Say Chic: Drama

Life has been a bit of a whirlwind for me this last month and I am ashamed to admit that I am not watching a lot of new things on Netflix. My list, however, its looking pretty extensive. Today, I thought I'd share some of the cool programmes and films sitting on my watchlist, just begging to be enjoyed. Hopefully it'll give me the motivation to actually go and watch them, and maybe you'll find something new too!

"Girlboss"

"Sophia, a misfit, discovers a passion for fashion, becoming an unlikely businesswoman in the process. As her business grows, however, she as to learn to cope with her life as her own boss. This show is loosely based on the true story of Nasty Gal Founder, Sophia Amoruso" - IMDB

Quirky? Sassy? Fashion? Online business woman? I am so in. I've watched a few episodes so far and while I'm not hooked, I am enjoying it. Sophia may come across a little obnoxious and dramatic but she's also witty and creative which I find really inspiring, and lets face it, those more 'negative' traits are probably only seen that way, because we are not used to seeing such powerful and uncompromising business women on TV, but that's another debate for another time. Either way, I need to make an effort to find more time to fit this show into my life, after all Sophia's business is a success, so there must be some lessons for me to learn in her story.

"The Discovery"

"Science, suicide and the meaning of life weave together in this mind-bending mystery; it all comes down to love." - Netflix

Mystery, science, death, love, Jason Segel? Yep, I'm in. Even the trailer just looks so well put together. Give it a watch as I'm not sure what else to say besides the fact that I need to find a quiet evening to tuck myself away and disappear into this.

"13 Reasons Why"

"Follows teenager Clay Jensen, in his quest to uncover the story behind his classmate and crush, Hannah, and her decision to end her life." - IMDB

Let's be real, you've probably already heard of this, nay, watched it already. But I still haven't. I did watch the first episode a few weeks ago, again, wasn't hooked, but these things take time. I've heard so many great things about this series too that I feel like I am missing the zeitgeist if I don't get involved in a show that covers such a current topic.

"Iron Fist"

"Danny Rand resurfaces 15 years after being presumed dead. Now, with the full power of the Iron Fist, he seeks to reclaim his past and fulfil his destiny." - Netflix

This went straight on my list after enjoying Netflix's original "Marvel's Jessica Jones" series and absolutely LOVING it but I've still not actually bothered to press play yet. I did the same with Jessica Jones, it sat on my list for months before actually watching but then I was completely hooked once I started. I get the feeling I will be the same with this series, there's something about the Marvel universe that I really quite like, with all these extra-ordinary people colliding in each other's stories. Also the whole idea of having 'super powers' is a really cool idea to explore and thrilling to watch... Okay, fully convinced myself to watch this now, kthxbye.

Have you seen any of these? If you have please let me know your thoughts, I'd love to hear them!

Drama - June 04, 2017

Current Netflix Watch List

Life has been a bit of a whirlwind for me this last month and I am ashamed to admit that I am not watching a lot of new things on N...

So here's the deal. Every year, a cohort of drama school graduates enter the big wide world of entertainment, CVs full to the brim with amateur dramatics productions, a head full of showbiz dreams and thicker skin than Shrek. They head out, trained with all the knowledge they need to tackle auditions and bag agents, primed with their headshot smile and enough black rehearsal clothing to permanently fill Ozzy Ozbourne's closet.

But, when they finally get their big chance... The spot's been filled by an X Factor reject, or some reality TV star who can just about sing their "do-ray-me"s, but can't act for toffee. The exception to this, of course, is the big-time star, brought in to boost ticket sales and bring the press to what some people may refer to as a "dying art". But the same still applies: It is rare that any of these people possess skills in all three disciplines. I would love to see the director's face in the first read-through with an A-Lister. Likely, hand would hit face before the first scene is done.

Is this the future then? Why bother going to drama school when you can sing 'Defying Gravity' on The Voice and immediately get snapped up by the West End? Are casting directors only looking for star quality and if so, what will happen to the young talent of today?

Theatre is supposed to be a craft, an art form. Just as you wouldn't have Kim K do the next exhibition at the Tate Modern, why put Brendon Urie (Panic! At The Disco) in 'Kinky Boots' heels? Granted, the guy can SING, but Broadway? It is evident that "stars" take priority over drama school graduates and it is simply because casting agents see them as a sure-fire way to get money.

And it's not just on the stage! The same applies on the silver screen. Emma Watson is a prime example of this. As one of the industry's biggest names, she's made Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast' the highest grossing live-action movie musical EVER, making over one billion dollars globally. Had this film not have starred Emma Watson, would it have done so well? We will never know. But I'm skeptical as to how much editing was involved in the autotune department and although the film itself was well made (see my full review of it here), I wonder if it was worth the slightly synthesised sound of the soundtrack.

Of course, most celebrities do have their talents. But, it does seem like the easy way in, especially in the case of reality TV stars, who have made the crossover to the stage/screen. Old Andrew Lloyd Webber shows like 'I'd Do Anything', finding the next West End star through a thorough audition process, provided audiences with a more realistic representation of the competitive industry. People like Samantha Barks and Jodie Prenger, contestants from Lloyd Webber's search for Nancy in 'Oliver', have emerged from that show with actual proof of talent, as well as exposure to the public.

To me, a young performer, director and writer, it makes much more sense to source the highest level of talent; a workable, mouldable actor/actress, to do your script justice. Surely, if you want to make the best production, get the best cast. As a desperate plea to filmmakers and casting directors alike: Give the newly-trained a shot. You never know, someday they could "make it" too. Theatre has been labelled as a "dying art" for years and it is for one reason: commercialisation. Stop the dollar-filled eyes and start creating... Really creating. Now that's true art.

commentary - May 17, 2017

Panic! At The Theatre: Celebrity Shortcut to the Stage

So here's the deal. Every year, a cohort of drama school graduates enter the big wide world of entertainment, CVs full to the brim w...

Drama has been a prominent part of my life since I was around 14 years old, and I can honestly say, it changed me as a person. It helped me realise who I wanted to be and grow in to the fab person I am today. For this reason, I feel its so important for kids to study or at least have the opportunity to get involved in drama at school or in their spare time. Here are 5 great things about studying / practicing drama.

Developing confidence

One of the first things I ever developed through drama was confidence. I've always been an introvert and an observer rather than participant, but drama gave me the kick up the bum I needed and brought me out of my shell. Now I can choose when and how to be bright and forthcoming, for example, at work or at social events, then return to my solitude in my own time.

Making new friends

This is the biggest and perhaps most powerful part of drama, it brings people together that may never have connected under any other circumstance. All of my closest and longest friendships were forged through drama groups / classes. It really is a one-of-a-kind bond created between those you perform shows with and the inside jokes will live on forever - seriously.

It's hella fun!
Waking up on a Saturday morning knowing I was off to drama classes was one of my favourite feelings for the 5 years I was attending - though I often struggled to actually get out of bed, the minute I got there I woke up. My fondest memories are of those days I spent drama playing games with friends whilst developing my performance skills and building the foundations for all my future career aspirations. My favourite part was capturing some of those memories on camera through short films, its so precious and special to keep and even revisit over the years (it also makes for great blackmail material).

It's informative / educational
Drama has taught me so much, not just about the industry and art of performing but about the world and most of all, about myself. I felt I was constantly learning and exploring new ideas; it never felt like a chore, or even a struggle. For me it was always natural and fun, like I was supposed to be there. I cannot imagine who I would have become if I'd never have studied it.

You'll learn self-acceptance
This is the big one. Most drama enthusiasts are pretty quirky, but our ability to understand the human condition means we are usually one big open and accepting community. It doesn't matter who you are, your passion and talent will be nurtured, and you'll realise that all your individual traits make you the performer and person that you are; you'll finally learn to respect that.

So, are you ready and willing to join our cult now? Yes, I thought so.

Drama - May 07, 2017

5 Great Things About Studying Drama

Drama has been a prominent part of my life since I was around 14 years old, and I can honestly say, it changed me as a person. It helped...

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Panic! At The Theatre: Celebrity Shortcut to the Stage

5 Great Things About Studying Drama

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