TOR Toolbox

Overview

Here at The Other Room we envisage an arts scene that does not simply endure and survive, but one that thrives and grows... but how can we grow when we are forced to stand still?

The arts offer us a way to learn, reflect and stay connected to each other. So, now is the time to slow down and be mindful – and we have just the tool.

Presenting TOR Toolbox. Toolbox is a weekly downloadable resource offering you, our audience, some useful tools to help withstand these difficult times of isolation. Each download will contain a blog post or interview providing insight into an artistic process, examples of creative activities to keep you stimulated and some tools for wellbeing and staying connected. It's a small offering in what feels an overwhelming situation, but we hope it will bring a little curiosity and joy, free from the pressure of having to be productive.

From April 10 a download link will be made available on this webpage and updated weekly for the next two months - feel free to take as much or as little from this resource as you want. The choice is all yours.

Stay indoors, keep those hands clean, look out for one another and watch this space.

Love,

The TOR Team.

TOR Toolbox Downloads

Every Friday during the on-going COVID-19 crisis we will be uploading a visual and audio Toolbox, right here! Toolbox is split into four sections; CURIOUS, CREATIVE, CALM and CONNECTION.

Week 7 - May 22nd 2020

In this week’s CURIOUS segment, TOR’s Associate Director Matthew Holmquist talks to Tic Ashfield, a BAFTA Cymru award winning composer and sound designer, about her craft and her experiences so far, including working on various productions at The Other Room. 

Sevenling (seven line) poems are the theme of CREATIVE this week, while CALM features an exercise on drawing to music and expressing visually what you can hear. 

CONNECTION includes weekly recommendations from the team: a recipe for Falafel burgers from Press & Marketing Associate Alys Hewitt, album of the week from Trainee Producer Ben Clark, art pick from Artistic Director Dan Jones, and Associate Director Matthew’s film recommendation.

Week 6 - May 15th 2020

In this week’s CURIOUS we’re delighted to feature an interview with arts critic and host of the Critically Speaking podcast, Jafar Iqbal, on reviewing, critical culture and previous productions at The Other Room. 

Our CREATIVE segment looks at making new connections between existing ideas, and in this week’s CALM Trainee Director Nerida Bradley takes us through how to build a comfort box for moments when you feel anxious and overwhelmed.

CONNECTION includes a recipe for Leek and Puy Lentil Gratin from Producer George Soave, an album recommendation from Associate Director Matthew Holmquist, art pick from Trainee Producer Ben Clark and a film of the week from Press and Marketing Associate Alys Hewitt.

Week 5 - May 8th 2020

Want to know how to develop characters in your writing? Or fancy learning how to make a mean vegetable broth? 

Find out how to do all this and more in this week’s TOR Toolbox - full of recommendations and resources to help you stay curious, creative, calm and connected. 

Week 4 - May 1st 2020

This week’s CURIOUS we are delighted to present a blog (in Welsh and English) with actor/writers Gwawr Loader and Elin Philips, aka Criw Brwd; they discuss the origins of their company and the importance of Welsh Language work.

Found Poetry is our CREATIVE item in this instalment, followed by Mindfulness as this week’s CALM.

CONNECTION includes a recipe for Vegetable Dal from Trainee Producer, Ben, George’s Album suggestion, an Art pick by Associate Director, Matthew Holmquist and Artistic Director, Dan Jones’ film of the week.

Week 3 - April 24th 2020

This week’s CURIOUS is an interview with Stage Manager, Theadore Hung; discussing experiance on The Other Room's bilingual production of Hela by Mari Izzard, working with Mathilde Lopez, the stigma and challenges that face stage managers who are pursuing a career as a writer/director.

In CREATIVE this week, we are talking about all things dialogue! Meditation is the theme of this week's CALM, presented by Trainee Director, Nerida Bradley.

CONNECTION includes an Album suggestion from Trainee Producer, Ben Clark, Art pick of the week by Producer, George Soave, Trainee Director, Nerida is suggesting our TV pick of the week and Artistic Director, Dan Jones talks us through his Spanish Paella recipe. View or download the Toolbox by following the link below:

Week 2 - April 17th 2020

This week’s CURIOUS is an interview with The Awkward Years actor, Lauren O'Leary; discussing her experience at drama school, her first job after graduating, Matthew Bulgo and The Other Room's production of The Awkward Years (2018) and much more.

In CREATIVE this week, The Other Room team are once again offering free writing exercises. Flex those creative muscles if you feel so inclined and let us know the results!

Trainee Director, Nerida Bradley, is offering exercises on mindfulness and body mapping in this week’s CALM.

CONNECTION includes an Album suggestion from Trainee Director, Nerida Bradley, art pick of the week by Press & Marketing Associate, Alys Hewitt, and Producer, George Soave’s TV pick of the week and delightful Veggie Caribbean Chili recipe by Associate Director Matthew Holmquist.

View or download the Toolbox by following the link below:

Week 1 - April 10th 2020

This week’s CURIOUS is a blog by Associate Director, Matthew Holmquist, discussing the design process behind his production of Cardiff Boy by Kevin Jones (2018), as well as a round-up of all the plays you can watch via streaming sights. 

In CREATIVE this week, The Other Room team are offering free writing exercises. Flex those creative muscles if you feel so inclined and let us know the results!

Trainee Director, Nerida Bradley, is offering some exercises on grounding as well as useful organisations and resources in this week’s CALM.

CONNECTION includes an Album suggestion from Artistic Director, Dan Jones, Trainee Producer, Ben Clark’s play pick of the week, film pick of the week by Press & Marketing Associates, Alys Hewitt, and Producer, George Soave’s marvellous recipe.

View or download the Toolbox by following the link below:

If you are experiencing any technical difficulties accessing Toolbox, please email info@otherroomtheatre.com

Cast & Creatives

The Other Room

Tickets

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