Annual Report 2012-2013
Our Mission
We create unique exciting theatre that releases young people’s potential, expands imaginations and inspires change within our communities. We aim to ensure that young people: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Have increased aspiration and attainment Have a sustained involvement in the arts Have increased imaginative skills Have a broader understanding of themselves & the world 5. Are more confident communicators
A Word from the Chair
I am pleased to report that due to the hard work and dedication of the staff, we have delivered on this year’s targets; the production of a 3 year strategic plan, a new website and a stronger focus on our communications systems. Whilst on the subject of staff we have waved a temporary goodbye to Heather Armstrong who left to take up maternity leave and welcomed Amanda Liddle and Rachel Smith to the staff team and Ruth Donnelly, Laura McIntyre and Marie-Louise Fox to the Board. There is a real buzz of excitement around the new, ambitious and challenging programme of work. In 2013 we kick off The Lock Down Trilogy which will be Toonspeak’s flagship production. We will continue to create and develop partnerships whether it be a collaboration with a group in Stranraer or a multiple arts project in Pollockshaws. In other highlights, Arts Awards are well and truly embedded in Toonspeak’s DNA resulting in the organisation being the champion throughout Scotland. With our continuing commitment to providing opportunities for young people to view and critique a varied programme of professional theatre and our Young Leader Drama Training programme developing leaders of the future, we are well on the road to providing a wide range of entry points, pathways and progression for even more young people and I look forward to being a part of that journey over the coming year.
Carole Williams, Chair
Finance 2012-13 Income
Expenditure
Our Projects
SPIRE The SPIRE creative employability programme, running in partnership with Lifelink Youth, for young people living in Royston went from strength to strength. The extensive programme included trips to creative workplaces, the Shine skill-building and confidence boosting project (which ran 4 times, twice in St Rochs Secondary), Arts Award and Life Coaching.
Arts Award Toonspeak continued to raise awareness of this new distance travelled qualification and helped 8 young people to achieve their Bronze Award and began supporting 2 Silver Award & 2 Gold candidates.
Seeing is Believing This year’s large scale summer production, investigating the myths and legends of Glasgow, transformed an ordinary community space in Blackhill.
Re:Location 2012 Toonspeak member Jasmine Main was selected to be one of eight performers in the Scottish National Young Company who performed at the international youth theatre festival Re:Location 2012 in Norway.
Young Leader Drama Training Toonspeak’s Young Leader Drama Training project continued successfully into its second year. Working in partnership, 30 young people were trained and supported to deliver their own community workshops.
Creative Approaches to Work Trips 17 young people visited creative places of employment, including Scottish Opera, to explore career options in the creative industries.
Autumn Falls In August Toonspeak worked in partnership with the NHS, St Andrews Secondary, Eastbank Academy and Parkhill School to create a performance and film for GRAND (Getting Real About Alcohol & Drugs) Week 2012.
Greater Pollok Young Carers Project In September, Toonspeak brought together a strong team of artists from all disciplines to provide a range of skill-building and employment awareness opportunities for a group of Young Carers
1987-2012 Celebrating 25 years of Toonspeak Toonspeak’s 25th Anniversary was celebrated with a party and a bursary scheme for young people.
Just Get By Replacing the regular, weekly theatre workshop programme in March, Just Get By became Toonspeak’s biggest ever production with 56 performers!
Theatre Critics Working with professional theatre critics Gareth Vile and Mark Fisher, our young critics viewed and reviewed a wide variety of theatre genres.
Goals for 2013-14 * Launch new Toonspeak interactive website * Implement new business plan * Implement new artistic plan with 3 new strands of work - Centre Stage, Green Room and Front Row * Work in additional areas in and outwith Glasgow
Toonspeak Team Artistic Director-Sarah Longfield General Manager-Amanda Liddle Creative Learning DirectorHeather Armstrong/Rachel Smith Development Officer - Emily Bennett Communications Officer - Lydia Duncan Thanks are due to our supporters, voluntary directors,wonderful artists and volunteers without whom none of our work would be possible: Gannochy Trust NHSGGC Austin & Hope Pilkington Trust Endrick Trust Kennyhill Bequest Fund