In 2020 we launched a new programme to support up-and-coming directors. As a part of this programme these directors-in-training have worked under the guidance and tutelage of Artz Centre Director Mark Ashton to learn how a production goes from an idea to a finished show. From lessons in leadership and facilitation to casting and composition, they’ve been able to see deep into the nitty-gritty of how we make performance possible.Ben has been one of the creatives taking part in this exciting new programme, as the Assistant Director of Matilda The Musical.
Ben is an performer, technician and peer mentor who knows very well what it is like to be an Artz Student. He began his time at the Artz Centre in 2015 in our Junior academy production of Peter Pan, going on to deliver crowd-favourite performances such as his portrayal of Chef Louis (The Little Mermaid), Zazu (The Lion King) and Lumiere (Beauty And The Beast). Ben is currently our most experienced student with this weekend marking his 69th Artz Centre production. Matilda will be Ben’s directorial debut and we are proud of the aspiring director, supportive peer and young man that he has grown into. About the process of working on this show, Ben says:
“After many years of performing onstage and helping out with the infant and junior shows I was finally provided with an opportunity that would teach me a lot about the person I am in comparison to the person I aspire to be. I feel that this whole experience has been a huge learning curve for me in regard to understanding the new role I would be taking on. I feel that through most of the process I had misinterpreted the role as one that would require me to spend day and night working on scene after scene but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Being a director in youth theatre isn’t about blocking scene after scene but about providing opportunities and placing your trust in a cast full of talented individuals who will teach you just as much as you teach them.
Another thing I would like to touch upon are the challenges I faced; one of the biggest obstacles for me was understanding the new mindset that I must equip myself with in order to fully make the transition. As a peer mentor I always aim to give my best to every session whether that’s 4-5 or 5:15-7:15 id give it my all. As a co-director, I had learnt that my sessions might have been 5:15 until 7:15 but my job wouldn’t really finish till about 8:15 which is because through the sessions I would practice the art of facilitating, finding my own voice, or I’d be watching one of the best at work. This meant at the end of each session I would receive feedback or I’d ask relevant questions in order to help me improve.
Having been able to work alongside Mark Ashton who is 20 years into teaching had taught me more than I realised, this helped me understand the importance of reflection on myself as well as through the show. Another thing I had learned was the art on how to direct a song/scene which at first sounds pretty self explanatory but is so much more technical than it appears to be.
I would also like to give a special thank you to Jamie Mooney and Joe Howard as they would constantly give me feedback and advice every time I had taken more of a lead in a session which ultimately made me a better facilitator than before. I couldn’t have got to where I am without them.”