3

2

1

Page 8.

Development

“It was a great weekend, excellently organised and facilitated, everyone was warm and helpful. I deďŹ nitely learned a great deal and the relaxed environment made networking less in!mida!ng.â€?

The expecta6ons expressed by delegates prior to aGending SKILL UP 2011 were: •

to gain inspira ons from others

•

to learn new skills and improved sector knowledge

•

to make contacts and networks

•

to discuss current funding challenges

•

to have a good, fun and enjoyable me

The following chart demonstrates to what degree these expecta6ons were met: 1.

2.

3.

Exceeded expecta on (33%) FulďŹ lled expecta on (66%) Fell short of expecta on (1%)

3 2

1

The total par cipa on for SKILL UP 10 was 106 which was 11% down on our development target of 120 but 31% up on par cipa on at last year’s event which was 73.

The red line in the graph below plots the trend in par cipa on since Promote YT’s inaugural training event in 2005 (then called Exchange).

120 100 103 80

90 73

60 40

106

103

100

57

20 0 2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Page 9.

Acknowledgements: Promote YT (Scotland) thanks the following individuals, partners and organisa6ons for suppor6ng us in making SKILL UP 2011 possible: Kirsty Taylor (Sco(sh Borders Council); Kate Taylor (Youth Music Theatre UK); Caroline Adams (Eastgate Theatre and Arts Centre); David Taylor (Crea ve Scotland); Ian MacAulay (Sco(sh Borders Council); Carl Jørn Johansen (Rogaland Theatre, Norway); Fiona Anderson (Visible Fic ons), David Wallace (PACE Theatre Company); Barry Henderson; Tashi Gore; Jess Thorpe; Rosie Reid; Sco(sh Borders Council; Na onal Theatre of Scotland and Crea ve Scotland.

Event photography by LJ Findlay-Walsh.

For a SKILL UP 2011 DVD featuring images from the whole event please contact the Promote YT (Scotland) oďŹƒce directly

SKILL UP 11 Event Report Š produced by Promote YT (Scotland) CEO / Director:

Colin Bradie

Training & Par6cipa6on:

Caroline Donald

Development:

Helen Bain

Communica6ons:

Gary Smith

Promote YT (Scotland) Out of the Blue 26 Dalmeny Street Edinburgh EH6 8RG T: 0131 538 0591 E: info@promoteyt.co.uk www.promoteyt.co.uk