Vital Spark - VIP Perspective

In October 2018 I was provided with an invitation to become an associate artist on the Spark Arts for Children Vital Spark Development program. At that time I was new to Spark Arts for Children but had been recommended to apply by a selection of friends who work with thin theatre and thought that it would be a good way for me to gain a better understanding of children's theatre, how it is produced and what is important within the production process.

Nine months later I have travelled the UK and Europe meeting producers, artists and companies producing work for children and young people. I am a consultant for children's theatre companies, working with the children's festivals to develop access ofr blind and visually uiampired children and young people, talking to companies about the work they produce and being provided with support by all of the above to produce my own children's theatre show.

It all started with a phone call from Tsra, (producer of Vital Spark) who talked to me about my experience, what I was hoping to gain from the program and how Spark Arts could support me to gain this experience. A development date was organized where I came in, had a formal introduction to Adel (Artistic Director) and the other associate artists Mellow Baku, Sammeena and Takeshi. We each tested out a workshop showcasing our skills, mellow is a musician, Sameena works in community theatre and takeshi is a dancer. What I found really lovely about each workshop was that I could see where each persons strength lay but actually it was so playful and fun but there was always focus and for me being new to work for children it was useful to see how each artist built that into their work. 

Over the next few months the program provided me with the opportunity to attend theatre performances all over the UK.To name a few I  saw Jackie Hagans The Forest of Forgotten Discos, Slime by The Herd at Hulltruck and attended Imaginate Festival in Edinburgh. There were lots of performances in my local area which I was able to see, I was speaking to the other associate artists about what they were seeing and during my time on the program I was put in contact with so many companies that I am talking to now and being able to use to develop my skills within children's theatre.  Tara and Adel organised a trip to visit Polka Theatre in London which I attended with other associate artists and provided us with a chance to see a piece of storytelling and meet the members of the team at Polka Theatre. For April Spark organised a residency trip where we were able to attend Tweetakt Festival in Utrecht, Holland. This was incredible, we spent a weekend watching, dance, theatre and performance art. Experiencing work created by companies from numerous countries across Europe and some pieces which were good quality but not the type of work which would be considered for programming in the UK. 

As a blind artist I had come onto the program being very open about my disability and as a parent clear about the timings I could be available. Tara and Adel put in place  everything that I had asked for and for our residency trip I had a personal assistant to support me on my journey from the Uk and back and to help me navigate Utrecht which meant I could concentrate on the work I was watching rather than worry about how I would get to each venue. I did face a few barriers during the trips I organised myself but it highlighted areas that need improving for disbaled artists and audiences and that as independent as I am I do need a bit more support at times.

For me, Vital Spark was a brilliant way to learn about artists and venues who are producing work for children and young people. Being able to see work and speak with people within this area of theatre provided me with the opportunity to get a taste for the production of children's theatre and gain a better understanding of how I can make a difference producing work for children.  The Spark team are supportive, encouraging and I keep bumping into them at arts events where I get introduced to more people. Over the next year I am hoping to get the research and development for my first children's theatre piece on its legs. 

If you are considering applying for 2019/2020 please send abn application in because it is a brilliant way to be supported by and learn from an incredible company who are looking for exciting and innovative artists who can encourage more children to engage with theatre.

https://thesparkarts.co.uk/vital-spark