2020 has been a year that many of us will never forget, We have all been on very different journeys affecting our health, our businesses, our mental wellbeing.
I can not begin to imagine how I would feel having to sit by the hospital bedside of my loved one during this uncertain year. A time when we all need reassurance from our partners, our parents, our children, our friends. I feel thankful everyday that we, as a family, have not had to watch anyone close to us fight this terrible virus, I know not all of you have been so lucky. My thoughts and prayers are always with you during this very difficult time.
I personally would like to thank you all for your continued support over the past 8/9 months. I am very aware of how difficult learning via zoom can be. It can be really hard to focus when the internet has poor connection and maybe yourself, fellow students or even teachers continue to ‘glitch’ during lessons, I know that feeling of frustration oh too well!
Yet, each day when I log on to zoom, I have faces looking back at me showing me such great strength and courage. I am sure there have been moments when we ALL have wanted to throw the towel in when it has felt just a little too much, but yet, here you all are, still there, still supporting, still smiling.
I personally have had a few struggles this year. Drama school certainly does not train you to run an online theatre school and with over 25 years of experience in teaching, never in a million years did I ever think I would need to remould my craft so it can be taught online. But my newly found skills (hours and hours of self help youtube videos have been a life saver) will be with me forever and I’m sure will be used for future projects.
On top of this, I am a parent, a wife, an aunty etc who, like the rest of you have been juggling the new and often challenging home life. Yet, when I log on to our zoom sessions, those struggles can be put on hold because of you.
I am so grateful for your patience, for not giving up and supporting The Attic Theatre School through this very trying time. Without which, there is no doubt, my doors would not have been able to open again. Sadly, I know not everyone has been so fortunate and I know, right now, British theatre is slowly slipping away.
Many of you have been fortunate enough to have performed in live theatre and of course, a huge proportion of you in professional shows. Think back to that feeling when the curtain comes down, the audience are stood on their feet applauding, cheering, wanting to see more …. its priceless. A feeling that is difficult to explain, a moment that television can not replace.
As a thank you for all of your support this year, I have paid for a ‘schools package’ so that all of the Attic Theatre School students can watch ‘Cinderella’, The Nottingham Playhouse Pantomime from the comfort of their own home. The cast will be doing a recording so it can be accessed ‘on demand’. A link, which is for the use of ‘Attic’ families only, will be given out on our last week before Christmas, so you can sit as a family and enjoy a piece of theatre.
A double bonus is that Tom Hopcroft, our wonderful Acting teacher is starring as an ugly sister in this year’s pantomime so all the more reason to support the Nottingham Playhouse!
Once again, thank you for your support, I truly am grateful to each and every one of you.
Much Love and may December bring you all brighter days.
Amanda x
PS. Please spread the word to family and friends who will also benefit from ‘on demand’ theatre. If you are not able to go in person, this is a great way to support local theatre!
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