Wow! What a fantastic 7 days it has been for West End Kids.
We kicked off with our review performance on Sunday 19th April at the Mitre Theatre, and what a cracker it was. I am notoriously critical of the WEK reviews and never bring myself to watch them back. That's not to say they are bad (!) I just can't usually bring myself to watch them with anything other than a super-critical eye.
However, having watched the April 09 review back, it was without a shadow of a doubt, the best set of WEK performances we have ever had - a testament to the sheer ability and talent that currently exists within the WEK Company. We were delighted with all of it and there will be plenty of audio and video from the show doing the rounds on the WEK website, YouTube and Facebook over the next few weeks.
Everyone who took part in the production was a credit to me and to the Company and there is little denying that the cast of Jan - April 09 have set a new benchmark for all future West End Kids to aspire to. A very talented group of WEKs and a group that are sure to wow audiences at Dreamflight, West End Live and M.A.D.D over the next few months.
Of course, Holly-Anne Hull has done us all proud by winning the Disney "My Camp Rock" Competition, and to be fair - she ran away with it. I was sat in the audience with Debbie & Steve (Hollys parents) and it was a very tense evening! I had been working with Holly over the past few weeks on trying to focus herself only on "story telling" and "connecting" with the viewers, not to worry about vocal technique and other matters, but just the good honest business of telling a great story. I've been teaching Holly since she was 10 and she certainly gave the best performance I have ever seen her give.
The build up for My Camp Rock started a few months ago with some additional vocal coaching to get her through the boot camp phase. I then decided to put a heap of pressure on her by giving Holly a particularly nerve jangling song (Listen) at the April review. Some may thing this was a strange decision, considering she would already be under considerable pressure at Disney. However - the logic was that, if she experiences more intense performance pressure in the relative comfort of the WEK environment, then this would make the My Camp Rock performance a little easier. According to Debbie, she was infact more nervous for the WEK review and certainly showed little sign of nerves during the live final so I feel a little vindicated for piling so much pressure on her in the run up to the Disney performance.
The great 7 days for WEK continued towards the tail end of the week as audition registrations keep flooding in for places in the main WEK Company, WEK: Training and the new WEK: UK project. Auditions take place this Sunday and we are certainly hoping for a good turnout.
So all in all it has been a fantastic week for West End Kids with 3 pieces really uplifting news or events. Audio and Video from the April 09 Review will be available online shortly as soon as Mike (our Video Wizard) has finished grinding through it.
However - for all of those great things, I don't think any of them can compete with my ultimate moment of the week. This being sat in the television studio on Friday evening for a camera man to gently approach Steve Hull, turn to him and with much sincerity ask "excuse me, the camera will be on you this evening. What is your best side?". Classic!
Saturday, 25 April 2009
Friday, 17 April 2009
Review Weekend
It's come around very quickly this time around, but it is once again Review weekend! The WEK's, supported by WEK: Training take to the stage at the Mitre Theatre to present material from what has been a very gruelling term - necessary to prepare for the demands of May - July 2009.
At the Mitre Theatre on Sunday, the WEK's will perform a variety of musical numbers including: Welcome To The 60's, Bigger Isn't Better, Angels, I Will Follow Him, Anything You Can Do, Defying Gravity, Disco Medley, Hello Dolly, Listen, Both Reached For The Gun, All For One, Cabaret, King Of New York, In Whatever Time We Have, Two People In Love, Sing Sing Sing, With One Look, Children Will Listen, Forbidden Broadway Medley (Hilarious!) & We'll Take A Glass Together. WEK: Training will perform Lambeth Walk and Time Of Your Life / Fun.
We have rehearsed really hard for this review and I'm really confident that everyone attending will really enjoy the WEK's efforts. We'll report back after the event and - as per usual, videos, audio and images will available shortly after the performance for those who were unable to make it.
Our attentions quickly turn to the following term, as WEK prepare to perform at West End Live 2009, Dreamflight, the M.A.D.D Festival a Review Performance and also a commercial cast recording for the Dreamflight Charity. All in the space of 2 months!
We have been preparing the WEKs hard for this gruelling standard and they are fitter, sharper and more capable of handling the workload than they ever have been before. We have just released the musical material for May - July which includes: Ragtime Medley, Miss Saigon Medley, Ever AFter, I Wish I May, The Boyfriend, Luck Be A Lady, Cross The Line, Thoroughly Modern Millie, One Day More, Rhythm of Life, The Best of Times, Dancing Fool, They Can't Take That Away from Me, 42nd Street, 60's Medley, Seussical Medley, Jekyll & Hyde Medley and a Broadway Medley.
That is one hell of a challenge for 8 weeks rehearsal - but one I know all the existing WEKs are looking forward to, and also one that we must be sure that any new WEKs auditioning on April 26th are able to handle.
There are still audition spaces available for youngsters aged 10-18yrs who want to audition, either for the main WEK Company or for WEK: Training. There are also spaces remaining on the WEK: UK and WEK: Training summer courses. To register for an audition call Emma in the office on 0208 123 2025, email auditions@westendkids.co.uk or register online.
Wish us luck for our review - and our very own Holly-Anne with her Disney adventure in the My Camp Rock competition (Disney Channel 5.35pm on Fridays)
We will report back soon!!
Friday, 3 April 2009
Busy April
Lots going on as we head into a busy April at West End Kids.
The main WEK Company start their intense rehearsals (10.30 - 6.30 Sat and Sun) this weekend in preparation for their Review performance. This is where we put together the nuts and bolts of the performance and they are very tiring but rewarding weekends. The WEKs had better get used to it because, with such a busy performance schedule from April - July, rehearsals will be 10.30 - 6.30 for the whole of next term.
The Review is coming along very nicely. As usual - we wish we had a little more time to spend with soloists, but I'm sure all of the WEK's will have it nailed by April 19th.
Holly Hull is flying the flag for West End Kids on My Camp Rock competition (Disney Channel) which starts today (Friday) at 5.35. Be sure to tune in and show your support for our WEK Contingent! Holly has been a West End Kid for a number of years and has been having 1-2-1 vocal coaching with Martin via Skype for about 9-10 months now.
Auditions continue to come in thick and fast especially from outside of London with great interest in the WEK: UK Residential week - which is really pleasing. WEK: Training are also preparing for their appearance at the review and alot of them are really pushing hard for places in the main group. We hope to move a further 5 or 6 up at the end of the term. A testament to their hard work and the success of the WEK: Training programme.
That's all folks!
The main WEK Company start their intense rehearsals (10.30 - 6.30 Sat and Sun) this weekend in preparation for their Review performance. This is where we put together the nuts and bolts of the performance and they are very tiring but rewarding weekends. The WEKs had better get used to it because, with such a busy performance schedule from April - July, rehearsals will be 10.30 - 6.30 for the whole of next term.
The Review is coming along very nicely. As usual - we wish we had a little more time to spend with soloists, but I'm sure all of the WEK's will have it nailed by April 19th.
Holly Hull is flying the flag for West End Kids on My Camp Rock competition (Disney Channel) which starts today (Friday) at 5.35. Be sure to tune in and show your support for our WEK Contingent! Holly has been a West End Kid for a number of years and has been having 1-2-1 vocal coaching with Martin via Skype for about 9-10 months now.
Auditions continue to come in thick and fast especially from outside of London with great interest in the WEK: UK Residential week - which is really pleasing. WEK: Training are also preparing for their appearance at the review and alot of them are really pushing hard for places in the main group. We hope to move a further 5 or 6 up at the end of the term. A testament to their hard work and the success of the WEK: Training programme.
That's all folks!
Saturday, 21 March 2009
Auditions underway
Auditions for WEK: UK and registrations for the WEK: Training Workshop (both taking place in August) are now well underway, and I have been delighted with the response - especially from those young performers who are keen to become West End Kids from outside of London.
We promised that we would keep details on file for when the day came that we were able to reach out to those looking for real challenges who were outside of the M25 bubble - and as someone born and bred in North Wales - I have a particular empathy with those outside of London who are looking for challenging, rewarding and high quality coaching and performance experiences.
We are also in full flow with WEK: Management - which is the free casting service for WEKs, and now it’s open to any former members who wish to go on the books. If you are a former WEK and want a little free help with castings and audition notices, then I always try my best to look after former WEKs. Send me an email or contact the WEK office and we'll get you signed up.
My attentions turn towards the April review performance now and music and theatre arrangements take priority. We have some great numbers lined up for the review this time around including plenty of hilarity as we do a number of comic songs. I'm sure it's going to be a fantastic review for all WEKs and we're really looking forward to it.
Audition registrations for all projects are now open with audition slots now being scheduled for the main session in April. There will be quite a few spaces available in the main WEK next term, just in time for our really exciting round of performances at Dreamflight, MADD and West End Live, not to mention our review and possibly an album recording. Busy times!
Friday, 6 March 2009
New project coming up
We have been busy in the WEK office putting together plans for a very exciting new project set to be announced formally soon. I can tell all of our loyal blog readers first that, this will be "WEK: UK" a residential course for West End Kids and other aspiring WEK's from all over the UK to be held for a 6 day period in August.
The facilities that we have secured are stunning and we are just putting the finishing touches on the package which will be published in more detail later next week. Entry into WEK: UK will be by audition and will be available to all those in the main WEK Company. We will be holding auditions throughout the UK and look forward to spreading our wings to be able to finally provide opportunities to those outside of the M25!
We also had a nice success for one of our WEK: Training members this week, Francesca Gard who was promoted to the main WEK Company after one of the main WEKs quit as they were finding the going a bit tough. West End Kids IS tough, but we make no apologies for that and know that those who put the work, effort and dedication that are required in will always reap the rewards in the end.
Preparations for our April review are still ongoing with an eye on fitness and stamina going into next term. "We'll Take A Glass Together" from the musical "Grand Hotel" is particularly hard work and I know all WEK's have been working hard on that this week as it is an extremely challenging number to sing and dance too. We hope that you will enjoy that in April!
Speak soon,
Martin.
The facilities that we have secured are stunning and we are just putting the finishing touches on the package which will be published in more detail later next week. Entry into WEK: UK will be by audition and will be available to all those in the main WEK Company. We will be holding auditions throughout the UK and look forward to spreading our wings to be able to finally provide opportunities to those outside of the M25!
We also had a nice success for one of our WEK: Training members this week, Francesca Gard who was promoted to the main WEK Company after one of the main WEKs quit as they were finding the going a bit tough. West End Kids IS tough, but we make no apologies for that and know that those who put the work, effort and dedication that are required in will always reap the rewards in the end.
Preparations for our April review are still ongoing with an eye on fitness and stamina going into next term. "We'll Take A Glass Together" from the musical "Grand Hotel" is particularly hard work and I know all WEK's have been working hard on that this week as it is an extremely challenging number to sing and dance too. We hope that you will enjoy that in April!
Speak soon,
Martin.
Friday, 27 February 2009
First of many!
Ok, so firstly I must do the apologies for not updating the blog for the last 4 months. Disgraceful! In my defence, we have been frantically busy with the expansion and development of WEK, WEK: Training, Workshops, Events and not to mention the new WEK: Online section - more on that in a minute.
The main WEK's are gearing up towards our April 09 Review which is shaping up very nicely. This features some really challenging stuff. Material includes All 4 One, Newsies, Forbidden Broadway, Grand Hotel, Welcome To The 60's and other high energy pieces. There is method in our torture however!
May - July is set to be the busiest period in terms of performances that we have ever had. Performances are scheduled for West End Live 09, Dreamflight, MADD Festival in addition to our own review. This is going to require some serious fitness and stamina not to mention solid vocal technique - and that's before you even get to the most important elements of performance, i.e. - story telling and connection with your audience! So we have really focussed on material that requires lots of energy. Big, long production numbers with plenty of demanding choreography, vocal range and physical fitness. I think all the WEK's are having fun with it, although I think they will all testify that it is currently very hard work!
The WEK: Training groups are growing and expanding nicely, we hope to move a number of them up to the main WEK for next term. The 2 WEK: Training groups (seniors and juniors) tend to focus more on attributes and skills, these being fitness, strength, vocal technique, and of course - the all important telling of a story. Once we feel that they can maintain these qualities at a level high enough for main WEK, then we move them on up. WEK: Training rehearses on Saturday's and they are working really hard.
WEK: Online has been a major project for us, with the creation of a whole new online community for young performers and their parents. We very much hope to grow this to cater for all the young performers within the UK. I've personally put a great deal of time and effort into this, with it taking around 3 months to complete on and off.
The WEK: Online section features articles, podcasts (from yours truly, oo-er!!), videologs, ear training, games and even a section where you can upload clips of your singing or performing for us to evaluate and provide feedback on. As far as I know, this is a first, nobody else is doing that. There is also a forum, which I hope lots of people will participate in and plenty of other bits and bobs.
You can register for WEK: Online free and be in within a minute. Just go to the main website and follow the links for WEK: Online.
On a personal note - I have now moved back down to the London area (again) from my hometown in North Wales. I think the weekly 300 mile commute got the better of me after 4 years. This is however allowing me to fit in more Skype lessons for the WEK's and also work on a number of new and exciting WEK projects that we hope to announce very soon.
Friday's is now a dedicated "website" day, so we will be updating the WEK: Online, News and Blog sections each Friday from here on in, so please come back regularly to read the latest news and to hear more of my innate ramblings!
Speak soon,
Martin.
The main WEK's are gearing up towards our April 09 Review which is shaping up very nicely. This features some really challenging stuff. Material includes All 4 One, Newsies, Forbidden Broadway, Grand Hotel, Welcome To The 60's and other high energy pieces. There is method in our torture however!
May - July is set to be the busiest period in terms of performances that we have ever had. Performances are scheduled for West End Live 09, Dreamflight, MADD Festival in addition to our own review. This is going to require some serious fitness and stamina not to mention solid vocal technique - and that's before you even get to the most important elements of performance, i.e. - story telling and connection with your audience! So we have really focussed on material that requires lots of energy. Big, long production numbers with plenty of demanding choreography, vocal range and physical fitness. I think all the WEK's are having fun with it, although I think they will all testify that it is currently very hard work!
The WEK: Training groups are growing and expanding nicely, we hope to move a number of them up to the main WEK for next term. The 2 WEK: Training groups (seniors and juniors) tend to focus more on attributes and skills, these being fitness, strength, vocal technique, and of course - the all important telling of a story. Once we feel that they can maintain these qualities at a level high enough for main WEK, then we move them on up. WEK: Training rehearses on Saturday's and they are working really hard.
WEK: Online has been a major project for us, with the creation of a whole new online community for young performers and their parents. We very much hope to grow this to cater for all the young performers within the UK. I've personally put a great deal of time and effort into this, with it taking around 3 months to complete on and off.
The WEK: Online section features articles, podcasts (from yours truly, oo-er!!), videologs, ear training, games and even a section where you can upload clips of your singing or performing for us to evaluate and provide feedback on. As far as I know, this is a first, nobody else is doing that. There is also a forum, which I hope lots of people will participate in and plenty of other bits and bobs.
You can register for WEK: Online free and be in within a minute. Just go to the main website and follow the links for WEK: Online.
On a personal note - I have now moved back down to the London area (again) from my hometown in North Wales. I think the weekly 300 mile commute got the better of me after 4 years. This is however allowing me to fit in more Skype lessons for the WEK's and also work on a number of new and exciting WEK projects that we hope to announce very soon.
Friday's is now a dedicated "website" day, so we will be updating the WEK: Online, News and Blog sections each Friday from here on in, so please come back regularly to read the latest news and to hear more of my innate ramblings!
Speak soon,
Martin.
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