Selected creatives across Devon and Cornwall congregated for the first ‘MarjonXRame Summer School’ – a collaboration between Plymouth Marjon University and Rame Projects with the aim to explore innovative approaches to actor training in nature.
Staying overnight at the popular Maker Campsite on the Rame Peninsula, 18 individuals including actors, musicians, researchers, producers, facilitators, cooks, and videographer (with the curious children of participants in tow) came together to investigate the potential for actor training in the South West.
Dr Natalie Raven – co-convener of SCION: the Sustainability, Creativity, and Innovation Research Group at Marjon who funded the project – said:
“We are very lucky to be situated in Plymouth. We have the UK’s first National Marine Park at Plymouth Sound, and Dartmoor is just around the corner.
“Its something I’ve been thinking about for a while… how can these amazing outdoor spaces be used to enrich the experience and develop skillsets of actors and performers who choose to train with us at Marjon?”
The residency began with a ‘silent’ walk from Maker Campsite toward the Church of St Mary & St Julian, with participants encouraged to slow down and absorb all of the sights, smells, and noises of the rural landscape, tuning in to the environment.
Following this, an introductory workshop led by local artist and performer trainer Charlie Cornforth explored stage combat. Performers were up on their feet, negotiating in pairs how to ‘push’, ‘shove’ and ‘fall’ in dramatic (and safe!) ways.
Further activities and workshops included: how to make ‘binaural sound’ pieces using Zoom mics at Cawsand Beach; expressive and intuitive movement for actors and performers; acupuncture for energetic release; and open air yoga on the grasses of Maker Heights parade grounds. The residency culminated in an improvised live performance staged for the public taking place outside of the Barrack building.
The residency had real community spirit, with everyone involved meeting up for delicious plant-based communal meals, drinks, and snacks three times a day, as well as evening dancing around the campfire to music by local band Slack Mallard. The summer school process was documented by local artist Siobhan Bauer, who is currently working on an art film for future release.
Summing up their experience of the project, one participant commented:
“It was brilliant. The whole summer school experience left me energised & enthusiastic to come to Plymouth more often to exchange ideas and share skills”.
For more information about undergraduate and postgraduate acting and performer training at Marjon, visit www.marjon.ac.uk/arts/ or email: EChadwick@Marjon.ac.uk.
