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Who we are and what we do |
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 HISTORY
The Common Players were set up in
1989 as a charity and a limited company. The original aim, which remains true
today, was to provide theatre productions and activities for rural communities
of the South West, particularly for people with limited access to see and take
part in professional theatre.
The intention was to tell stories
that involved audiences on different levels so that there was something for
everyone to enjoy. In true Strolling Player style, the company walked from
village
to village, camping overnight before moving on in the morning.
WHAT
DOES THE COMMON PLAYERS DO?
The company
may have expanded over the years, but our philosophy remains the same; to
create exciting, relevant and original theatre. The companies' current portfolio of productions and activities are exciting
and eclectic, and include work with schools, youth groups, national parks and
numerous other local agencies.
The Common
Players produces at least two shows each year, touring to village halls,
community
centres, schools and town halls.
For
families to enjoy together
The summer
and now autumn outdoor tour has always been at the heart of what The Common
Players does. Demand from local promoters for these shows are high and
audiences delight in the "every year something unique" nature of the work. This year we brought the adventures of
plucky Pip the Apple in The Big Squeeze, contrasting with the mystery and
beauty of Exmoor in Tracks and Traces - all enjoyed equally by people aged 2 to
96!
For Young People
We have
intrinsic partnerships with local school and youth groups in the area, and
truly believe that Art and theatre can help young people to learn and express
themselves, whilst having lots of fun!
In 2005 we ran Bloody Ambition - a "Macbeth" primary school project in
partnership with Devon Arts In Schools Initiative. Both our Apples of the South
West and Tracks and Traces projects have involved productions in and around
schools with lots of creative input from the next generation of stars! We will continue this aspect of our work and
plan exciting new ventures involving ‘play' and art in the future.
Environmental
Work
We devise and
deliver environmental performance projects for specific locations. Inspired by a desire to help people make real
connections with the world about them.
These events
range from collaborations with The National Trust with whom we created Keep Off
The Path, to a commission from the National Youth Arts Festival to create an
environmental performance in the North Devon seaside town of Ilfracombe.
Other Work
As well as
the productions we also run courses and workshops, seeking to create the right
workshop for the right group rather than having a one size fits all approach.
We run
workshops with regional amateur groups, developed by request they usually take place
over four or so regular evenings and can explore subjects such as clowning,
improvisation and movement, devising a show, and interpreting texts. We can
also arrange technical workshops to help groups learn how to best use their newly
acquired equipment.
We also run
specific residential workshops (mainly for young people) varying from 1-3 weeks
where we teach skills often leading to a production/ presentation. These
sometimes have a European perspective.
These
activities can be created either through a group of Common Players performing,
or with company members working with youth or community groups who then present
their own response.
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Set on a magical desert island,
Stormy Weather is an enchanting tale of brothers and sisters, storms at
sea and magical fish.
High energy performances, music and a petshop of puppets tell the story of how Taylor, our reluctant hero, aided by his trusty Fergie save the town’s carnival float.
Music, action, eccentric characters and plenty of opportunities for participation encouraged people to enjoy a new way of experiencing Castle Drogo.
This is the story of the meanie who turns nice at the end. Told through video projection, live action and web surfing.