Hampstead Happenings

This past week brought a new opportunity with an old friend. Back in 2009, when I was studying at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, (now known as The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) we brought three new plays to London. Our host venue was the lovely Hampstead Theatre. Hampstead produces an assortment of plays from new works to reboots of contemporary scripts. They are a well known producing theatre in London and attract some of the finest talent in the industry to participate in their productions.

Central is directly across a pedestrian square from Hampstead Theatre. When I returned to London this past October, it was a delight to encounter this familiar place and as the term progressed, I found I spent more and more time there. Hampstead Theatre has a coffee bar that is open all day and thus, it is a popular workspace for Central students and staff. Many of my group projects from first term were born over coffee at Hampstead's cafe.

On Tuesday, I got to know Hampstead on a whole new level. Quite unexpectedly, one thing lead to another and I began helping out in their marketing department. Marketing is an area I have been keen to learn more about and here the chance came for me to learn more from a theatre of distinction and one with whom I have a history!

Specifically, I am helping with the marketing of The Festival at Hampstead Theatre. This event will take place March 18 through 20 and will feature an incredible variety of panel discussions and lectures. Attendees can hear talks on script writing, novel writing, theatre design, filmmaking, opera, dance and much more. Playwright Sir David Hare will be there to discuss his life in the theatre. Paul O'Grady will talk about his career in showbiz. Children can participate in a puppetry workshop. MAC cosmetics will host a session on makeup magic. And that barely begins to describe it! For a full list of the offerings visit: http://thefestivalathampsteadtheatre.co.uk

If you are in London, do have a look. You won't be disappointed. It is a fantastic line up. There is something for everyone!

This week I'll be back working with the marketing team at Hampstead. Also on the schedule is a trip to tour a venue called Shoreditch Town Hall with my class and working with the BEAM festival produced by Mercury Musical Developments and Musical Theatre Network. I'll have more on BEAM next week!

In the meantime, check out what special events and festivals are on offer at your local theatres.

Take care!
-m