Here’s to the Next 15 Years!
How to sum up my fifteen years at TramShed! Well, I start with a lot of pride! I have enjoyed so much at TramShed and achieved many goals over the years. I first heard about TramShed through my Sister. Having attended Motherwell Community College from 1999-2002, I knew I enjoyed drama, so the chance to get involved was very appealing. I can remember feeling very excited back in 2007, when I attended my very first workshop. Little did I know the amazing things I would achieve throughout the next 15 years, and wonderful people I would meet along the way.
Anthony King
I am registered blind and also live with Autism, so the extra support that is given to me when I attend workshops and performances is so important to me. Thanks to funding that TramShed secured many years ago, I was given a Clear Reader device, which allows me to read scripts, books and letters, as and when I need to. As you can imagine, this has been used so much over the years. Especially as TramShed are often challenging me with new roles to play and lines to learn. A favourite role of mine was a recent online production I took part in ‘Right Where We Are’, where I was challenged to take on the part of ‘Bob the Butler’, who was a lead narrator. Having been in so many productions (I think about 25) it is very difficult to choose a favourite, but ‘Northern Lights Hotel’ in July 2012 was great fun, as my character had an American accent. All the workshops and performances however have increased my drama skills, given me confidence and challenged me to try new things. For example, I never thought I would be doing sign language, but the TramShed Creative Sign Language workshop is one of my favourites. The team work really hard to explain the hand shapes and positioning of the signs, so this makes it possible to take part. It’s always lots of fun and things often adapted along the way when signs are extra challenging, I really enjoy the different music used too.
When we were hit with the pandemic it felt strange to not be able to go every Tuesday and see my friends (who I have made so many of over the years and have supported me through some challenging times). I felt very isolated, and it was a worrying time. It felt great when the online programme started, this was a whole new world though and I think it’s fair to say I had a few technical issues along the way. Again, thanks to the support of the TramShed team, I learnt how to adapt to the new workshops and embraced the experience, I even won a Lockdown award for my achievements! One of the projects created online was ‘Living Letters’. I really enjoyed this as I got to write letters, but didn’t know who the mystery person was I was writing to. It was a big surprise at the end when we met on Zoom, and I felt really happy and excited to have made a new friend. We do still keep in contact occasionally via email or text.
I have done so many brilliant things at TramShed and feel very proud of all my achievements. It is a very happy place for me, so all I can say is….Here’s to the next 15 years!
#15yearstogether
Anthony King
Adult Company & TramShed Voice Member