SOUNDING BOARD
Sounding Board was a Mortal Fools project, created to give our Youth Theatre members opportunities to explore the expressive power of music. This bold and hopeful project was inspired by the DIY music scene, and based on the belief that young people can use their voices to speak up about what matters to them through music.
From January to June 2024, our youth theatre groups were working with professional guest musician Calum Howard and our wonderful theatre practitioners to explore spoken word, digital music production, movement, and lyric writing. Our groups discovered different musical genres and used music as a tool to tell joyful and authentic stories.
You can read about the live performances, or watch the Sounding Board Digital film collection with our resource pack, below.
We invite to dance, sing, play, use your voice, and make some noise!
From January to June 2024, our youth theatre groups were working with professional guest musician Calum Howard and our wonderful theatre practitioners to explore spoken word, digital music production, movement, and lyric writing. Our groups discovered different musical genres and used music as a tool to tell joyful and authentic stories.
You can read about the live performances, or watch the Sounding Board Digital film collection with our resource pack, below.
We invite to dance, sing, play, use your voice, and make some noise!
SOUNDING BOARD: DIGITAL
We passed the mic to our youth theatre members to show what really matters to them - using music to express their true selves and share what makes them feel happy and heard. Scroll down to check out the full collection of short films and music videos, filled with bold, thought-provoking lyrics, catchy tunes, and creative soundscapes.
These films were created by our wonderful youth theatre groups between January and June 2024, as part of our Sounding Board project. They are perfect for young people, parents, carers, families, youth workers, teachers, and anyone who is interested in the ideas and experiences of young people in Northumberland.
This project was made possible by funding from Youth Music Trailblazer fund, which supported us to work with professional music artists and to provide training for our practitioners to incorporate music making into our co-creation practice.
Our resource pack is filled with fun creative activities and thought-provoking conversation starters to help you explore the themes of the films and support your young people to share their ideas.
These films were created by our wonderful youth theatre groups between January and June 2024, as part of our Sounding Board project. They are perfect for young people, parents, carers, families, youth workers, teachers, and anyone who is interested in the ideas and experiences of young people in Northumberland.
This project was made possible by funding from Youth Music Trailblazer fund, which supported us to work with professional music artists and to provide training for our practitioners to incorporate music making into our co-creation practice.
Our resource pack is filled with fun creative activities and thought-provoking conversation starters to help you explore the themes of the films and support your young people to share their ideas.
If you use the films and resource pack with your young people, please let us know by tagging us on social media (@mortalfoolsuk on all platforms) or send us an email at [email protected]
Run Free
“We need more of these spaces in the world, so help us to create it now.”
Join our Youth Theatre for a joyful exploration of community and creativity as they dance, play, and explore their way through a few of their favourite places in this uplifting music video.
Through heartfelt lyrics they speak to the pressures and expectations young people face, and what they need to feel safe and happy; advocating for more welcoming spaces for young people.
Themes: Self-expression, identity, creativity, mental health, community, and advocacy
Length: 5 minutes
Created by: Mortal Fools Youth Theatre - Stage 3 Ashington Group
Filmed by: Fly Girl Films
click here for 'Run Free' lyrics and access information
Description
A happy and relaxing song and music video showing young people in different places where they feel like they can be themselves.
We see the group in:
Content Warning: The film is generally fun and uplifting but references feeling trapped and overwhelmed.
A happy and relaxing song and music video showing young people in different places where they feel like they can be themselves.
We see the group in:
- Their bedroom – playing games, hanging out, drawing and writing
- A party – dressed up in daft and colourful clothes, dancing and singing along
- The park – playing games, running around, lying down, and looking at clouds
- A den full of pillows and blankets - they read, draw, chat, and have a pillow fight
Content Warning: The film is generally fun and uplifting but references feeling trapped and overwhelmed.
One Last Adventure
“Everyone’s scared of something, they’d be lying if they said that’s not true.
In the summer between primary and secondary school, a group of friends are searching for a mysterious hidden treasure. But will they find what they are looking for and what will they learn along the way?
This intriguing short film explores the transitions in young people’s lives and how we can all challenge our fears and find the courage to move forward.
This group created music using found objects, adding a captivating soundtrack to this story.
Themes: Overcoming fear, friendship, confidence, adventure, transitions, and moving to high school
Length: 9 minutes 18 seconds
Created by: Mortal Fools Youth Theatre - Stage 2 Ashington Group
Filmed by: Fly Girl Films
click here for 'One last adventure' SCRIPT and access information
Description
A narrative film following a group of young people on the hunt to find treasure that will give them everything they need to overcome their fears.
We see the group in:
Content Warning: The film is playful and empowering overall, but it does explore big changes in young people's lives such as moving schools and having a new sibling join the family.
A narrative film following a group of young people on the hunt to find treasure that will give them everything they need to overcome their fears.
We see the group in:
- Their house – teaming up and preparing to go on the treasure hunt
- The attic – where they find their first clue
- The library – where they search and find a clue among the shelves
- The park – where they find the treasure chest
- Back at home – they open the treasure chest and reveal what’s inside.
Content Warning: The film is playful and empowering overall, but it does explore big changes in young people's lives such as moving schools and having a new sibling join the family.
Nonsense Rules
Why can’t we doodle in our books?
Why can’t we drink Capri Sun once in a while?
Why can’t we go to the toilet during lessons?
And what happens if we step out of line?
Why can’t we drink Capri Sun once in a while?
Why can’t we go to the toilet during lessons?
And what happens if we step out of line?
The world is full of rules, but how many of them actually make sense?
Nonsense rules shouldn’t stop young people from being creative, having fun, and showing their true selves! Our youth theatre shares what they REALLY think of the rules in this punk-inspired music video.
Themes: Punk, individuality, self-expression, questioning rules, protest
Length: 5 minutes 38 seconds
Created by: Mortal Fools Youth Theatre - Online Group
Filmed by: Fly Girl Films
click here for 'Nonsense rules' lyrics and access information
Description
A punk-inspired song and music video all about questioning the rules in our everyday life.
The video shows a montage of the group separately at their homes and together in and around a community centre wearing messy school uniforms and cardboard stars over some cast members' faces.
We see the group:
A punk-inspired song and music video all about questioning the rules in our everyday life.
The video shows a montage of the group separately at their homes and together in and around a community centre wearing messy school uniforms and cardboard stars over some cast members' faces.
We see the group:
- Showing their artwork and writing
- Playing games and dancing together
- Playing musical instruments and jamming in a recording studio
- Protesting outside with DIY placards
- Acting out classroom scenarios
- Showing everyday objects like calendars, stationery, makeup, puzzles and a watch, all representing different rules.
Save The World
“If they could speak they’d shout with urgency, please stop this climate emergency!
Through catchy lyrics and expressive characters, our youth theatre urges us to stand up and save the world!
The group explore nature in their local area with humour and fun, sharing how we can work together to protect all the animals who share our world.
Themes: Nature, pollution, littering, climate emergency, and protest
Length: 3 minutes 44 seconds
Created by: Mortal Fools Youth Theatre - Stage 2 Tyne Valley Group
Filmed by: Addison Keen
The group explore nature in their local area with humour and fun, sharing how we can work together to protect all the animals who share our world.
Themes: Nature, pollution, littering, climate emergency, and protest
Length: 3 minutes 44 seconds
Created by: Mortal Fools Youth Theatre - Stage 2 Tyne Valley Group
Filmed by: Addison Keen
click here for 'save the world' lyrics and access information
Description
An upbeat song and music video about protecting nature and animals. The music video shows a montage of young people in a village hall, a park, and a wooded area - exploring and singing along to the song.
We see the group:
Cast: 12 young people (aged 7-11) appear in the film.
An upbeat song and music video about protecting nature and animals. The music video shows a montage of young people in a village hall, a park, and a wooded area - exploring and singing along to the song.
We see the group:
- Dancing, singing, and rapping
- Exploring and acting out funny characters and scenarios
- Making and showing protest signs and placards
- Playing games together
Cast: 12 young people (aged 7-11) appear in the film.
Behind the scenes photos from the 'Sounding Board: Digital' filming day:
SOUNDING BOARD: LIVE
Sounding Board: Live was a joyful community event celebrating music, activism, and creativity!
Our Mortal Fools Youth Theatre members transformed Riding Mill Parish Hall into a vibrant DIY Creative Music Hub, filled with bold artwork and fun upbeat music for this immersive live event.
Our groups delighted audiences with dynamic music videos, inventive stories, and powerful spoken word performances - making them laugh out loud and giving us all food for thought, as they shared what it's like to be a young person today and the changes they'd like to see in the world.
It was wonderful to see our audiences get their creative juices flowing as they answered some thought provoking questions and got involved with fun crafts and music-making activities.
We loved letting our imaginations run wild and getting the chance to see what a youth-led future could be!
Our Mortal Fools Youth Theatre members transformed Riding Mill Parish Hall into a vibrant DIY Creative Music Hub, filled with bold artwork and fun upbeat music for this immersive live event.
Our groups delighted audiences with dynamic music videos, inventive stories, and powerful spoken word performances - making them laugh out loud and giving us all food for thought, as they shared what it's like to be a young person today and the changes they'd like to see in the world.
It was wonderful to see our audiences get their creative juices flowing as they answered some thought provoking questions and got involved with fun crafts and music-making activities.
We loved letting our imaginations run wild and getting the chance to see what a youth-led future could be!
"I've seen the group really embrace music, they've really enjoyed having Calum in the room and looking at all the tech stuff that goes on behind the scenes. When we made music with Calum they've been really responsive and I've really enjoyed watching them develop their skills and build a tune, it's definitely helped them develop their creativity and confidence!"
- Ilana, Volunteer Peer Facilitator
YOUTH MUSIC
We couldn’t run this project without funding from the Youth Music Trailblazer fund. It has enabled us to support children and young people facing barriers to make music through working with Mortal Fools. We’ve upskilled our practitioner team and embedded music-making into our youth theatre sessions and creative devising process; supporting our youth theatre members to gain the skills and confidence to make their own music.
Youth Music has supported this project with funding to explore integrating music practice into our theatre devising process. This has allowed us to run music-making sessions with our Youth Theatre members - giving them a chance to work with professional musicians and artists. We are also thrilled to have been able to run staff CPD training to develop our team's skills and explore new ways of working with music. We are really excited to continue developing this work with our Youth Theatre!
- Scott Wilson, Youth Theatre Practitioner and Coordinator
Youth Music is a national charity funded thanks to the National Lottery via Arts Council England, players of the People's Postcode Lottery, and support from partners, fundraisers, and donors.
Youth Music believe that every young person should have the chance to change their life through music. Their research shows that many can’t because of who they are, where they’re from, or what they’re going through.
Their insights, influence, and investment into grassroots organisations and young people themselves mean that more 0–25 year-olds can make, learn, and earn in music.
You can find out more about Youth Music here: Youth Music Home Page | Youth Music
Youth Music believe that every young person should have the chance to change their life through music. Their research shows that many can’t because of who they are, where they’re from, or what they’re going through.
Their insights, influence, and investment into grassroots organisations and young people themselves mean that more 0–25 year-olds can make, learn, and earn in music.
You can find out more about Youth Music here: Youth Music Home Page | Youth Music
Calum Howard, professional Guest Musician facilitating in a session with Mortal Fools Youth Theatre. Photo Credit: Von Fox Promotions.
