Strange switch of pace this week - the frenticism of the show over and done with and the relative calm of moving ever onwards towards the Christmas break.
At the youth theatre, we are very conscious that we have to keep moving - that things change. The weeping and wailing of the departing cast is barely quiet and we are, to coin a phrase, 'so over it!' - as good as the show was, and it was very good, it is always a case of next! It's evaluated, it's mulled over and we bask in its glory but we don't - and nor can we afford to - stand still. As my mother always says, it's best to present a moving target - that way, it's always much more difficult to be hit!
Today has been a another day of building up new potential collaborations, associations and partnerships. This is something that we have been making a concerted effort to do over many weeks. The impending cuts will hit us all but we know that we will be stronger if we work together. Today I have had a long meeting with Abdul Salek, from Dhamak, talking about hopes and ambitions. There are many exciting possibilities there and I am sure we have begun a journey to creating something special. Karen has been talking to the youth work team at Marsden Heights in preparation for a TIE project in the new year, funded by the PCT. She got to eat curry in school with Mash and Jenny, whilst I had to make do with a butty from the local shop. Something not right there. I demand a recount.
The elephant in this post is the National Portfolio funding application. It's there. I'm not ignoring it, but it is ever present breathing like a sleeping giant. Yesterday - yes Sunday - saw me thinking about how that might be. We have a strong programme of activity planned and are confident that if we are able to fulfil these plans we will deliver a really good offer for young people across East Lancashire. There is no doubt that National Portfolio funding would make life a whole lot easier for us.
Yesterday also saw me reading The Selfish Giant too, in anticipation of an adapted version for a cast of 20-25 children. Oh boy! I wonder if it's normal to do that kind of thing of a Sunday morning? Then, it's not a normal job and things have to be done. I am looking forward to doing something creative, I must say - a bit of lightness in the weight of paperwork. Karen is preparing for the devised show - What if? An original piece. Both shows culminating in the run up to Easter. And as usual, many other things are happening - there's a constant juggling. I'm not complaining. Rather that than twiddling fingers waiting for something to turn up.
Nothing stands still. It cannot and it does not. We are moving with it.
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