Workshops
Working at Heights Workshop
At the start of the working at heights workshop we went over the basic health and safety precautions to make sure everyone was safe, for example you should empty your pockets and make sure you don't have anything that could get caught on something. Next we were taught how to communicate with others while doing work that could be dangerous. When working with ladders and heavy equipment you have to tell the person working with you when you are going up and down the ladder and when you are going to pass them equipment. By the end of the workshop I knew the proper way to secure a light in a safe way.
Sewing Workshop
At the being of the sewing workshop we were taught how to properly thread the machine and how to put in a bobbin. Next we were shown how to do a basic straight stitch, zigzag stitch and how to hem a piece of fabric. We practised these stitches for a while but as I had already used a sewing machine before I chose to make a small pouch as extra practice.
Makeup Workshop
For the makeup workshop we were first shown how to create the look of a bruise with grease paint, I had done this before with my last course but it was good practice. To make a bruise you need to use multiple colours to give it the depth and dimension it needs to look realistic. Next we were taught how to make cuts with a tissue and latex method which was new to me as I had never tried it before. We were also instructed on how to make moulds to make fake fingers. On a separate day we were shown how to make scars with collodion. And in another session we were taught how to use artex and told what kind of things you could use it for.
Mask Making Workshop
In this workshop we were shown how to make face masks. We were given a pattern to cut around so that the fabric was the right size and shape. I roughly knew what I was doing as I had a little sewing knowledge before hand, I sewed all the pieces in the correct places and the attached the elastic to the right pieces. I left a small gap to flip it inside out and once it was the right way out I finished it with a stitch around the edge. If I were to make this again I would use less of the seam allowance and a bit more elastic.
Mould Making Workshop
In this workshop we were shown how to make a mould with alginate. It sets very quickly so you have to work fast, unfortunately I didn't quite stir mine enough but I think it turned out okay anyway. Once the mould was set I could pour in the silicone after mixing it with some colouring, I tapped the pot to get the bubbles out but I don't think I did that enough either, but it didn't matter to much as it wasn't very noticeable after painting the finger. If I made another one I would mix the alginate better and tap the pot more when putting the silicone in.
Lighting Workshop
This workshop gave us an idea of how to program the lights for a show. We were given a list of all the lights and what they were supposed to do, I wasn't sure if I would be able to do it as I'm not a very technical person but it turned out to be pretty easy once I had a little bit of practice. Although I probably not go into that speciality.
Live Sound Workshop
In this workshop we were shown how to control the speakers and how to properly plug them in and check them, we were also taught how to control the sound board which is easier than I thought it would be. The teacher also explained how to set up a mic stand properly and the difference between dynamic and condenser microphones.
Team Workshops
Below are the workshops that were done in teams. For the sound effects workshop I was in a group with Dan and Louise, for the props table workshop I was in a group with Amy and Lara, for the costume workshop I was in a group with Katie and Amy. So far I think I work well in a group although I could be more involved. The first workshop we did in teams was the sound effects one and I defiantly think I could of been more involved with that, the props one got me to interact more with others and I think it helped to get me talking with the others more. The costume one was in a smaller group environment compared with the others, for the others we were still in groups but for the most part we were still interacting with the others, in the costume one it was more independent from the other groups but I think I still did well.
Sound Effects Workshop
The sound effects workshop was an interesting one, we had to go around the theatre and use things we found to create different noises like thunder and ocean waves. If we do this again I would make sure to record a lot more than I think I would need as looking back at what has been recorded there is defiantly room for improvement.
Original tracks
Edited with audacity. Will have other recordings added.
Edited tracks
Props Table Workshop
In this workshop we had to set a prop table for a show. We had to go around finding the items on the list for act 1 and 2 and then place them on the table in the right place and label them. So by doing this I got to explore our area a little bit more and see what kinds of things we have in the props shed outside. The group element meant there was more communication between everyone and a little bit of healthy competition.
Costume Workshop
In this workshop we were instructed to construct three outfits that properly represented the brief. My group were given a genie, a male opera singer and David Bowie. We had to look through the costume wardrobe to find pieces of clothing and accessories to create a complete look. We also had to properly sort them onto the rack so that we knew how to do it when it comes to working on shows. If I get to do this again I would try to spend more time looking for more suitable jackets as the ones used for the opera singer and Bowie where too small.
Music editing practice
This task was a little difficult for me as I don't quite have the hang of editing files the way I want to just yet. I'm not sure why but when experimenting I find it a lot easier to make something I like when I record it myself, I don't know if that's because it gives me more control over the final outcome or if its because I can then add exactly what it needs, which I can't do if we are only allowed to use the files that we are given. I didn't end up changing it that much because I wasn't really sure where to start but I don't think the subtle change is bad.
Original track
Edited track