Unit 6

Task 1: Production Diary

Task 2: 

In order to show my understanding of the character and the world they live in, I have decided to write a detailed doctors report on Zafer and his families first visit to the hospital after receiving the news.

2/6/20XX - Medical Oncologist Report

Patient Name: Zafer -- Emre, Age: 16, DOB: XX-XX-XXXX

Upon receiving his diagnosis, Zafer has been experiencing the expected emotions and while his condition has not worsened for the time being, his mental state seems to declining rapidly. Upon receiving his diagnosis it was obvious that him and his family felt differently about the news they had received. I have suggested therapy alongside medication, however he seemed determined he did not want outside help. 

His father spoke with me afterwards and said he would accept the medication for his son, I have also suggested to Mr. Emre to come back next week to start Chemotherapy. It would be best to get ahead of this and start treatment as soon as possible. With this I am confident we can eliminate it before it progresses to the next stage.

Dr. Luke Brimsteen

6/2/20XX - Medical Oncologist Report

Patient Name: Zafer -- Emre, Age: 17, DOB: XX-XX-XXXX

We have come to a point in treatment where Zafer requires higher facilities. We have done all we can and sadly no improvement has been seen from his original diagnosis. The cancer has now progressed to its third stage and it is integral that Zafer be transferred to a St James Hospital in the US. Because of the NHS we have been able to treat him free of charge, but due to the US having different laws with medical treatment, his family will have to raise the money themselves. 

We will continue to have regular visits with Zafer but I believe no good can be done without the required treatment facilities. Zafer doesnt seem too concerned with the option, however he also seems mostly in his head when he is here. We will have him back next Tuesday to go into the matter further.

Dr. Luke Brimsteen

Task 3:

The National Theatre, located in London, England, is a world-renowned institution that has been at the forefront of theatre production and innovation for over half a century. Founded in 1963, the National Theatre was created to provide a permanent home for the Royal Shakespeare Company and to serve as a hub for theatrical experimentation and creativity. Today, the National Theatre is one of the most prestigious and influential institutions in the theatre world, producing a diverse range of plays and performances that showcase the best of contemporary and classic theatre. From Shakespearean dramas to modern musicals, the National Theatre's productions are renowned for their high quality and artistic excellence.

One of the National Theatre's most important initiatives is the National Theatre Connections project, which was launched in 1995. The project aims to provide young people aged 13-19 with opportunities to engage with theatre and to develop their skills as performers, writers, and directors. The National Theatre Connections project is a unique and innovative program that works with over 300 schools and youth theatre companies across the UK, providing them with the opportunity to perform new plays written specifically for young people by some of the UK's most talented contemporary playwrights.

Each year, the National Theatre commissions ten new plays from a diverse range of writers, including established names such as David Eldridge and Bryony Lavery, as well as up-and-coming talent like Lajaune Lincoln and Tom Powell. These plays are then distributed to the participating schools and youth theatre companies, who are given the freedom to interpret and perform them as they see fit. 

The National Theatre Connections project is more than just a platform for young people to perform new plays. It is also a valuable tool for developing creativity and self-expression, as well as a means of building confidence and teamwork skills. Through the project, young people are encouraged to think critically, to explore complex themes and ideas, and to work collaboratively to create something truly special. In addition to performing the plays, the participating schools and youth theatre companies are also given the opportunity to attend workshops and masterclasses with National Theatre professionals, providing them with a unique insight into the world of professional theatre production. They are also given access to online resources and support materials, which help to develop their understanding of the theatrical process and to enhance their performances.

The project culminates in a national festival, where the best performances from across the country are showcased in a series of performances at the National Theatre. This provides an incredible opportunity for the young people involved to perform on a world-renowned stage, to showcase their talent, and to gain valuable feedback from industry professionals. 

In conclusion, the National Theatre Connections project is a valuable and innovative initiative that provides young people with the opportunity to engage with theatre, to develop their skills as performers, writers, and directors, and to explore complex themes and ideas through the medium of drama. It is a testament to the National Theatre's commitment to nurturing talent and creativity, and to its belief in the transformative power of theatre.

Task 4:

Taken Part in rehearsals and performed Old Times on the 16th. Unexpectedly someone had left a position in the understudy cast and after Morgan asked me to step in, I accepted, learning an entire new part in an evening. Performing in two shows that night instead of 1.

Task 5:

Task 6:

To meet the standards of the National Theatre, I made sure my performances would aim for excellence in all aspects of the theatrical production, including acting, directing, set design, lighting, sound, and costumes. The National Theatre encourages creativity and innovation while also upholding high professional standards. 

I tried my best so that my performance demonstrated an understanding of the themes and ideas of the play and convey these effectively to the audience. In terms of acting, I aimed to create an authentic and nuanced character that engage and move the audience. I learned through lessions to have a good command of my voice, physicality, and emotion and worked collaboratively with the director and other cast members to create a cohesive performance. Our rehearsals were rigorous, and my fellow performers were very committed to their roles and to the success of the production as a whole. 

The two directors of Old Times, Kelly and Morgan, worked closely with the actors and other creative team members to create a unified vision for the production, it was obvious they both had a clear understanding of the play's themes and ideas and were easily able to communicate these effectively to the cast and crew. 

Set design, lighting, sound, and costumes should were all managed to work together to create a cohesive and immersive theatrical experience. Our set designers tried and succeeded to create a visually interesting and functional set that supports the action of the play. This was shown in heights by the lack of set on stage, but placed in a way that the set that wasn't there was seen by the audience. The performance as a whole was well-rehearsed, polished, and professional. We made sure for attention to be paid to every detail, from the blocking to the timing of sound and lighting cues. I believe our performance was engaging and impactful, and left a lasting impression on the audience.

In conclusion, meeting the standards of the National Theatre requires a high level of commitment, creativity, and professionalism from everyone involved in the production. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to create a successful performance that engages and moves audiences. But I believe we hit it out of the park, i only wish now that we get to move onto the National by winning connections!