Tuesday, 14 October 2014

BARE ESSENTIALS NEXT WEEK AND NOW IN ASSOCIATION WITH SCRIPTS SPOTLIGHT!


Encompass are proud to announce that we are the new producers of Scripts Spotlight with Everything Theatre! Now you can listen to pieces from Bare Essentials in podcast form. We're delighted to be given this opportunity to promote new work to audiences with people as passionate about new writing as we are. Head on over to their website and have a listen to our first performance - the captivating 'Thin Air' by Tom Coash, as performed by Freya Parsons!

BARE ESSENTIALS IS NEXT WEEK!


It's back! After a "very entertaining" (London Reviews) summer event Encompass Productions presents the autumn BARE ESSENTIALS - an acclaimed night of new work from emerging international writers showcasing theatre at its most elemental. The diverse range of fantastic short plays include everything from moving drama to hilarious comedies, and at our next event are:

'Poison' by Rebecca Robinson 
'Rebekah: Female Soldier' by Nicola O’Connor 
'The Art of Tea' by Daniel Damiano 
'End up Like Julie' by Ilan Wachsman 
'Love in Freefall' by Simon Jackson 
'Sniper' by John Foster

Even the most bare bones performance can be gripping - all you need is a room and an audience! Need another reason to be excited? How about the announcement of our NEXT PRODUCTION which will be revealed exclusively at Bare Essentials. It's coming sooner than you think!

PERFORMANCES
WEDS 22ND - THURS 23RD - FRI 24TH OCTOBER, 7.30PM
TAKE COURAGE THEATRE (ABOVE THE AMERSHAM ARMS)
388 NEW CROSS ROAD, LONDON SE14 6TY
NEAREST RAIL/TUBE: NEW CROSS & NEW CROSS GATE

£7 ENTRY ON DOOR - £5 GOLDSMITHS STUDENTS WITH VALID NUS CARD

#BareEssentialsLDN @EncompassOnline www.encompassproductions.co.uk/BareEssentials

Are you a writer with a piece of work you want to see realised at Bare Essentials? Then Encompass Productions want you!

SELECTED PRESS QUOTES FOR BARE ESSENTIALS AND ENCOMPASS:
"Minimal staging...maximum polish. A great mix of work, Encompass achieved a very entertaining evening." - London Reviews
"Admirable...a great chance to see a good selection of theatre audiences possibly wouldn’t be exposed to." - Bargain Theatreland

"It’s great to see acting being focused on rather than masked by gimmicks. If you like new writing then this is for you!" - Everything Theatre
"Moving, entertaining...outstanding. A creative explosion that'll delight, entertain and move."
****** EdFringe Review
"Fresh...funny and fast-paced. A true delight to watch." **** Official Theatre
"The brilliant Encompass continue to push themselves with exciting, fresh material. Great things to come."  **** Female Arts

Thursday, 25 September 2014

OCT 22ND/23RD/24TH: BARE ESSENTIALS - THEATRE AT ITS MOST ELEMENTAL...


It's back! After a "very entertaining" (London Reviews) summer event Encompass Productions presents the autumn BARE ESSENTIALS - an acclaimed night of new work from emerging international writers showcasing theatre at its most elemental. The diverse range of fantastic short plays include everything from moving drama to hilarious comedies, and at our next event are:

'Poison' by Rebecca Robinson 
'Rebekah: Female Soldier' by Nicola O’Connor 
'The Art of Tea' by Daniel Damiano 
'End up Like Julie' by Ilan Wachsman 
'Love in Freefall' by Simon Jackson 
'Sniper' by John Foster

Even the most bare bones performance can be gripping - all you need is a room and an audience!

PERFORMANCES
WEDS 22ND - THURS 23RD - FRI 24TH OCTOBER, 7.30PM
TAKE COURAGE THEATRE (ABOVE THE AMERSHAM ARMS)
388 NEW CROSS ROAD, LONDON SE14 6TY
NEAREST RAIL/TUBE: NEW CROSS & NEW CROSS GATE

£7 ENTRY ON DOOR - £5 GOLDSMITHS STUDENTS WITH VALID NUS CARD

#BareEssentialsLDN @EncompassOnline www.encompassproductions.co.uk/BareEssentials

Are you a writer with a piece of work you want to see realised at Bare Essentials? Then Encompass Productions want you! 

SELECTED PRESS QUOTES FOR BARE ESSENTIALS AND ENCOMPASS:
"Minimal staging...maximum polish. A great mix of work, Encompass achieved a very entertaining evening." - London Reviews
"Admirable...a great chance to see a good selection of theatre audiences possibly wouldn’t be exposed to." - Bargain Theatreland

"It’s great to see acting being focused on rather than masked by gimmicks. If you like new writing then this is for you!" - Everything Theatre
"Moving, entertaining...outstanding. A creative explosion that'll delight, entertain and move."
****** EdFringe Review
"Fresh...funny and fast-paced. A true delight to watch." **** Official Theatre
"The brilliant Encompass continue to push themselves with exciting, fresh material. Great things to come."  **** Female Arts

Friday, 19 September 2014

In memoriam: Ann Baxter

In loving memory of Ann Baxter
1950 - 2014

Our dear friend and company stage manager

"Ann Baxter was much more than a stage manager to Encompass Productions. Ever the consummate professional, her dedication to the craft was invaluable to us during my time directing 'Who Is Moloch?' and I was extremely honoured to assist her in stage managing 'Life in a Sketchbook'. She approached every rehearsal and every show with not only expert technical prowess, but also with an amicable and genuine warmth toward her colleagues. She had an undeniable passion for theatre which reverberated throughout the productions she worked on. Her sheer diligence and commitment to the work will serve as an everlasting example to us all. She had a natural ability for stage management yet she made it seem so effortless and undoubtedly inspired. She had become a true friend of ours, for which we will always be grateful. It was my absolute pleasure to know her, and having worked with her so closely I will sorely miss her and will never forget everything she has done for me and with me. It gives me the utmost pride to pay tribute to Ann and I sincerely hope it serves her memory as well as she has served our company."
Zuri Warren, director - Who Is Moloch?


"I'm really at a loss as to what to say about Ann Baxter, as she was still so full of life, and has left us far too early.

I first met Ann when she swept in to deputy stage manage Encompass' second stage play 'Who Is Moloch?' which I associate directed. From the off I liked her! On a professional level she was proactive, a good listener, diplomatic, a real problem solver, and passionate about the project, and Encompass as a whole. She was a godsend on that show, hence why she's worked with us ever since.


On a personal level, Ann was very funny, witty, wise, caring, and one hell of a party animal! She'd often be recounting a drunken tale at one of our many company parties, followed by passing out on the sofa. Legend. 


I will miss Ann, as a colleague,  and as a friend. Thank you Ann x"

Rachael Owens, associate artistic director


Ann receiving thank you gifts for 'Life in a Sketchbook'

"I didn't get the privilege of working with Ann directly, but I could see the impact she had on our company. Always prepared and ready to help, she was a big part of the shows she worked on. I did however know Ann when we were able to let our hair down and she was always an awesome part of our parties too. Always up for some laughs and a drink, Ann made my night on several occasions."
Liam Fleming, creative producer


Ann with the cast of 'Life in a Sketchbook'

"Ann joined Encompass Productions in 2012,  deputy stage managing 'Who Is Moloch?' before stage managing 'Life in a Sketchbook', thereafter continuing to help out Encompass operations. She was an exemplary colleague who brought much hard work, joy and kindness to the Encompass team.

Ann was exactly the kind of person that I wanted to work with when founding the company two years before she joined. Someone who had a great work ethic, a passion for her craft and a dedication to those around her. She served as a constant personal inspiration to me, always knowing how to take action when required, always knowing the right words to say when encouragement was needed. Some of my fondest memories are of us sitting over coffee and talking about our love for what we do and where Encompass could go next. This is a tough industry, but Ann was one of those people that could instantly put anyone at ease, whether it be through her work or through a simple smile.


Our manifesto states that Encompass stands for three things: ambition, inclusion and accomplishment. Ann perfectly and effortlessly embodied all of these and she will be dearly missed. Thank you Ann, for everything."

Jonathan Woodhouse, artistic director

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Sunday, 17 August 2014

PLAYWRIGHTS WANTED!

Encompass Productions are looking for new plays to be considered for their next season. If you are a playwright with a piece of work you want to see realised then this is for you!


Could you write the next Encompass production?
Encompass are a London-based theatre and production company. Since 2010 they have created work that explores heightened reality, drawing from psychological and cinematic influences. Their productions have received much acclaim from critics and audiences both in London and at the Edinburgh Fringe.
THE BRIEF:
  • Cast should have no more than 5 people
  • Technically minimal
  • Should be able to be produced on a small scale/low budget
  • Preference will be given to one-act plays and plays that are close to one hour in length, however all plays will be read and considered.
Stylistically influenced by the cinematic, Encompass investigate mental and emotional states through the creation of original work that seeks to challenge, move and entertain. The company are looking for elemental new plays to add to their growing portfolio of ambitious and innovative theatre productions.

SUBMIT TO: thinktank@encompassproductions.co.uk
"Outstanding" ***** EdFringe 
"A true delight to watch" **** Official Theatre
"Shattering" **** Hairline "Stunning" **** Fringe Guru

"The brilliant Encompass continue to push themselves with exciting, fresh material. There are great things to come" **** Female Arts
www.encompassproductions.co.uk

Monday, 7 July 2014

BARE ESSENTIALS: REVIEWS & PHOTOS / EP TURNS 4!

It's been a busy summer so far at the EP camp with last month's Bare Essentials and work beginning on our next productions - yes that is another 's' you see there! We also celebrated our 4th birthday with the most unnecessary amount of people to blow out a candle ever! Read on...

BARE ESSENTIALS: REVIEW ROUND-UP & PHOTOS
'A Million Things' by Tracy Harris

Our Bare Essentials relaunch was a rousing success, with 6 short theatrical pieces being staged by 4 directors and 15 actors, in 3 venues! Thank you to all who came and packed out each venue - we were so thrilled to see how engaged you were with the work and how deafening your applause was! Here are some snippets of our very positive reviews alongside some photos:

'Drink the Kool-Aid' by Dusty Wilson

"Minimal staging...maximum polish. A great mix of work, Encompass achieved a very entertaining evening." - London Reviews >>

'Going Viral' by Brandon Crose

"Admirable...a great chance to see a good selection of theatre audiences possibly wouldn’t be exposed to." - Bargain Theatreland >>

'Thin-Air' by Tom Coash

"It’s great to see acting being focused on rather than masked by gimmicks. If you like new writing then this is for you!" - Everything Theatre >>

'You Are All I See' by Dan Horrigan
From Twitter:
"Thanks @EncompassOnline - a truly entertaining evening, great writing & engaging performances. When's the next one? #BareEssentialsLDN" - @Akua_OF
"#BareEssentialsLDN was a platform for great theatre to do it's own talking. Bravo!" - @KatiePrested
"#BareEssentialsLDN Throughly Enjoyed! Sometimes Less is More. Loved the Simplicity." - @roryhp

'How To Murder Someone and Make Sure They're Absolutely Definitely Dead' by Matthew Smith
From Twitter:
"Really enjoyed #BareEssentialsLDN @EncompassOnline tonight especially @freyaparsons physical performance!" - @SheriSadd7
"@EncompassOnline Thank you for a great night last night #BareEssentialsLDN." - @Clarissa_Widya
"@EncompassOnline thank you for such a great evening. Everyone needs to go watch #BareEssentialsLDN." - @tessalrobinson

You can see the full album of production photos on our Facebook page. We also had two articles on us written by Female Arts which you can look at here and here. We look forward to announcing the next Bare Essentials soon!

The Bare Essentials cast and crew!
ENCOMPASS PRODUCTIONS TURNS 4!

After the last performance of Bare Essentials we celebrated our 4th birthday, complete with cake and candles! Thank you to all who have supported us so far, we simply could not do it without you. We have some very exciting future projects in store and we look forward to revealing them soon!

Happy birthday to us!
Encompass

www.encompassproductions.co.uk

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Monday, 12 May 2014

JUNE 3RD/4TH/5TH: BARE ESSENTIALS - THEATRE AT ITS MOST ELEMENTAL...


Encompass Productions presents: BARE ESSENTIALS - a night of new work from emerging international writers showcasing theatre at its most elemental. The diverse range of fantastic short plays being performed at our next event include:

'A Million Things' by Tracy Harris 
'Drink The Kool-Aid' by Dusty Wilson 
'Going Viral' by Brandon Crose 
'Thin Air' by Thomas Coash 
'You Are All I See' by Dan Horrigan 
'How to Murder Someone and Make Sure They’re Absolutely, Definitely Dead'
by Matthew Smith

Even the most bare bones performance can be gripping - all you need is a room and an audience!

PERFORMANCES
Tues 3rd June, 6.00pm: Top Secret Comedy Club, Covent Garden >>
Weds 4th June, 7.30pm: The Savoy Tup, The Strand >>
Thurs 5th June, 7.30pm: The Amersham Arms, New Cross >>

£5 entry non-ticketed (Top Secret Comedy Club is a FREE preview with suggested £5 donation)

#BareEssentialsLDN @encompassonline www.encompassproductions.co.uk/BareEssentials

Are you a writer with a piece of work you want to see realised at Bare Essentials? Then Encompass Productions want you! 

SELECTED PRESS QUOTES FOR ENCOMPASS AND BARE ESSENTIALS:
"Moving, entertaining...outstanding. A creative explosion that'll delight, entertain and move." ✮✮✮✮✮ EdFringe Review
"Fresh...funny and fast-paced. A true delight to watch." ✮✮✮✮ Official Theatre 
"The brilliant Encompass continue to push themselves with exciting, fresh material. Great things to come." ✮✮✮✮ Female Arts 
"Engaging and exciting Bare-Boned theatre...nurtures and celebrates new talent, instead of feeding it to the sharks." - Eat Culture 
"Bare Essentials audiences are always open to new and exciting work that has potential as the next best thing." - What's Peen Seen?
"Encompass are ones to watch."- Everything Theatre

Monday, 14 April 2014

THE SOFA - THE MOVIE!


Arnold (Owen Collins) and Jane (Freya Parsons) are so addicted to television they find themselves unable to move. Can Arnold convince Jane there is more to life and break their comfy cycle? A film adaptation of The Sofa from Encompass stage production Life in a Sketchbook, this short was created by Tartan Viking Films in association with Pen & Rose Productions and Encompass Productions.


Directed by Jonathan Woodhouse
Written by Emma Minihan
Additional material by Liam Fleming and Simon Massey

The Sofa was originally performed at Bare Essentials - and we've just recently closed entries for our next event! We've had hundreds of submissions from writers in the UK and around the world - we can't wait to perform their work! Expect an announcement in the coming weeks...

Encompass