Jackie Wilson who has danced with a number of Open Morris sides and helped organise a number of very successful workshops when she was with Brazenose Morris, has written the following guide for sides planning an Open Morris workshop.
Workshop Checklist
3 months / 2 months before
- Discuss possibility of Workshop and tradition/subject matter involved with Open Morris
- Review possible dates with home side - check that they do not clash with other major Open Morris or Morris bookings
- Price up halls with suitable floor, size and parking
- Select suitable Hall
- Review possible dates with Workshop Tutor and agree. Book Workshop tutor and musician
- Book hall
- Check possible costs of lunch and refreshments (coffee on arrival and perhaps in the afternoon)
- Assess cost of Workshop and determine price for attendees
- Determine whether or not activities will follow in the evening
- Notify Open Morris of date, tutor, tradition, timings, location and price per attendee
2 months/ 1 month before
- Send out local mailing with return slip about Workshop (Open Morris do rest of publicity)
- Check hall booking
- Finalise catering arrangements
- Check that home side has enough sticks if a 'sticky' tradition
- Check which members of home side will be in attendance
1 week before
- Ring round any sides which have expressed an interest but not responded
- Finalise numbers of attendees (as near as possible)
- Relay possible lower and upper limit of numbers of attendees to those responsible for catering
- Check arrangements for picking up key to hall etc.
- Check with Workshop tutor on any extra needs/teaching aids
Planning an Open Morris Workshop