Producing Possibilities and Southbank Sensations

The Producers-in-Training had a full week of activities at Central since I last posted.

Monday we met with Tim Jones from an organization called Future Cities. Future Cities facilitates the coming together of business, art and communities by producing events tailored to the individuals and organizations involved. These can take the form of art installations, festivals, culture sharing events and really anything the imagination can render. I had never really thought of using producing skills in this way. I am keen to learn more about Future Cities and the work they do. Luckily, Mr. Jones will be back to visit us again in the near future.

We also had a day with West End Theatre producer Julius Green. Mr. Green is a highly regarded industry professional who takes the time to educate aspiring producers like us by offering classes and workshops. He has even written a book on the subject, which I find user friendly and very informative. Mr. Green will also have an encore session later this term.

On Thursday the class met at Southbank Centre for a tour of the Royal Festival Hall and the attached galleries and public spaces. Southbank Centre was established in 1951 for the Festival of Britain, a time when the UK was recovering from World War II and the government wanted to promote the arts and sciences in Britain. The site has been through a several redesigns and updates over the years but still remains a vibrant location that draws internationally renowned artists and enthusiastic amateurs alike to their facilities. The public can attended any number of concerts, exhibits and classes programmed by the Southbank Centre or they can make use of the public spaces, where people often gather for informal meetings or impromptu dances.

Here are a few photos taken inside the Royal Festival Hall at Southbank Centre. This state of the art performance venue is one of the best in the world. Here it is set up for a concert by the London Philharmonic Orchestra but the space can convert to many different configurations depending on the needs of the production. I am looking forward to coming back to Southbank and the Royal Festival Hall as a patron to see this amazing space in action.

We have another week of field trips and guest lectures ahead of us. Tune in next time for more Creative Producer adventures! Until then, take care and go see a show!

Cheers!

-m

The Stage of Royal Festival Hall

The Box Seats at Royal Festival Hall. Note the very special box with the crest above that is reserved for The Royal Family.

The view of the House from the Stage.

As you are coming and going from Southbank Centre, there is no doubt you are in London.