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BROKEN BISCUITS

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Distinguished for his ability to craft narratives that resonate deeply, he consistently explores themes of profound significance, with a particular emphasis on friendship, identity, and the journey of self-discovery. Among his noteworthy works are acclaimed productions such as "The Kitchen Sink," "Broken Biscuits," and "Jumpers for Goalposts." These plays, characterized by their thoughtfulness and emotional depth, have garnered substantial critical acclaim, finding a stage in numerous theaters across the United Kingdom. His approach to storytelling is noteworthy, as he adeptly breathes life into characters while simultaneously addressing substantive and pertinent topics. The manner in which he brings forth the complexities of human relationships and tackles significant thematic material within his writing is both admirable and noteworthy. His contributions to the theatrical landscape underscore a commitment to artistic excellence and a judicious exploration of the human condition.

What is the range of stories he writes?

"Broken Biscuits" stands as a poignant coming-of-age comedy skillfully penned by Tom Wells. Within its narrative, three teenagers embark on a journey of self-discovery as they form a band, encountering the inevitable ebbs and flows of friendship and love. The play delves into nuanced themes of identity, dreams, and the transformative influence of music. This production unfolds with a delicate balance of relatability and humor, adeptly capturing the multifaceted essence of teenage life. Wells' storytelling transcends mere entertainment, inviting the audience to reflect on the universal challenges and joys inherent in the teenage experience. The play serves as a mirror, reflecting the intricacies of adolescent relationships and the discovery of one's true self. "Broken Biscuits" masterfully navigates the landscape of youthful aspirations and interpersonal dynamics, fostering a connection between the characters and the audience. Through its thoughtful exploration of themes, the play resonates with a wide spectrum of viewers, offering not just laughter but also moments of introspection. In essence, Tom Wells' "Broken Biscuits" emerges as a compelling theatrical piece that combines wit and insight, providing a judicious portrayal of the complexities inherent in the journey from adolescence to adulthood.

What type of story is Broken Biscuits?

Who is Tom Wells?

Tom Wells stands out as a versatile playwright renowned for his creative prowess across a diverse array of genres, seamlessly navigating the realms of both comedy and drama. With a keen eye for the human experience, his works serve as poignant explorations of timeless themes, notably delving into the complexities of love, the intricacies of friendship, and the profound journey of personal growth. Wells' literary repertoire is a testament to his multifaceted talent, as each play unfolds with a unique and captivating style. His narratives are richly textured, offering audiences a nuanced tapestry of emotions and insights. Whether inducing laughter through clever comedic interplay or evoking introspection through poignant dramatic arcs, Wells adeptly crafts stories that resonate with the universal threads of the human condition. What sets Wells apart is not only his thematic depth but also his ability to infuse each play with a distinctive tone, providing a kaleidoscopic view of the human experience. From witty and lighthearted to introspective and contemplative, the spectrum of emotions he captures showcases a writer who deftly navigates the intricacies of storytelling. In essence, Tom Wells' body of work reflects not only his literary prowess but also his capacity to connect with audiences on a profound level. Through the lens of his plays, we are invited to explore the multifaceted nature of life, love, and personal evolution, making him a notable and celebrated figure in the realm of contemporary playwrights.

Introduction

What are the main themes in Broken Biscuits?The central themes in "Broken Biscuits" explore the dynamics among three distinct personality types: Megan, Ben, and Holly. Together, they illustrate the intricate and captivating nature of their interactions as their personalities intersect and harmonize amidst perplexing yet seemingly straightforward situations. Megan grapples with insecurities related to her weight and social standing, engaging with Ben, a reserved gay individual striving to embrace their authentic self. The narrative unfolds as Ben navigates Megan's demanding and stern demeanor, creating a nuanced portrayal of their complex relationships within the context of the story. In contrast to the intricate struggles of Megan and Ben, Holly emerges as the anchor of stability within the Broken Biscuits band. Demonstrating a remarkable sense of self-assurance and maturity, Holly's serene presence counterbalances the potential negativity stemming from Megan's insecurities and aids Ben in navigating their journey of self-discovery. Her poised demeanor not only defines her character but also plays a pivotal role in fostering a harmonious atmosphere within the group, ensuring a nuanced interplay of personalities. In essence, Holly's contributions go beyond individual traits, making her a linchpin in maintaining a delicate equilibrium amidst the diverse challenges faced by the band members.Fundamentally, the overarching theme of the show revolves around the nuanced exploration of diverse personality types striving to collaborate effectively in the context of a school production titled "Broken Biscuits." The narrative delves into the intricate dynamics and challenges encountered as individuals with varying dispositions endeavor to come together harmoniously, offering a more nuanced perspective on the complexities inherent in teamwork and cooperation within the framework of the theatrical production.

CHARACTER ANALYSIS-MEGAN

Within the narrative of Broken Biscuits, Megan emerges as a character distinguished by her candid and straightforward demeanor, particularly evident in her interactions with friends Ben and Holly. Scene 7, in particular, showcases her assertiveness, at times bordering on the offensive, positioning Megan as the most outspoken presence in the storyline. It's important to note, however, that Megan's forthrightness isn't driven by malice but rather by the complexities of her internal struggles, which have likely been shaped by past experiences. A poignant moment in Scene 1 sheds light on Megan's vulnerability when she reacts strongly to a mislabeled leavers shirt, revealing a deep-seated sensitivity to feeling overlooked. This emotional response provides a key insight into Megan's character, suggesting that her assertive exterior may be a coping mechanism developed in response to instances of disregard in her past. In addition to the incident in Scene 1, Megan's character is further nuanced by her acknowledgment of personal insecurities. Scenes 1 and 9 highlight her self-perceived flaws, including weight concerns and occasional bouts of insecurity. It's crucial to understand that Megan doesn't divulge these aspects of herself for decorative purposes; rather, she strategically shares them to assert her relevance and counteract potential dismissals she may have faced in the past. This multifaceted portrayal of Megan adds depth to her character, illustrating that behind her seemingly harsh exterior lies a complex individual shaped by a history of emotional challenges. As audiences delve deeper into the layers of Megan's personality, they may find a more profound understanding of the motivations that drive her actions and reactions throughout the unfolding narrative of Broken Biscuits.

Upon my initial perusal of the script, a notable sense of perplexity enveloped me, stemming from what appeared to be a lack of intricacy in the storyline and a pronounced ambiguity in the culmination of events in scene 10. The disconcerting element emanated from a somewhat abrupt temporal leap in the preceding scenes, a narrative device that regrettably lacked the requisite clarity to seamlessly integrate into the overall plot. This temporal disparity not only impeded a coherent comprehension of the unfolding narrative but also raised questions about the underlying thematic threads that were seemingly left unexplored. The story's trajectory became a perplexing puzzle, with critical junctures obscured by the inadequately explained temporal shift, thus diminishing the script's overall narrative impact. In addition to these narrative challenges, a dominant impression emerged that the script's substantive focus predominantly resided in the delineation of character personality traits. While understanding characters is pivotal, a more balanced allocation of attention across various facets of storytelling could elevate the script from a character-centric exploration to a more nuanced and engaging narrative. As an avid reader, I earnestly anticipated discovering layers of depth and intricate storytelling elements within the script. However, the current state of affairs leaves room for refinement and clarification. A judicious revisitation of the temporal framework, coupled with a more expansive exploration of thematic dimensions beyond character traits, could substantially augment the script's overall coherence and narrative prowess.

What i thought of the play

The culminating outcome of Scene 3 was meticulously crafted with the overarching objective of substantiating the narrative framework that underpinned the entire production. Within the carefully orchestrated dynamics of this pivotal scene, a deliberate progression unfolded – from the initial subtle mention of the upcoming gig to the nuanced unveiling of Megan's authentic character. This strategic sequencing not only propelled the plot forward but also artfully exposed the multifaceted layers of Megan's persona, thereby contributing substantively to the depth and coherence of the overarching storyline. By strategically introducing the impending gig within the fabric of Scene 3, the narrative gained a focal point around which subsequent events and character developments would organically revolve. This thoughtful integration ensured that the thematic significance of the gig permeated the unfolding storyline, imbuing it with a sense of purpose and resonance. Simultaneously, the revelation of Megan's true colors during this scene was a deliberate narrative choice, introducing a pivotal moment of character revelation. This unveiling not only added complexity to Megan's character but also provided a lens through which the audience could perceive the evolving dynamics and conflicts within the broader narrative. In doing so, the scene served as a judiciously placed narrative hinge, both advancing the storyline and deepening the audience's engagement with the characters.In essence, Scene 3, with its meticulous interplay of elements, emerged as a linchpin in the narrative architecture, seamlessly aligning the thematic threads of the gig and Megan's character revelation. This careful crafting not only elevated the storytelling but also underscored the judicious intent behind the scene, ensuring its meaningful contribution to the overall resonance and cohesion of the production.

In the intricately woven tapestry of the theatrical narrative, the scene in which I found myself unfolded with a nuanced choreography of penultimate dialogue, adding layers of complexity to the unfolding story. In this pivotal moment, my character, Megan, became a vessel for a discourse that, with inadvertent intensity, disrespected the artistic contributions of Holly. This act, in turn, cast an inadvertent shadow over Holly's creative endeavors, rendering them seemingly inconsequential in the ears of the entire musical ensemble. This seemingly innocuous exchange served as the subtle prelude to a more profound conflict that would later manifest between Megan and Holly, casting a thematic shadow over subsequent scenes in the play. The discord established in this dialogue became a thematic thread interwoven into the fabric of the broader narrative, serving as a catalyst for the intricate interplay of relationships and tensions that would define the characters' trajectories.Furthermore, Megan's actions in this scene took on a role beyond the immediate conflict, acting as a strategic fulcrum for the overarching plot development. By unwittingly orchestrating a moment where Holly's artistic endeavors were marginalized, Megan set in motion a series of events that would eventually lead to the formation of a band—a symbolic unification that would resonate through the remainder of the narrative. The denouement of the play found its genesis in Megan's actions, as the characters found themselves harmoniously united in a musical ensemble. This crescendo reached its zenith as they ventured into uncharted territory—the 'Battle of the Bands' competition at their new college. The stage was thus set for a climactic resolution, where the threads of conflict and resolution converged, creating a harmonious symphony that echoed the underlying themes of camaraderie, growth, and the transformative power of artistic expression.

INTENTIONS AND MOTIVATIONS

moving on to the production of broken biscuits

In the tapestry of our theatrical journey, a distinct challenge presented itself two weeks before the anticipated tech week—an unforeseen strike week. This week posed a unique trial, as the absence of our guiding instructor necessitated a self-directed approach to rehearsals. In response, I assumed a proactive role by initiating communication with the entire ensemble and extending an invitation to a neighboring group to join me in dedicated rehearsals across various spaces, including the dance room, theater, and G.41. While it is acknowledged that our collective efforts transcended individual contributions, it is noteworthy that my initiative significantly influenced the attendance of fellow participants. This proactive engagement not only contributed to our own preparedness but also inadvertently elevated the productivity of both productions simultaneously. The dual-purpose approach, reminiscent of a 'two birds, one stone' strategy, underscored my commitment to fostering a collaborative atmosphere and enhancing the overall quality of our performances.

Engaging in this production provided me with a comprehensive understanding of both onstage and backstage dynamics. As the Executive Sound Designer, I navigated uncharted territories of knowledge, discovering skills I wasn't aware I possessed. This transformed the experience into an enjoyable journey, as my initial intention was to learn the intricacies of both crew and cast roles. A noteworthy instance was during the strike days, where I proactively invited members from both our group and the other to collaborate in rehearsals and creative endeavors. This initiative yielded exceptional results, generating outstanding pieces of work that surpassed anything we could have achieved individually. Facing the challenge of strike days was invigorating, and emerging triumphantly with a well-documented record of our accomplishments added a profound sense of achievement for both myself and my group.

2 WEEKS BEFORE SHOW DAY

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Timeline

Timeline

You can briefly describe what the timeline of your presentation consists of and state the milestones achieved verbally so that no one falls asleep.

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Plan

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Structure

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Design

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Communicate

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Impress

90%

of the information we assimilate is received through sight. Tell stories with graphs!

50%

of our brain is involved in the processing of visual stimulus.

85%

of purchases are emotional. The passion that storytelling causes is our ally in influencing the purchasing decisions of our audience.

Graphic + text

Graphs are very shareable so they are ideal for social media and, as if that wasn’t enough: they usually generate quality traffic for the content we create.