Animal Real Project

Animal Real is a project which was initiated in the lockdown.
In collaboration with an actors´ collective, called Animal Real, students created an exhibition of “Video Art”.
The idea began due to my reaction to lockdown.
In the first lockdown, I was so fed up with being cut off from doing practical, creative work that as soon as the opportunity arose, I connected with some actors. I wanted to experiment with how we could express our feelings about lockdown through physical theatre.
These actors were "Animal Real". I was inspired to work with them.
I wanted to allow the students to work with these actors and, hence, the project was initiated. 

The Project

I wanted students to be able to continue with creative challenges despite lockdown. Although online work doesn't have quite the same gusto, I wanted the students to be inspired by the actors in some way; the way I had been. 
I also thought that it was important for students to continue with their portfolio of experiences/CV despite lockdown difficulties.
Finally, inspired by the school's strategic plan for building student leadership, I planned to give an opportunity for different ages to mix and for older students, with some experience of Drama, to have the opportunity to have a mentor/leader role.
The mentors were three Y12 students, one Y11 and two Y10 students.
The others were all from Y8. Each student has their own Bio on the site (linked at the bottom).
After a collaboration of ideas, this project began.
There were 5 sessions that involved: giving inspiration and techniques, giving feedback to the initial material created, giving artistic suggestions, students collaborating with ideas and then filming/editing. Some of the students were involved in the building of the site.
As well as being collaborative and networking with professional actors, the experience taught the students the importance of vitality and PR work if you go into the creative/performance arts industry. 
 

The Next Step

The students are really keen for other schools to have an exhibition wall on the website, allowing students to watch and share each other's video art.
I would like to thank Animal Real for leading this project and congratulate the students who took part.

Click on the button below to check the exhibition site!

Animal Real Project

Caroline Latter
Head of Drama & Theatre