First few days with NYT

I've been here three days and am already shattered.

ROLE: Jassy Earl of Haverigg who has been selected to represent the community in a National Youth Theatre production of Ghost Office JON GRANGER REF: 50021106B005

The rehearsal process is demanding and draining but a bundle of fun.Already the 20 strong company have become best friends.We're from all around the country and all are either embarking on a degree,are currently doing so or have graduated.Many have travelled the world and there is a wealth of experience.

Our journey began on Monday where we were introduced to the aim of the project and to a large field of research.The performance of Ghost Office is in the Lighthouse,Glasgow.It was formally the printing office of The Herald newspaper until they moved to Albion Street in 1981. The building fell into disrepair until 1999 when Charles Rennie Mackintosh's derelict 1895 building was transformed into Scotland's first, dedicated, national centre for architecture. There is a consistent use of the flower and stem and the growth and spontaneity that it emotes is something we aim to replicate and keep in mind as we develop the performance. The ideology behind Ghost Office is to reclaim empty spaces and tell the stories of the past locked in the walls; unlock the ghosts. The piece is very much in development and although there is a script,it is constantly growing and changing as we workshop and discover.

Day one was entirely devoted to building the company's trust in each other and experimenting in the space. It is a large gallery space that would have once housed the printing presses used for the newspaper, and features several alcoves and has stone walls and grand stone pillars. It is definitely an ideal place in which to create a promenade piece and lead the audience through the world of the 1980's and the story of the protagonist, Kate as she struggles to find her father. A similar project ran last year in Birmingham but it was noted the storyline was lacking so it is integral we have a strong story that the audience can relate and be emotionally provoked by, whilst maintaining a strong sense of the ensemble and the abstract. We heavily experimented with soundscapes and imagery and how the dynamic can change in different spaces around the room.

The unique quality of the Ghost Office is that it is a community project. Over the past year the National Youth Theatre have been working with local youngsters and senior members of Glasgow to generate writing and indeed workshop ideas. On Tuesday it was our turn to meet 25 other young individuals of school age. It was enlightening to have a new energy in the room that is not neccesarily as experienced in that they can offer a new vulnerability and life to the piece. It's also an amazing experience to become a peer and potentially help shape someone's future and help to articulate their experiences. Simiarly, today we met with 7 more senior members of society who have indeed lived through the 1980's. We spent the afternoon workshopping and creating images straight from their own experience. It was fascinating to hear directly from the ordinary man tales of the Poll Tax Riots, the effect of Thatcher on the working man and the industry and indeed the trials of manual labour and the introduction of technology that formed a pivotal change in the Glaswegian community. Hearing it directly from those who lived through those years equips you with a responsibility to create something truthful.

During the workshop one man, Michael, participated in an improvisation that resulted in the whole room liberally chanting "Maggie,Maggie,Maggie,OUT OUT OUT!" It was interesting to see the bubbling contempt that these communities still have for a movement that is now 30 years old and the numerous comparisons we can draw from the political unrest we are currently experiencing. Its this change that resulted in buildings like the Lighthouse lying abandoned and the face of Glasgow changing once more.

I have to admit I came to Glasgow with a sense of trepidation, but have been pleasantly surprised by the people and the wealth of culture dotted everywhere. I am lucky enough to have spent my 19th birthday in the city as well. Last night we went for a meal where the whole restaurant, including the famous Glaswegian comedian, Kevin Bridges sung "Happy Birthday" to me.

Not to mention the fact we're currently staying in a Euro Hostel, and chat with people from as far a field as Finland, Australia and Canada as we cook our pasta and stir fry; all of which can form inspiration.

Although its early days I'm incredibly excited by the journey we are to embark on as we explore more of the beautiful city's people and past, and hope to build something that can transport the audience both backwards and forwards.