Virtual Burns Night Poetry

FAQs

Can you describe your Virtual Show?

Intro - Our host will introduce himself, explain the workshop's structure, and provide some background on Burns.

Reading - The event begins with a brief reading of Seamus Heaney’s 'A Birl for Burns.'

Translations - Try your hand at some Scots phrases and see if participants can translate them accurately.

Scots Tongue Twisters - This will be particularly fun after a dram! It also helps participants warm up for sharing their work later.

Mad Libs - Participants receive a classic Burns poem template with missing words and phrases. They’ll be asked to fill in the blanks, potentially using some Scots words, guided by our host.

Update - After some fun with Scots and poetry, it's time to write. Participants will be given a stanza of Burns poetry to translate and update, with advice and examples provided. Guests will be encouraged to share their work.

Given the nature of a workshop with adults who may be drinking, flexibility is crucial. We aim to ensure each workshop meets participants' needs. Improvisation and adaptability are key skills for all workshop facilitators, and our experience has shown the importance of responding to participants' needs rather than sticking strictly to the plan.

Can your show be customised for clients? If yes, how, please give as much detail as possible. What is the lead time to create the customisation?

Our workshop hosts are always open to discussing the specifics of any workshop group to best tailor the experience. They require at least one week between the confirmation of requests and the workshop's delivery for customisation. The workshop can also include whisky or notebook kits sent to guests' homes.

Do you offer both pre-recorded and live-streamed shows? If so, how long do you require to create a pre-recorded video for a client?

These workshops work best as live, interactive events.

Where is your show set up?

Given current restrictions, we operate from our home studio.

How many cameras do you use in your virtual show and what is the quality?

The workshop is streamed using a single high-quality camera and microphone.

What levels of interaction are there with live audiences? How does this work?

Our workshops rely on participant interaction. Our experienced facilitator uses Zoom to communicate with participants, share any workshop materials or examples, and manage the conversation flow with the mute function.

What platform do you prefer to use for your Virtual Show?

Our preferred platform is Zoom, but we are also happy to use Google Meet or Discord.

Do you have a technician that helps with the setup of your virtual show?

Yes.

How long is your virtual show?

The workshop is planned to take roughly one hour, with additional time for drinks.

Is there a minimum and maximum number of attendees that can take part in the show?

No.

Are you happy to have a technical call or rehearsal session with the client in advance of the show? Technical call must be in the show location with the same connection.

Yes.

Are there any platforms that are not compatible with your act or that you prefer not to work on?

No.