The power of performance and drama should not be undervalued.
In the young mind it is a form of uncensored freedom to become characters - become brave when they are not, to become whoever they wish to be or asphire to be.
To play with purpose and too find latent talents and build upon them.
It gives them a status with others and the audience, and it builds as they work harder to something to be proud of.
For those on the autistic spectrum or conditions allied to it - it illustrates the creative power of the autistic mind, and the natural talent it can reveal.
Drama should not be limited to those who want to perform as a career - it should be for everyone - just as playing tennis for bfun does not mean you are training for Wimbledon.
Dramania is based on one core foundation - enjoy the time taking part either solo or with others - whether acting or somewhere else within the creative process.
Dramania is open to all within the set age range - boys and mixed groups - with experience or without.
Try a day and see how it feels - and build from there.
About the project Dramania
William David - Creator of Dramania.
Actor Luke Blackmore with a Crown standard 8mm clockwork cine camera [1960]
Luke with a Pathescope 9.5 cine camera from the early 20th century [press image to start movie]
Steve Farrell shooting web series "Our Town" with actors Dawn Funnell & Craig Bowen - April 2019.
Dramania is a mixed media project series. So what does that mean?
Well - apart from conversation and planning the project uses 3 main devices to produce the end product.
They are :- Photography [still images] - Videography [film making] and acoustic performance[sound drama and performance/audio].
Each one has it's own individual merits, and chances are most taking part will in time try all three.
The first day of meeting will be a general run through with mainly photography and video and discussions to what seems a future plan. Some may only visit once [distance alone can be an issue] others may elect to do more - or even work fully with the project.
Results from the day are provided free - this may be a selection of images and or video work.
If later those taking part work on project based material may be employed for such work . Many of the illustration results here come from Luke Blackmore who has worked with me for 5+ years and James D who has been contributing for a similar time.
Massive appreciation to both of them for all the hard work they have put in.
Dramania is located in a restored 1846 Railway Station just off the M1 at junction 13. Not many location's have it's own railway - which is why sometimnes trains may feature on a soundtrack. However better sound insolation and a change of shoot location last year is improving things. Obviously location shooting is desirable, and as soon as CR-19 guidelines allow [July 2020] it is hoped to shoot more outside.
With school drama also on hold currently many pupils cannot take part in drama at all. With the reopening of performance Saturday/evening Classes hopefully this situation will improve. Those who take part in Dramania may well also attend such classes - but anyone can have a go with Dramania if the interest is there. Drama is a fantastic way to build up personal self confidence, and by keeping it all informal it should be less intimidating from the start. With younger participants parents or chaperones are welcome subject to current social distancing. All those below 16 must have parental approval and suitable chaperone. This can apply up to 18. All work is with William David in attendance.
I look forward to meeting the new participants as the years moves on.
Should you or yours have any questions regarding Dramania please feel free to contact directly.
William David - July 2020.