STORMIN' NORMAN FILM CREW & AUDITIONS // NEW HEAD OF EVENTS // PRODUCER WANTED // MEDICAL REVIEW OF 'WHAT IT FEELS LIKE' // OUTREACH IN EAST LONDON // GENERAL UPDATE!

A month of 2012 gone already! In this update we'll be announcing the Stormin' Norman film crew and auditions, talking about our next theatre production Who is Moloch? looking for a Co-Producer and have a medically-themed article on our last play What It Feels Like. We also have website and Outreach updates and will be welcoming our brand new Head of Events to the company!

STORMIN' NORMAN - FILM CREW AND AUDITIONS!

Auditions for the first Encompass production on film Stormin' Norman are on Saturday 18th with callbacks on Sunday 19th of February. All details including how to apply and character breakdowns are on our website (edit - deadline to apply has now passed and auditionees contacted!).

After a lengthy decision-making process we are excited to reveal the full film crew for this project, a mixture of old Encompassers (if we can call them that) and a lot of new! Please join us in welcoming our new members who will be with us for the duration of this exciting project. The Stormin' Norman team is:

Director - Paul G Raymond

Producer - Jonathan Woodhouse

Executive Producers - Christianna Mason & Sam Holmes

Music by Alex Burnett

Screenplay by Paul G Raymond, Christopher O'Shaughnessy & Thomas Mayo

Cinematography - Alfred Thirolle

Costume Design - Theresa Jouliac

First Assistant Director - David Courtneidge
Second Assistant Director - Jonathan Woodhouse

Production Coordinator - David Courtneidge

Props Mistress - Zara Malik

Sound - Panagiotis Papagiannopoulos

Assistant Camera - Sonja Linnanvuo
Second Unit Camera Operator - Thor Eliasson

Unit Stills Photographer - Harriet Armstrong

Script Supervisor - Matt Hayoukane

Production Runners - Anthony Anthimou, Ashney Chawla, Zainab Fagge, Joshua Ramirez

Transport Coordinator - Joshua Ramirez

CO-PRODUCER WANTED FOR OUR NEW THEATRE PRODUCTION!

Our recently announced next theatre production Who is Moloch? by Pamela Carralero is looking for a Producer to join the team in bringing this exciting project to the stage. They will be joining long-time associated artists Zuri Warren (Director), Rachael Owens (Associate Director) and Encompass' Artistic Director Jonathan Woodhouse (Producer) in a key role working behind the scenes of this post-apocalyptic surrealist drama.

For details on the position and how to apply please click here or email recruitment@encompassproductions.co.uk.

NEW ARTICLE & REVIEW FOR 'WHAT IT FEELS LIKE'

Dr Ellen Welch has offered a unique perspective on What It Feels Like in her recently published review for medical journal InnoVAIT, written for the Royal College of General Practitioners. The 2011 hit Encompass Production focused on the aftermath of an accident that causes Nick to fall into a coma and subsequently the 'in-between' of life and death, where he and his wife Sarah go on a brutal tour of human nature at its best and worst. Dr Ellen Welch describes the play as:

"Stunning...unique and very moving. For medical professionals this play offers an opportunity to reflect on universal human issues." 


To read the rest of the article visit the InnoVait website.

LAST MONTH'S RESIDENCIES...AND A WELCOME TO OUR NEW HEAD OF EVENTS!

The Winter Residency was another fun-filled evening and a great event to end our run of Egham events for a while - but we'll be back there in a few months for one (or two) last goodbyes to the place that gave birth to The Residency events!

The Residency: Live Music at Mascara Bar, London was a terrific night that made us feel very lucky to have such powerful new talent entertain and help us fundraise for our projects. The night featured BBC playlisted Harry David, Residency favourite Vivienne Youel, the immensely talented Blushing Bones, the powerful NE(B)IA and the delightful Lizzie Fisher. Check out music and more from these acts by going to our webpage for them here!

The Residency events will now be taking a break until March as we go heavily into pre-production with our 2012 projects - but feat not! We are pleased to welcome our brand new Head of Events - Sophie Anderson! Sophie will be taking over our events for the next few months and we're very much looking forward to what she'll bring to Encompass - including some exciting new endeavours! Expect our events to be bigger and better come March...

OUTREACH IN EAST LONDON

Encompass has recently begun assisting the Theatre Royal Stratford East in their 'Winging It' project, which gives 13 to 16 year olds a chance to build their confidence in performing and storytelling through improvisation. Luke Manning (Associate Performer), Christianna Mason (Associate Artistic Director) and Jonathan Woodhouse (Artistic Director) are very much enjoying contributing to the artistic development of young people in East London and look forward to seeing the progress of this great project.

WEBSITE UPDATES!

Whilst the slightly Christmassy wintery theme is gone (ironic since it's started to snow this weekend) we do have a few changes to the website:

-A new 'Press' page which includes a plethora of fantastic quotes and features from the press on our productions and events. We were surprised by just how many there were when we compiled them so why not check them out yourself?

-The brand new 'Associated Artists' page allows you to see who is/has been with Encompass on each production both past and present, and in what roles. There are many bios/photos available with more coming soon for our 2012 projects!

We hope you've enjoyed reading this update - it's going to be quite an exciting year for us. Thanks for your support!

Encompass

Web: www.EncompassProductions.co.uk

Facebook/Twitter/YouTube: /EncompassOnline

OUR NEXT THEATRE PRODUCTION ANNOUNCED // THE RESIDENCY - JANUARY EVENTS! // GET INVOLVED IN ENCOMPASS! // SFTH! SHOWS NOW FREE! // 'THE LADY' STILL IN CINEMAS

As we settle into 2012 Encompass has some fantastic announcements and events upcoming. In this latest news snippet we'll be talking about our next theatre production, our upcoming Residency events this month, free SHOOT FROM THE HIP! shows and opportunities for you to get involved with what we do. Read on to know all...

OUR NEXT THEATRE PRODUCTION!

Set during World War III, Who is Moloch? tells the story of three soldiers and a female civilian who barricade themselves, in an underground bunker, with a sleep-inducing drug, a two-way radio and a copy of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. As they await orders following a devastating attack on their base, tensions flare in their struggle for survival, whilst their grip on reality is put to the test as they slide into a surreal, imaginary world.

Following on from the fantastic success of our acclaimed 2011 show 'What It Feels Like', we're very excited to announce this next theatrical endeavour. To find out more information (including cast and crew opportunities!) please visit the 'Who is Moloch?' production page on our website.

JANUARY RESIDENCY LIVE MUSIC EVENTS

We've got not one but TWO live music Residency events this January, starting with The Winter Residency in Surrey on Friday 20th January and finishing off in London with The Residency at the Mascara Bar on Thursday 26th. Both events will feature the latest and greatest in upcoming talent, from BBC playlisted artist  Harry David to the magnificent Blushing Bones - it's all happening at The Residency! For more information on both events and the artists we have lined up visit The Residency page now!

HELP ENCOMPASS PRODUCTIONS!

So you've signed up to our mailing list, follow us on all social media and have come to one of our many events and productions. You might even want to join us via a placement! But what else can you do to help?

Encompass is a non-profit organisation, which means that no-one in the company takes a salary and is a part of it by voluntary appointment. Like many arts organisations we're also currently non-funded which means that we have to fundraise all the money we need to run by ourselves - sometimes even putting our own money in!

Thanks to your support we're quickly approaching our second year anniversary as a company, but we still need your help! We've survived because of our supporters, our hard work and our Encompass patrons - so why not become one? Even the smallest donation (and we really do mean the smallest!) goes a long way and guarantees you cool exclusives like soundtrack CDs, posters and more. We have two productions that need help this year - our first production on film 'Stormin' Norman' and our newly-announced theatre production 'Who is Moloch?' by Pamela Carralero. 

To find out more information and to donate, simply email us. You can also visit the Patrons page on our website.

SHOOT FROM THE HIP! AT TOP SECRET COMEDY CLUB
NOW FREE!

SHOOT FROM THE HIP! have been performing their own brand of off-the-cuff comedy at Top Secret Comedy Club in Covent Garden for a little while now, and can now proudly announce that their shows will be free - so now there's no excuse not to come along! For more information please visit the SHOOT FROM THE HIP! webpage. 

'THE LADY' STILL IN CINEMAS!

'The Lady' chronicles the life of Burmese democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi (Michelle Yeoh) and her husband Dr. Michael Aris (David Thewlis), with Jonathan Woodhouse (Encompass Founder and Artistic Director) starring opposite the pair as their eldest son 'Alexander Aris'. Directed by legendary auteur Luc Besson, the film is released today (December 30th) in the UK More information, images and trailers from the movie can be found at www.useyourfreedom.com.

Founder and Artistic Director of Encompass Jonathan Woodhouse was recently interviewed in two parts by Philippine Generations on acting opposite Michelle Yeoh and David Thewlis in Luc Besson's 'The Lady', Encompass Productions, working at the Theatre Royal Stratford East and advice for those wishing to build a career in the arts. Check out the interviews at the Philippine Generations website by clicking below:

Part 1 - Interview on Encompass, 'The :Lady', Theatre Royal Stratford East & building a career in the arts

Part 2 - Interview on 'The Lady'

Until next time!

Encompass

Web: www.EncompassProductions.co.uk

Facebook/Twitter/YouTube: /EncompassOnline

'THE LADY' RELEASED IN CINEMAS TODAY! // THE RESIDENCY - REVIEWED! // SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT COMING 1ST JANUARY 2012! // CREW NEEDED FOR 'STORMIN' NORMAN'

'The Lady' chronicles the life of Burmese democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi (Michelle Yeoh) and her husband Dr. Michael Aris (David Thewlis), with Jonathan Woodhouse (Encompass Founder and Artistic Director) starring opposite the pair as their eldest son 'Alexander Aris'. Directed by legendary auteur Luc Besson, the film is released today (December 30th) in the UK More information, images and trailers from the movie can be found at www.useyourfreedom.com.

Founder and Artistic Director of Encompass Jonathan Woodhouse was recently interviewed in two parts by Philippine Generations on acting opposite Michelle Yeoh and David Thewlis in Luc Besson's 'The Lady', Encompass Productions, working at the Theatre Royal Stratford East and advice for those wishing to build a career in the arts. Check out the interviews at the Philippine Generations website by clicking below:

Part 1 - Interview on Encompass, 'The :Lady', Theatre Royal Stratford East & building a career in the arts

Part 2 - Interview on 'The Lady'

We've been given our first ever review for an event! The Residency - Live Music at Mascara Bar which took place last month was recently reviewed by HerUni - you can check out the review here!

***SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT COMING ON JANUARY 1ST, 2012 - EXCLUSIVELY AT WWW.ENCOMPASSPRODUCTIONS.CO.UK!***

BECOME PART OF THE TEAM - CAST AND CREW NEEDED!

Written & directed by Paul G Raymond, Stormin’ Norman follows Norman, a homeless man living in the London suburbs. We journey with Norman through the ups and downs of his everyday life until he meets Sarah, a young woman who dares to break the routine.

SHOOTING EXPECTED TO BEGIN FEBRUARY 2012 - POSITIONS FOR EXPERIENCED AND NON-EXPERIENCED FILMMAKERS NOW AVAILABLE


AUDITION DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON

MORE DETAILS AND HOW TO APPLY: www.EncompassProductions.co.uk

***HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ALL AT ENCOMPASS!***

Encompass

Web: www.EncompassProductions.co.uk

Facebook/Twitter/YouTube: /EncompassOnline

SHOOT FROM THE HIP! HIT THE WEST END // THE RESIDENCY CHRISTMAS CRACKER - FOR CHARITY! // OPPORTUNITIES TO JOIN ENCOMPASS // LATEST NEWS

We've some very special announcements for you as 2011 draws to a close...

SHOOT FROM THE HIP! are hitting London with their own brand of off-the-cuff comedy now EVERY WEEK!

Following their fantastic appearances all over London (and even winning an Improvaganza event at the Edinburgh Fringe) everyone's favourite new comedy troupe are coming to the renowned Top Secret Comedy Club every Tuesday!

Never the same show twice, everything SHOOT FROM THE HIP! perform on stage is completely unrehearsed and unpredictable. You give the locations, you give the characters...and remember with no script there are no limits!

So bring anyone and everyone with you for a night of improvised chuckles right in the heart of London's West End at Top Secret!

MAP HERE

NEAREST UNDERGROUND STATION: Covent Garden

BOOK TICKETS HERE

After our two comedy Residencies last month we're making our way to The Brownswood for another fantastic evening of live comedy, this time raising money for the 'Crisis' charity! It'll be our last Residency event of the year and will feature some great live comedians including: 

Sam Holmes - Jim Stoten - Andy Barr - Phil Boothman - Guy Fletcher - SHOOT FROM THE HIP!

All profits will go to 'Crisis at Christmas' which provides vital services for homeless people over the festive season and is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. So come and join us for one last time this year for a cracking night to celebrate all things Christmas...and all things comedy!

MAP HERE

NEAREST UNDERGROUND STATION: Manor House

CRISIS AT CHRISTMAS

OTHER ENCOMPASS NEWS

Encompass gave a successful talk at Goldsmiths, University of London last week on 'forming a company'. The talk was led by Artistic Director Jonathan Woodhouse and Research and Dramaturge Christopher O'Shaughnessy.

"The aim was to give an optimistic but realistic idea of what it takes to form an arts company, and how to keep it going. We charted our journey so far, the ups, the downs and also talked about our process. It was a great turnout and it was fantastic to hear everyone's questions. To be told by people afterwards that they were inspired was very humbling and it means we achieved our goal."

Jonathan Woodhouse, Artistic Director

BECOME PART OF ENCOMPASS PRODUCTIONS!

We will soon be announcing opportunities to join Encompass for our upcoming productions! We are looking for both performers and crew members to join the teams for our short film 'Stormin' Norman' and our yet-to-be-announced next theatre project! If you're interested in finding out more details, send us an email to enquiries@encompassproductions.co.uk!

We hope you're able to join us at our last events of 2011 - expect more updates soon!

Encompass

Web: http://www.encompassproductions.co.uk/

Facebook/Twitter/YouTube: /EncompassOnline

TWO MORE RESIDENCIES THIS MONTH // ENCOMPASS TO GIVE TALK AT GOLDSMITHS UNIVERSITY // NEW SFTH! COMEDY SKETCH ONLINE // STORMIN' NORMAN ANNOUNCED AS NEXT ENCOMPASS PROJECT

We've already had The Residency: Live Comedy Nights at Mascara Bar, London bringing the funny twice this month and now...THE RESIDENCY HITS THE END OF NOVEMBER IN A BIG WAY WITH TWO MORE EVENTS!

THE MONKEYS FOREHEAD - EGHAM, SURREY

After our Halloween Special last month we're returning to the Monkeys Forehead with another brilliant evening of live music, prizes and fantastic drinks deals. It'll be our last Egham Residency of the year and will feature some great live acts including:

Kelly Oliver - Lucy Gooch - Vivienne Youel - Danial Mahathir, Sophie Foulds & Charlotte Lewis - Grace Holliday - Robbie Brown (new act!)

Is there anywhere better to spend your Friday night? We think not - so come along!

THE RESIDENCY

FRIDAY 25TH NOVEMBER

9PM - 1AM (£2 entry)

The Monkeys Forehead

Egham, Surrey

TW20 0BQ

Tel: 01784-432164

Map link here.

THE MASCARA BAR, STOKE NEWINGTON, LONDON

We're proud to announce our first London-based music Residency with a return to the Mascara Bar, London! Get ready for a night of astonishing new musical talent featuring both Residency favourites and acts making their Residency debut including:

Elena Bella - Rosie Vize - Lizzie Fisher - Vivienne Youel - Third Conduct - Isla - Del Gentilini - Tom Sochas

What a night! Bring yourself, your friends, your family, your loved ones, the bloke off the street...this music needs to be heard and we want you all there in support of it!

THE RESIDENCY: LIVE MUSIC AT MASCARA BAR, LONDON

TUESDAY 29th NOVEMBER, 8PM - LATE (£3 entry)

72 Stamford Hill 

(2 mins from Stoke Newington Rail Station)

London

N16 6XS

Tel: 07432 255 357

Map link here.

ENCOMPASS TO GIVE TALK AT GOLDSMITHS UNIVERSITY

Encompass Productions will be giving a talk at Goldsmiths, University of London on November 30th. Jonathan Woodhouse (Founder & Artistic Director of Encompass) will be giving an insight into the process of forming a new company - the trials, the tribulations, the highs and the lows, and will also be answering questions from students.

"I'm very honoured to be a guest at the UK's leading creative university. Encompass is only nineteen months old and despite its success so far we are very much a company still in its infancy - however I believe Goldsmiths has the right idea in asking a new company to talk about their experience so far. It keeps things relevant, allowing us to more closely reflect on our process and the challenges of being a new company existing in the current arts climate. It means we can be realistic and optimistic at the same time. We hope the talk will be both informative and inspiring."

Joining Jonathan from Encompass will be Christopher O'Shaughnessy, Researcher and Dramaturge for the company. A portion of the talk will also be dedicated to a Q&A on 'The Lady', the upcoming motion picture from legendary filmmaker Luc Besson. The film chronicles the life of Burmese democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi (Michelle Yeoh) and her husband Dr. Michael Aris (David Thewlis), with Jonathan starring opposite the pair as their eldest son 'Alexander Aris'. More information, images and trailers from the movie can be found at http://www.useyourfreedom.com/.

NEW VIDEO SKETCH FROM SHOOT FROM THE HIP!

Our resident funny people loved performing at the first two comedy Residency events this month...but they've also been hard at work at writing and filming some new sketches! Check out what life is like with the Pumpkin Queen at the link below - let us know what you think!

We've got more hilarious sketches for you coming soon, as well as an improv show at The Brownswood on Monday 5th December! More details soon!

OUR NEXT ARTISTIC PROJECT!

In case you've missed it, we recently announced our next artistic endeavour. Stormin’ Norman is a short film written and directed by Paul G Raymond, produced and created by Encompass Productions.

Stormin’ Norman follows Norman, a homeless man living in the London suburbs. We journey with Norman through the ups and downs of his everyday life until he meets Sarah, a young woman who dares to break the routine.

The company are incredibly excited about this brave new adventure, which is expected to start shooting in Winter 2012. The piece is currently in research and development and the cast will be announced in December. We'll have vacancies for film crew positions available with more information soon. Interested? Email us!

About the writer/director

Paul G Raymond serves as the media coordinator of Encompass and was most recently seen playing the part of 'Lester' in our hit production 'What It Feels Like'. He is also a performer in our improvised comedy troupe SHOOT FROM THE HIP! - you can find out more information about Paul here.

WEBSITE UPDATES

-A brand new 'videos' page for SHOOT FROM THE HIP! where you'll be able to watch all their brilliant comic sketches!

We hope to see you at one of our many upcoming events and shows!

Encompass

Web: http://www.encompassproductions.co.uk/

Facebook/Twitter/YouTube: /EncompassOnline

OUR NEXT PROJECT!

Encompass Productions is proud to announce our next artistic endeavour and our first production on film...

Stormin’ Norman is a short film written and directed by Paul G Raymond, produced and created by Encompass Productions.

Stormin’ Norman follows Norman, a homeless man living in the London suburbs. We journey with Norman through the ups and downs of his everyday life until he meets Sarah, a young woman who dares to break the routine.

The company are incredibly excited about this brave new adventure, which is expected to start shooting in Winter 2012. The piece is currently in research and development. Cast and crew placements will be announced soon.

About the writer/director
Paul G Raymond serves as the media coordinator of Encompass and was most recently seen playing the part of 'Lester' in our hit production 'What It Feels Like'. He is also a performer in our improvised comedy troupe SHOOT FROM THE HIP! - you can find out more information about Paul here..

THE RESIDENCY COMEDY NIGHTS START THIS WEEK!
The Residency Halloween Special in Egham this past Friday was another hit event - it was great to see so many people get involved, be it listening to the great live music or dressing up in their scary best! We'll be announcing another live music Residency soon, but for before all that we have our new London event starting this week:

On both Thursday 3rd and 10th November MASCARA BAR in Stoke Newington hosts not only our very first London events but our first COMEDY NIGHTS! 

Featuring some side-splitting stand-up from:

Sam James, Andy Barr, Ian Lane, Phil Boothman, Sam Holmes and not to mention our very own SHOOT FROM THE HIP! comedy improvisation group.

We'll also be having the musical stylings of Helena Gullan to soothe you as you get your half-time beverages!

So for some guaranteed giggles and hysterical hoots come on down to The Residency: Comedy Nights at the Mascara Bar, London!

THE RESIDENCY: COMEDY NIGHTS AT MASCARA BAR, LONDON

THURSDAY 3RD & 10TH NOVEMBER, 8PM - LATE (£3 entry)

72 Stamford Hill 

(2 mins from Stoke Newington Rail Station)

London

N16 6XS

Tel: 07432 255 357

Map link here.

WEBSITE UPDATES
-The old news page has finally been replaced with a news widget that allows you to see all of our feeds from this blog, Facebook, Twitter and even YouTube. We hope it'll be a drastic improvement!
-A brand new 'productions' page where you can find out about our past, present and future productions. We'll also be announcing if there are any opportunities to join our projects!

We hope to see you at one of our London events soon, and hope you all keep up-to-date. 'Stormin' Norman' is the first of many announcements to come!

Encompass

Web: www.EncompassProductions.co.uk

Facebook/Twitter/YouTube: /EncompassOnline

IT'S BACK...

...and better than ever! Our popular live music and comedy night 'The Residency' returns to The Monkeys Forehead Lounge Bar with a brand new start time, a brand new format and brand new acts! To celebrate another year of The Residency we've gone with a new look courtesy of creative designer Johanna Tammsalu, who also designed the Encompass Productions logo for us last year. 'The Residency Returns' line up includes the best live music and comedy acts including:

Sam James//Andy Barr//Phil Boothman//The Holloway Players//Kelly Oliver//Charlotte Lewis, Sophie Foulds & Dan Mahathir//Daniel Rowlinson//Vivienne Youel//Helena Gullan//Elena Bella

We've also got great prizes to win as well as special drinks deals on the night. With this amount going on there simply is no other place to be on Friday 30th September. We're part of Freshers' Fortnight, so it's guaranteed to be a good one!

It's good to be back...be there with us!

THE RESIDENCY RETURNS
FRIDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER
9PM - 1AM
The Monkeys Forehead
Egham
Surrey TW20 0BQ
Tel: 01784-432164

WANT TO PERFORM AT A FUTURE RESIDENCY EVENT? EMAIL US!

OTHER ENCOMPASS NEWS

We've been reading many scripts and proposals for potential projects and are approaching the final stages of deciding what we do next. We've even received submissions from outside the company! We've also had some exciting meetings and exchanges with people who are looking to help develop Encompass artistically, and we've several upcoming company meetings discuss our next steps forward. Following the fantastic success of 'What It Feels Like' (★★★★★ EdFringe Review/★★★★ Fringe Guru/★★★★ Hairline) we look forward to announcing our future endeavours soon...

WEBSITE/SOCIAL MEDIA UPDATES

-Brand new 'History' page on our website, where you can see what we've been up to since our formation!

-Some cosmetic changes to our website - including a redesigned 'Residency' page

-New 'Music' tab on our Facebook page to listen to music by our composer Alex Burnett - you can also download two free tracks (including one exclusive to Facebook!) from the 'What It Feels Like' soundtrack (also available on iTunes)

Don't forget we've still got many new photo albums on our Facebook page and the 'What It Feels Like' website for you to look at it - why not check them out?

Until next time!

Encompass

Web: www.EncompassProductions.co.uk

Facebook/Twitter/YouTube: /EncompassOnline