BARE ESSENTIALS - PHOTOS AND REVIEWS FROM OUR EMERGING ARTIST SHOWCASE!

Wow! Our first-ever 'Bare Essentials: The Emerging Artist Showcase' was a resounding success! A big Encompass thank you to all came and supported all of the emerging talent present on The Battersea Barge!

'The Professor and La Fille Danse' performed by Encompass

A solo clown show from Charlie Henry, performance poetry from Toby Wheeler, comedy from Andy Dickinson's 'Warthogs', subtle drama from Absent Theatre Company and Mixed(up) Productions, and powerful physical performances from Political Arts. Plus Encompass ourselves performed three pieces submitted by up-and-coming writers: 'Two Children' by Christopher O'Shaughnessy, 'The Ronderbrines' by Amber Hillier and 'The Professor and La Fille Danse' by Robert M. Wallis. We were delighted to give the spotlight to our fellow emerging artists, especially on a boat! We've put a huge photo album up of the entire night, so why not check it out?

Political Arts Company presents 'The Prisoner'

'Bare-boned theatre...engaging and exciting. Events that nurture and celebrate new talent, instead of feeding it to the sharks.'
 - EAT Culture 

AT Culture Magazine have written a fantastic feature on Bare Essentials, with particular praise going out to Encompass-performed piece 'The Ronderbrines' by Amber Hillier which was 'excellently executed'. Other mentions included Political Arts' 'The Prisoner' described as having 'powerful moments of visceral expression and solidarity' and Charlie Henry's  flamenco-dancing clown as 'flamboyant...bombastic'. To read the rest of the article visit the AT Culture Website, where you'll also find heaps of features on the London arts and culture scene.

Theatre blog What's Peen Seen? also covered the event for their new feature 'Char's Stars'. Charlotte's star of the night was actually Encompass' very own Luke Manning, who performed in our staged reading of Amber Hillier's 'The Ronderbrines', an offbeat comedy about the awkward reunion of a family in a garden shed. What's Peen Seen? comments on the piece: 'I always think it’s funny how as an audience we can become so quickly lulled into believing that the characters before us are real'. You can check out the rest of the article on the What's Peen Seen? blog. We certainly had a lot of fun performing it - and with luck this won't be the last time you hear from The Ronderbrines!

Encompass perform 'The Ronderbrines' by Amber Hillier

This event was in support of our next theatre production 'Who is Moloch' by Pamela Carralero, now slated for Winter 2013 in a top-secret location! We'll slowly be trickling information on the production in the coming months, and don't forget our short film 'Stormin' Norman' by Paul G Raymond is on its way to you too! If you'd like to submit anything for our next 'Bare Essentials' event, visit our website to find out more. We can't wait to do it again!

Encompass

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

Facebook/Twitter/YouTube: /EncompassOnline

BARE ESSENTIALS: THE EMERGING ARTIST SHOWCASE - COMING WED 1ST AUGUST!

In support of our next theatre production 'Who is Moloch?' we've created a brand new event to showcase emerging artists…and it’ll be taking place on a boat on the River Thames! We asked artists and companies to send us their ideas for a short piece to be performed live at Bare Essentials, to show that even the most bare bones performance can be the most gripping – all you need is a room and an audience! We've got an incredibly diverse line-up of talent for this first showcase, and we at Encompass will also be performing a selection of pieces submitted by up-and-coming writers.

PERFORMANCES FROM:

POLITICAL ARTS COMPANY – MIXED(UP) PRODUCTIONS – ANDY DICKINSON’S ‘WARTHOGS’ – CHARLIE HENRY, ARTIST – TOBY WHEELER, POET

ENCOMPASS PERFORM NEW WRITING BY:

ROBERT M. WALLIS – CHRISTOPHER O’SHAUGHNESSY – AMBER HILLIER

So if you're looking for a cracking night or are an artist yourself, come along to The Battersea Barge and witness and support emerging talent! We hope to see you all there!

BARE ESSENTIALS: THE EMERGING ARTIST SHOWCASE

THE BATTERSEA BARGE - WEDNESDAY 1ST AUGUST

7PM DOORS - £5 ENTRY

Nine Elms Lane (Nearest tube/rail: Vauxhall)

London SW8 5BP     Tel: 020 7498 00004

Want to get involved in a future 'Bare Essentials' event? Visit www.EncompassProductions.co.uk/callingallartists 

or email us!



TRANSPORT ACROSS LONDON IS EXPECTED TO BE EXCEPTIONALLY BUSY DUE TO THE OLYMPIC GAMES - PLEASE ALLOW EXTRA TIME MAKING YOUR WAY TO VAUXHALL! For more info visit: http://bit.ly/z8kVoW

MAP LINK HERE

CLICK TO ENLARGE

CALLING ALL ARTISTS...WE WANT YOU!

In support of our next theatre production 'Who is Moloch?' by Pamela Carralero we're creating a brand new exciting event, and we want all of you to get involved!

We're throwing down the gauntlet to our fellow emerging artists and asking them to challenge themselves (but don't worry, we will be too!). So what's the challenge? We're asking artists and companies to send us their ideas for a short piece/extract (no longer than 15 minutes) to be performed live at our event. The work can be from ANY genre of theatrical performance e.g. comedy, drama, physical theatre, performance poetry, interactive...you name it! It can be from a project you are working on OR a completely stand-alone piece. We want this evening to be an exciting, polished showcase of artistic work...and show that even the most bare bones performance can be utterly gripping - all you need is a room and an audience!

Submissions are expected to be technically minimal (i.e. on/off lighting) with basic props and set - there will be a full PA system  for sound/music with two microphones and stands supplied. The performance space is expected to be small - medium sized. 

The event will take place around late July in London. We hope to invite bloggers and select members of the press to review the event as a whole. Encompass will also record each piece and artists will have the option to have their performance published and publicised online. This'll be a great chance to show what you're made of, to meet fellow up-and-coming artists and have a cracking night. We'll even have some post-show live music and DJs to round off the evening!

Groups/companies and solo artists all welcome. If you have a piece but no-one to perform/stage it, send it along anyway! If chosen, Encompass will help you find a team...or may even take it on ourselves!

THINK YOU'RE UP FOR THE CHALLENGE?

Send your ideas and scripts to thinktank@encompassproductions.co.uk with the name of your piece in the subject heading and please state the following:

'SOLO' - a solo submission which will need assistance in finding cast and creative team
'GROUP/COMPANY' - a submission which will be performed by a group/company of artists that you are affiliated with

DEADLINE FOR ENTRY: SUNDAY 1ST JULY

WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU!

Encompass

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

Facebook/Twitter/YouTube: /EncompassOnline

WE'RE RECRUITING! // PRODUCTION UPDATES // ENCOMPASS TURNS TWO!

Hello! We've a great big update for you as Summer has now officially begun in England! We'll be telling you all what opportunities are available to become part of the Encompass team for our new play Who is Moloch? and revealing a new promotional image for Stormin' Norman - plus we'll be telling you when to expect the first trailer! We also have a bumper collection of photos to show you just what we've been up to these past two years!

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. A new play by Pamela Carralero, this next theatre production from Encompass will be directed by Zuri Warren and is expected to hit in the Autumn of 2012.

CREW VACANCIES

If you want to join a hardworking, determined and ambitious company dedicated to bringing powerful new work to the masses now is the time.This is an exciting time for Encompass and you could be a part of it! 

Associate Producer: We are looking for an experienced and passionate candidate to join the Encompass team in the months leading up to the premiere of our next play. The areas the role will cover are: funding and development, sponsorship, company administration, press and marketing, public engagement and social media and live events. TO APPLY - send covering letter and CV to email address below.

Set Designer: will develop all stage design elements of the production, working closely with the creative team and stage crew to bring the scenic design of Who is Moloch? to life. What would a future solider or civilian wear? We’re looking for the right candidate to answer this question and join the team for this ambitious project. TO APPLY - send covering letter and CV to email address below. Design portfolios desired but not essential.

Costume Designer: will develop all costume elements of the production, working closely with the creative team and set designer to bring the exciting world of Who is Moloch? to life. Will be expected to source material and fabrics, and will design, make and fit costumes for the actors. What would a future solider or civilian wear? We’re looking for the right candidate to answer this question and join the team for this ambitious project. TO APPLY - send covering letter and CV to email address below. Design portfolios desired but not essential.

All positions are voluntary - professional references will be provided!

APPLY TO: recruitment@encompassproductions.co.uk

NEW PROMOTIONAL IMAGE FOR STORMIN' NORMAN + OTHER TIDBITS!

Photography by Harriet Armstrong - www.harrietarmstrong.com

We can exclusively reveal to you above our new promotional image from Stormin' Norman, our short dramatic-comedy film due to premier in the Summer. Check out this update from producer Jonathan via the production blog:

 "Stormin' Norman is making great progress. Composer Alex has been fleshing out score ideas with Paul and myself - if it's anything compared to his acclaimed score for What It Feels Like  we're in for a treat. Alex has actually been to visit East Ham (one of the filming locations) this week for inspiration - he's expressed a desire to experiment with this score...so expect the unexpected!

Writer and director Paul is currently working with our editor Simon Massey on a first cut of the film.  I've seen snippets of the raw footage and I think we've got something special, with its own unique charm. Part of the reason we chose the film was that it seemed to be doing something brave - not just in terms of subject matter, but in terms of where the script was heading even at its earliest stages. I think people will be pleasantly surprised."

It was also revealed when to expect the first trailer for the film. To find out more and to see another exclusive image before anyone else, visit the Stormin' Norman Blog!

Encompass recently celebrated it's two year anniversary and as you can see we celebrated with cake - an staple food of the company! We've been very busy since our formation...21 live music and comedy events, 11 weeks of teaching kids, 3 outreach events and one hit theatre production - with our first short film and a new play coming to you this year amongst some exciting new events being planned right now! To celebrate our achievements so far we have a fantastic new album which includes some exclusive never-before-seen photos and will give you a look at what we do and how we do it! Check it out:

ENCOMPASS - OUR STORY SO FAR

If you missed it we've also got a video up of Bank-Monument Complex - a new darkly comic short play by Owen Collins which was performed at our hugely successful Big Pudding Party in April. Check it out here:

Lastly we have a plethora of new photo albums via our Facebook page including:

The Residency Returns - September 2011

The Residency Halloween Special - October 2011

The Residency at the Mascara Bar, London - November 2011

The Residency Christmas Cracker (for Crisis charity) - December 2011

The Residency at the Mascara Bar, London - Jaunary 2012

Big Pudding Party - April 2012

That's all for now...keep your eyes out in the coming weeks for the Stormin' Norman teaser trailer and details of a brand new event that you can get involved in!

Encompass

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

Facebook/Twitter/YouTube: /EncompassOnline

'BANK-MONUMENT COMPLEX' - WATCH A NEW ENCOMPASS PIECE NOW!

To celebrate our two year anniversary (more on that soon!) we've put up a new video of 'Bank-Monument Complex' - a new darkly comic short play by Owen Collins which was performed at our hugely successful Big Pudding Party earlier this month. Watch, share and comment!

A new darkly comic short play about assault, illness and hash browns. A conversation with a stranger forces David Hughes to realise some uneasy truths.


Let us know what you think!

Encompass

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

Facebook/Twitter/YouTube: /EncompassOnline

BIG PUDDING PARTY - TONIGHT! // NEW STORMIN' NORMAN BLOG

That's right, our brand new event is finally here and promises a truly fantastic evening of entertainment of all sorts! We have live music from Abi Bowden and Libby Trappe, plus DJs La Flama Blanca, Timed and Native will be bringing the house down with great music until the early morning hours. PLUS we'll be performing a brand new Encompass piece!

'Bank-Monument Complex' - a new darkly comic short play about assault, illness and hash browns. A conversation with a stranger forces David Hughes to realise some uneasy truths.' The piece will be performed by Alex Burnett, Helena Gullan and Frederick Clayton with direction from Jonathan Woodhouse and Owen Collins, who has also written the piece.

So what's the theme? That thing we all love...desserts! If you're coming along and would like to submit your dessert for our competition then you still have time! Simply email Sophie (Head of Events) at events@encompassproductions.co.uk with what dessert you'll be bringing along and that's it! Of course, you'll have to actually make it to be eligible to win a prize...

We hope to see you there!

ENCOMPASS PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS - BIG PUDDING PARTY - SATURDAY 14TH APRIL

DOORS 8PM - £3 ENTRY

72 Stamford Hill 

(2 mins from Stoke Newington Rail Station)

London

N16 6XS

Tel: 07432 255 357

Map link here.

STORMIN' NORMAN WRAPS FILMING - CATCH UP ON OUR PROGRESS!

Encompass' first production on film recently wrapped and is now in post-production! Stormin' Norman is a short dramatic comedy film written and directed by Paul G Raymond, an associate artist of Encompass who was last seen playing 'Lester' in our hit theatrical production 'What It Feels Like'. 

Stormin’ Norman follows Norman (Christopher O'Shaughnessy), a homeless man living in London. We journey with Norman through the ups and downs of his everyday life until he meets Sarah (Eva Lea), a young woman who dares to break the routine. Written and directed by Paul G Raymond, it is a comedy drama centred on an unlikely friendship between a grieving man and an aspiring musician.

If you missed our live twitter feed from the shoot or haven't read the Stormin' Norman blog yet, then now is the time to catch up! The blog has an archive of all five days of shooting, each one written by a different member of the Stormin' Norman team. These blog entries provide an insight to the short filmaking process and feature exclusive behind-the-scenes images and stills from the film.You'll also be hearing updates all about the different stages of post-production as we ready the film for completion and try to distribute it to just about everywhere we can get it.

Stormin' Norman is looking for an editor and a colourist - if you're interested in being part of the team or know anyone that would be please email: 

filmrecruitment@encompassproductions.co.uk

That's all for now - but check back soon for more news!

Encompass

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

Facebook/Twitter/YouTube: /EncompassOnline

120 SLATES LATER: STORMIN' NORMAN - DAY FIVE (SHOOTING WRAPS!)

Tuesday 27th of March 2012 - the fifth and final day of our film shoot Stormin’ Norman. This was the D-day. The sun was shining upon us all as we found ourselves at the Blue Brick Café in East Dulwich for the last time (sob!). While we were waiting for our director Paul to make his appearance, runner Anthony kick-started the day with some well-needed cups of coffee and tea. Boom operator Pan even had time to fix his “seen-better-days” trainers with some gaffer tape!

Photography by Harriet Armstrong - www.harrietarmstrong.com 

We knew it was going to be a long and challenging day, yet filming commenced in good spirits. Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, we all got to work to get the final scenes done. From time to time, curious pedestrians stumbled on our set to see the cast and crew immersed in the wonderful world of filmmaking. Demanding as our schedule was, we fuelled ourselves in between takes with the now famous banana fritters (which received a standing ovation – thanks Jon’s mom!) and delicious vegetable curry courtesy the Blue Brick Café. Time flies when you’re having fun, and today was not going to be any different. Before we knew it, the sun was disappearing behind the buildings and it started to dawn on us how much work there was still left to do. Like true soldiers of art, we pushed on to see the job done –and without a whisper of complaint from anyone.  As the darkness crept in, we finally managed to get all the shots in the café done.

Photography by Harriet Armstrong - www.harrietarmstrong.com

As we were already running behind schedule, we quickly made our way to our second and final location in Streatham. While our transport coordinator Josh gave his sleep-deprived eyes a well-deserved break in the car, the rest of the crew ignored all the signs of tiredness and kept going. The estimated wrap-up time had been 8pm – it was now past 9pm. This was a rare occurrence – the production had been run efficiently so far, and we even managed to cut a day of filming…but if there was any day for us to be behind it had to be the last!  In spite of exhaustion, laughter and jokes were still very much part of the atmosphere on set.  To boost our morale, producer Jon pulled out all the stops to fill our hungry bellies once again with some delicious creations.

As our film shoot drew to a close, I suddenly realised that after today we would all go our separate ways again. For a brief time we had all come together to create something beautiful. We had come from all walks of life, and now we would all move on to seek new adventures. The legacy of our brief encounter is the film Stormin’ Norman. And like any other film shoot, so had this one been a unique experience for us all. We had nearly two weeks of blood, sweat, laughter (no tears, sorry!) and exquisite culinary exploration together. And 120 slates later we finally heard Paul the director say the magic words: “that’s a wrap, guys!”

Sonja Linnanvuo – Assistant Camera
Encompass Productions present "Stormin' Norman"
Written and Directed by Paul G Raymond

Web: www.EncompassProductions.co.uk

Facebook/Twitter/YouTube: /EncompassOnline