The Riverfront

Having an exciting time at The Riverfront...

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:40:00 +0000

Now that I've been here a few months and sampled a variety of things at The Riverfront I thought it was about time to write another blog and to update you on what I have been up to here.

One of the things I am trying to do at the moment is to promote the Big Splash fan page on Facebook. For those of you who don't know already, Big Splash is a weekend long arts and entertainment festival that takes place every year in Newport . This year it is happening on the 13/14/15 July. The Big Splash page will be used to keep people up to date on what is happening and will be a place to announce the acts and other exciting news. I've put some photos on the page from last year so why not take a look and 'Like' the page whilst you're there. Here's a link to the page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Splash/293120567411371#!/pages/Big-Splash/293120567411371?sk=wall

I had a little go at writing a direct mail recently for the cinema - it's great to see so many award winning movies coming to The Riverfront. This week we have The Iron Lady, which received the Best Actress Award for Meryl Streep's portrayal of Margaret Thatcher at both the BAFTAS and The Oscars. I'm particularly excited about seeing The Artist which is being shown here from the 26 to the 28 March.

Last week I wrote a press release for Earthfall. Earthfall is coming to The Riverfront on Wednesday 25 April with their award winning production At Swim Two Boys. The more research I do about the production the more excited I get about it. I started following Earthfall on Twitter at the beginning of the year which has been great for keeping up to date with their tour. The production has had great reviews from the national press and has sold out in most locations. Hopefully we can have the same success here. The production is staged entirely in water and involves dynamic dance, live music, projection, film and image. It won a Theatre in Wales Award when it was first created in 2005.

This week we have Candoco performing. It's their 20th anniversary and they are performing three commissions that explore their past, present and future. I've been doing a bit of 'facebooking' to promote the production. Candoco are a really unique contemporary dance company as they are made up of disabled and non-disabled dancers. They have some great videos on their website including this one, which is a teaser trailer for Turning 20 which they are performing here on Wednesday. http://www.candoco.co.uk/videos/teaser-turning-20/

My favourite performance so far has had to have been Mundo Paralelo by NoFit State Circus. I've never seen anything quite like it. Mundo Paralelo combined circus and theatre in a very exciting and unique way. I wish I'd gone on opening night now as that would have given me the chance to come back and watch it again on the Friday and Saturday. There are some great photos of the performance on The Riverfront's Facebook page.

We also had a special visitor in the office the other week - the Marketing Manager's pet tortoise, Joe Toto! I'd like to think that Joe Toto helped us all to do our work, but I think he was more of a distraction, who knew that a tortoise could be so interesting? He did seem very interested in the spring brochure though so it's good to see that he approves of what's going on here.

Rubicon Dance Spring News

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 14:20:00 +0000

I thought it was time for a quick update on all things Rubicon Dance related as it's been a busy few months. First, a warm welcome back to Sam at Rubicon who's recently returned from maternity leave, and also a big thanks to Sharon who was covering for her.

NUxclusive, Rubicon and The Riverfront's Urban Dance group for young people in Newport had their first training trip at the beginning of the year to Pineapple Dance Studios in Covent Garden, London. The NUxclusive dancers raised all the money for the training trip themselves by bag-packing at local supermarkets and raised a £270 which enabled them to have a unique and exciting day at Pineapple Studios alongside the Cardiff based dance group NuWorx.

Rubicon are hoping to give NUXclusive more performance opportunities in the coming months including possible future exposure at The Newport Schools' festival held at The Dolman Theatre from 21 April to 3 May and an exciting opportunity as part of the Flagship Groups which hopes to be held at Cardiff's recently refurbished Sherman Theatre in Cardiff later this year.

The new 'Riverfront does Strictly' Ballroom and Latin classes on Saturday afternoons have been a real success and are set to continue next term, proving popular with all ages. They're a great way to stay fit without hitting the gym and are great for socialising too.

We're looking forward to running some new taster dance sessions in schools this term with Rubicon tutor Loren. The sessions aim to give youngsters a chance to try out a variety of dance styles in their school. From breakdance to streetdance, the sessions aim to introduce young people to new experiences, build their confidence and grow new friendships and hopefully entice them to come along to The Riverfront to try out something new with Rubicon. We've also had some of our Riverfront dancers taking part in Rubicon's work experience programme recently, with two more waiting to start soon. All the best to everyone trying out something new this Spring!

Spotlight Video

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:19:00 +0000

Spotlight is a project that gives people a platform to create and communicate their thoughts through music and the arts. This video features a song called 'Improving' that was created in 2 and half hour workshop. The song was created by 3 MC's and a DJ, with the help of The Pentalk Lab, Community Arts Development, MC Perge Kalida Productions, Rico Misfits Movement and The Riverfront.

http://youtu.be/DaDlXZq67wk

Pentalk Lab presents Charlie Sloth - Radio 1 Extra

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:55:00 +0000

In July 2011, fifthteen local teenagers were offered the opportunity to attend a workshop with a credible artist in the music industry. In the evening a showcase event for local artists was on offer with a Question and Answer Session and a rapping competition with an appearance on Radio 1 Extra as First Prize.

Tiny Skitz was one of the guys we took down to Radio 1 Xtra following our Charlie Sloth showcase.......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Gk9Bv5nJc0

Anti-Gang Crime Prevention Workshop

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:43:00 +0000

In April 2011, Pentalk Lab and Arts Development worked with Akil the MC a community activist and also from the legendary hip-hop group Jurassic 5, to run two 4-hour workshops over two days. The workshops covered performance skills lyric writing, role plays and their choices in life. 90 young people from the Youth Offending Scheme and the wider public attended the workshops.

You can now watch a video of these inspiring workshops.

http://vimeo.com/34849800

Meet Katie, our intern

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:58:00 +0000

Hiya! My name's Katie and I am currently undertaking a part-time internship in marketing here at The Riverfront.

I graduated with a degree in Journalism and English Literature in the summer and it was whilst studying that I discovered The Riverfront. I wrote a series of articles that explored performing arts venues in England and Wales, everywhere from Wilton's Music Hall in the East End of London to Theatr Harlech in North Wales. The Riverfront was really helpful and I was able to interview the Theatre and Arts Director, Nic Young.

At the same time as putting these articles together I was performing in and helping to run the University of Portsmouth's Dramatic and Musical Society. In 2010/2011 I was their Marketing Officer and spent the whole year writing press releases, letters, arranging media interviews and updating our Twitter and Facebook pages.

It was these experiences, amongst others, that made me determined to have a career in arts marketing. I knew I needed to get some experience and so having had such a positive experience with communicating with The Riverfront and having read so much about the venue it seemed a natural choice to come here.

I've been coming to The Riverfront on Mondays and Tuesdays since mid-November and I've loved every minute of it. There is something different to do every week and I leave on a Tuesday evening feeling as though I've learnt something new.

One of the things I enjoy most is learning about the productions and companies that will be visiting here. It is great to have such a varied programme. How many other venues can say that in the same month they've had a hilarious pantomime and a Circus-Theatre performance where the audience were served their dinner by the performers?

I'm sure I'll have lots of exciting things to share with you over the next few weeks!

Newbie no more

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:55:00 +0000

I'm not the newbie any more so thought it was time to squeeze in a little bloggette.

I'm Gudrun and I'm a Marketing and Education Assistant at The Riverfront, and have settled in nicely since starting here in September last year. I've joined from a background in live events production and marketing, mostly music festivals and large-scale outdoor public events in London at venues like Kew Gardens, Hampton Court Palace and Hyde Park.I'm returning to work after having two kids, so working in a theatre for the first time has been a refreshing change from my most recent role where I specialised in scraping Weetabix off the floor.

I joined The Riverfront and went headfirst into The Big Splash, ComedyPort and then Panto, so I've been working on a diverse range of projects with the lovely marketing team who've got me involved in all sorts of things, from tweeting and designing ads to blowing up balloons and holding people's hands as they walk the tightrope.

I'm a Cardiff girl, but I was born at The Royal Gwent in Newport as my parents lived in Rogerstone back then, so I feel like I've come back to somewhere I'm connected to. I'm enjoying getting reacquainted with The Port through my work here. I've fond memories of riding on the Transporter Bridge as a child (with a Dad whose passion was industrial history this was our kind of day out!) but know Newport has changed dramatically since the 70's-80's, and is a town, like many, facing huge challenges.

However, it's been fantastic getting stuck into the engaging programme here; from Comedy Port fringe in the URBAN Empty Shops Project, seeing giant inflatable lobsters walking the High Street and tasting great welsh treats with my kids at the Food Festival and having my first juggling lesson at a Circus Skills workshop.

Most recently I've enjoyed hearing how much friends have enjoyed attending The Riverfront for the first time at Crashmat Collective's Super Pseudo. Stepping out of their Cardiff comfort zones to come here they thought it was one of the best performances they'd ever attended anywhere! I'm just pleased to be a very small part of the team responsible for making it all happen.

Next big project on the horizon for mewill be some exciting education work with Earthfall, At Swim Two Boys which comes here in late April. Looking forward to getting stuck into that.

Admiral Graffiti Workshop Review

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 10:41:00 +0100

As part of Admiral's sponsorship of Newport'sBig Splash Festival we were asked to take part in a graffiti workshop at The Riverfront Theatre.

After successfully naming "Banksy" as the well-known Bristol based artist renowned for his controversial artwork, ten of us were selected to go down to The Riverfront and have a go at creating a work of art ourselves. Needless to say, none of us had any idea of what to expect.

When we turned up, we found a blank canvas board waiting for us where local artist Andy O'Rourke from Malarky Arts was ready to show us the ropes on using spray paint to create anything we could think of. First off, we were shown how to use different nozzles on the spray cans to create different effects on the board, some would create nice solid thin lines, good for outlining details, whilst others would create more fuzzy background effects. After spending the first few minutes practicing, it was time to get to work on designing something for us to spray. There were few ideas between us; however, Lauren had sprayed a heart during the practice session, which led to us designing a large tattoo style heart with a "Big Splash" banner around it. This ended up over a smart looking city backdrop including reflections rippling in the waters of the River Usk below. An amazing joint effort by those of us from claims!

In total, two prints were made, revolving around the Big Splash theme as we decided to split into two teams, sales and claims. Both totally original and penned, (or should I say sprayed) by our own staff, representing Admiral as sponsors of the festival. This in all honesty was a fantastic experience, a true eye opener into the world of art, especially as it was all done with nothing but spray paint.

So it just goes to show how creative you never knew you were! Anyone interested in this kind of thing will love to have a look into the festival itself and take part in their own workshops run during the day and keep an eye of for our masterpieces which will be available for the whole department to see after the festival.

Written by James Clement

Festival fever!

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 14:34:00 +0100

Festivals are a coming! Our festivals have officially started with Discover Dance happening right now - with performances and workshops taking place all over the city, and I was lucky enough to see Ballet Cymru transform Under Milk Wood last week as the opening of Discover Dance and wow, what a performance. I've seen them dance before, and they do always deliver and delight but I must admit I was a little dubious at how they could turn Dylan Thomas into a ballet that I would enjoy.

I'm not overly familiar with Dylan Thomas, but I am an English Literature student (in Wales) so I am more than aware of him and my boyfriend is a huge fan, so it was inevitable we went along and witnessed the event. Originally a radio play (for voices) and later turned into a stage play and now a ballet!

I can quite confidently say that the whole performance was magical. The dancers moved beautifully around a narrator on stage, set to a simple animated back drop of paintings and animated the weird and wonderful characters of Llaregub. Narrated by possibly one of the finest Welsh voices I have ever heard, Gwyn Vaughn Jones, and danced with such elegance this child like tale was brought to life on stage perfectly.

The dancers were beautiful and moving, yet funny and quirky. The whole show was one delight to another. The characters (and their dreams) that were given life through dance were so very recognisable, lovers, children, a widow, a reverend and the end result was a remarkable portrait of a small and strange little welsh village.

I have never enjoyed ballet more than watching this cast of dancers work their way through the sleepy land of Llaregub .

There's still loads to get involved with during the dance festival which is running until October 1 including workshops and performances so take a look atwhat's on on the home page!

If you haven't heard, there is the wonderfully wild festival THE BIG SPLASH happening from next week (7-9 October). I don't think there could be a more fitting name. This weekend in October is going to take over the whole of Newport City Centre and is going to be a whirlwind of fun. I can't wait to get my daughter involved for the whole weekend as there's absolutely loads on offer for kids and big kids! The music being put on during the festival looks fab - including The Cherry Beats and The Elasticated Waste Band! Last year I wasn't able to catch the amazing stunts and I've heard so much in the air about the amazing escapologist (Chris Cross) that will be taking place over the River Usk, so I'm not missing that one this year (he's back by popular demand, after being watched by thousands last year) And of course as soon as those cold dark nights start drawing in I am looking forward to a few giggles which is why I cannot wait for Comedy Port to return....

The listings are pretty buzzing and the one I'm most keyed up about is Big Bag of Boom...Stand up dance comedy which has been likened to Reeves and Mortimer. I love a bit of old fashioned slap stick and tongue in cheek, so this is right up my comedy street!!

I don't know what I'll feel like when the festivals are over - it's consumed my weekly thoughts for a while now! I hope you're all as ready for them as I am! It's fun time!

Our Marketing Officer Rachel Kinchin goes to the AMA conference every year. If you are interested in arts marketing and big beds, read on...

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 14:38:00 +0100

So here I am, sat at my desk a week after my fifth AMA (Arts Marketing Association) conference, and my third as the AMA regional rep for South Wales.

Every year I go through a range of feelings and emotions at the conference including excitement, inspiration, fear and exhaustion. Then I feel overwhelmed and then follows more excitement and inspiration.

First stop is the Citizen M hotel. I wouldn't usually mention the sleeping establishments in a blog about a conference, but wow-wee. This place needs a mention because it was so super duper it became a hot topic of conversation. Those who were staying there spoke of the now mythical giant square beds that filled half of the room and gave you a giant cwtch [Welsh word for an 'affectionate hug', Ed] all night long until the mood lighting woke you gently in the morning. Those who didn't stay there looked on in envy and listened to the joyous tales of four types of croissant for breakfast and the like.

The main reason I felt the hotel deserved a mention though, is the quirkiness and the way they engaged their audience. The marketing and customer service was pretty ace and there was an incredible attention to detail that I've not experienced in these sorts ofcommuter hotels before. In the context of the conference, it was a lovely reminder of the importance of attention to detail and customer service.

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall was next on the list for my member rep meeting which was extra positive this year. We all shared good news stories and 'fails forward' from our networking events and threw some ideas around about a UK-wide Tweet Meet in cyberspace; hosted by all 17 member reps. This is planned for November, so watch this space. It sounds almost impossible, but incredible, so already I'm excited.

Reps have been facilitating everything from speed-networking sessions through to industry-led networking and guest speakers and talk-time over cake and wine.

Fair play, the AMA finds the most exquisite venues for the evening socials and this year's venue was the nuts. The Old Fruitmarketwas a gorgeous, retro venue reminiscent of a Hollywood film set and wouldn't have looked out of place in the film, Gangs of New York. Plenty of opportunity abounded for networking and chatting to folk and as always, I met some lovely, interesting people from many different kinds of arts organisations. I'm a very visual person, so I often find places like thisinspiring - nuff respect to the AMA for finding inspiring venues to house us.

On with the show - after waking up feeling refreshed in the comfiest, biggest, squarest bed ever known, I felt ready to be inspired by all that the conference has to offer.

Rather than talk through the entire conference, I'm going to share my highlights - for me and my organisation. I'd say as a general observation this year that I enjoyed the seminars more than usual and the keynote speakers less, purely out of what I got out of them.

'People should come back to a concert hall even when there is no music' is something that Matthew Cain from Channel 4 mentioned and I think this statement resonates with my venue at the moment as we've just taken over the caf� and bar in-house which is a huge learning curve and a very exciting time. I know many venues struggle with the relationship between the art and the heart of the venue, which I think should be the caf� and bar and the social space we create if we're trying to engage with people and become somewhere they want to hang out.

I suppose it depends on what Culture Segment you fall into, which is where I move on to my first wonderful session, which was Introduction to Culture Segments by Andrew McIntyre. I'm definitely someone who likes to enjoy the arts, food and socialising together. I know I'm a risk-taker and I like things that sound a bit bonkers. I like unusual venues. If it's most people's worst nightmare, I'm usually at the front of the queue!

Andrew McIntyre, Culture Segments. AMA Conference 2011 images: Leo Cinicolo

Culture Segments is a wondrous reminder about how important it is to understand your audiences. As a mid-scale venue, with a pretty small team, on limited budgets (sound familiar?), I am still trying to get my head around how we could make this work for us, but I'll get there. I think we do pretty well with our audiences, but I'd like to do better.

Next up is Mark Wright's seminar on Developing a culture of creativity and innovation which was pretty darn ace and definitely made me feel creative and innovative. I've been learning a lot recently about the science of optimism and blue sky thinking and all that jazz and I am an advocate of people following behaviour rather than just strategies. I think the strategies need to be there to guide us and keep our focus, but nothing inspires me more than someone who is passionate about what they're talking about, and my experience of managing people, and being managed, has also reflected this.