Bellingen Wilderness Youth Theatre

Its funny - for all the time I spend on the computer it seems rare to find time to update this blog....a bit like catching up with old friends after an extended absence I suppose! In addition to spending as much time away from reliable internet connections, extensive travel often precludes a stint posting on this blog....

All that aside - there have been numerous events and projects which have come and gone but this is one way to share those experiences in a small way...

Some of the projects I've had the pleasure to be involved with resonate on a much deeper level and the recent stage production "The Endless Song" - created and performed by the Bellingen Wilderness Youth Theatre is no exception. A group of young people are taken into the wilderness for a 10 day trek during which they journal their experiences, engage with their surroundings in silent and guided meditations and return to "civilisation" to workshop this process and eventually present their views and perspectives to a public audience.

The striking and most rewarding aspect of my association with this project is the warmth and openness with which I am embraced coming into the project in the last weeks prior to the performance. This year I had the opportunity to engage with the participants and facilitator at their rehearsal camp in the lead up to designing lighting, set and audio components for the show. It was an awesome weekend of bonding, shared meals, intensive blocking and script revisions, but overall, a joyous celebration of life in a wonderful environment.

We presented 4 performances over 3 days at the Bellingen Memorial Hall to almost full houses and appreciative audiences. There is no doubt the quality of the show and content could not be missed by those attending. There are a few photos that follow, including the poster and some shots taken during a warm prior to one of the performances. [Unfortunately I didn't get to shoot during the show because I was busy operating lights and audio] There is a short video timelapse which shows the set up and pull down for any tech heads out there!

From BWYT_08_Mt Hyland

Click on this image to go to the rehearsal weekend

album

From Bellingen Wilderness Youth Theatre

Click on this image to see more "show" shots




Timelapse of the bump-in and bump-out with some show looks in between...
[Taken over about 5 hours over 3 days - one shot per minute]

The past 6 months....

You may have noticed the lack of posts in the past 6 months - well - it all began with a motherboard malfunction on the laptop just prior to Christmas....I guess thats one of the inevitabilities of working with technology! However, it didn't mean that work slowed down in the slightest, with a busy Christmas and New Year and a full program right up until now [and beyond]....here's the abridged version of my life since...authored on a new computer and with much transference and filing!

CURRENT PROJECTS - JUNE/JULY/AUGUST

DIGITAL CAMERA WORKSHOP SERIES
I'm always being asked for advice on how to take better photos and have been presenting 1 Day Intensives for some time now. I love being able to share my understanding of this new medium [based on my film background] and aim to make the subject matter easily digestible and dispel a lot of the fear surrounding the knobs and buttons!

Earlier this month I sent an email out for expressions of interest from people who would be keen to do another course. The response was overwhelming and as a result I've put together a series of workshops entitled "Getting the most out of your digital camera" - six 1 Day Workshops at locations from Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour. Here's the first flyer - there's a couple of dates still to confirm and if you're interested in hosting a workshop in your town - feel free to contact me.


As well as the "one-dayers" - I conduct Digital Storytelling Projects for communities and other organisations. These 3 day projects look at developing either individual or community group visual stories culminating in a screening at a local venue or for posting on youtube. Sometimes the subject matter is issue based, other times quite lighthearted but always rewarding. Its an intimate look into our selves or the world around us and I always enjoy this extended process. If you know of a youth or other community organisation that would be interested in a project like this - please feel free to contact me.

MENTORING YOUTH IN BOWRAVILLE
There's a group of young folk in this small rural town who are motivated to put on youth related events in their home town. We first met late last year and they successfully produced an event on Australia Day this year. Now, with a little help from myself and some other locally based performers with vast event experience, we're working towards a mini-festival in October this year. Stay tuned.....


Kim from "natty sparks" performing at "Atomix" on Australia Day



SHORT SHARP FILM FESTIVAL 2008
Back again for the 2nd annual event - this year promises to be bigger and better, with a new naming rights sponsor - Janison - more than $5,000 in prizes and the organisation is now an Incorporated body - ready to seek further funding. A great committee considering we're all volunteers! Entries close this Friday June 13, so unless you have your film ready you may have to wait until next year - or join us for the Premiere Screenings and Awards night on Saturday July 26. Full details on the website here: Short Sharp Film Festival

and what happened between December 07 and now..

"LITTLE THINGS" FILM SHOOT - May 5 to May 11
Writer Director Simon Portus, cast and crew shot his AFC funded short film which has now been re-titled "Tomorrow". The filming took place in Dorrigo, Raleigh, Coffs Harbour and Woolgoolga included shooting a number of night scenes. It was an ambitious production schedule but well paced and enjoyable with a pro-crew who were a delight to work with. My role as production co-ordinator and stills photographer had me crawling over the set in between generator deliveries and assisting the gaffa and grip crews. Congratulations Simon and the team for a great week of creative output! Click on the photos below to see the photo album.
More about Simon Portus


Mounting the camera on the tracking vehicle on one of the night shoots.

The set up at Dorrigo Rail Museum

CAMDEN HAVEN MUSIC FESTIVAL - April 24 to May 4
Having worked as production manager at the 2007 festival this year saw me engaged as their official photographer and archivist. While there was no festival tent at Laurieton this year, the programme was just as varied throughout all the venues, and the schedule still pretty busy. Its a great festival and a beautiful area to visit. Visit the Festival website here.

Michaelangelo and the Black Sea Gentlemen

BAZ SURF CLASSIC 2008 - Saturday April 12
The community where I live has their very own homegrown Surf "comp" which celebrates a past members love of the surf....its an irreverent day of fun, with novelty and kids events and finishes off with presentations, a BBQ and band at the main house. Click the photo to go to the album.






RABBITS EAT LETTUCE - Saturday March 22
Yet another bush doof in our local area - don't ask me who comes up with the names for these events! Anyhow, it was a fun night and morning and always a good opportunity to catch up with friends, camp out in the bush and check out the "wildlife"....click the photo below to go to the album...


The moon setting just before sunrise...


The token rabbit...

EARTHFREQ - February 15 to 17
Earth freq is a weekend-long music, lifestyle and environment festival.
The concept of Earthfreq is not just a party, but a gathering of the tribes and a weekend of intention. The focus is on creating a meaningful space to gather, where we can raise awareness and share useful information on environmental issues and sustainable lifestyle choices, consolidate community bonds with creative and fun activities, and provide a positive transformative party experience in the beautiful australian outdoors.
Click here to visit the Earthfreq website or click on the photo to go to the album.


Art from nature at Earthfreq...


DJ T-Learyus plays the main stage

Morning Monsters CD Launch

SATURDAY OCTOBER 27
Some local lads released their first compilation CD and celebrated in style with a big and enthusiastic crowd. I didn't arrive till after midnight and had to be back at work by 10am so my experience was brief but full! Here's the evidence...lol

AQUASCULPTURE

SUNDAY OCTOBER 21
The annual aquasculpture exhibition is held on Town Green in Port Macquarie, right on the river. An awesome location and perfect for the theme, not unlike Sydneys Sculpture by the Sea, but with a local flavour. The standard of works was high nonetheless and a soundscape performance opened the celebrations.

A few of the pieces that graced the lawns....


all natural materials - a tribute to a local aboriginal elder