PULSE is getting ready to beat again.The annual New Wolsey festival may still be months away but preparations are already afoot to ensure that come spring 2003 the celebration of new and emerging talent is bigger and better than its predecessors.

By Jo Macdonald

entertainments editor

joanne.macdonald@eveningstar.co.uk

PULSE is getting ready to beat again.

The annual New Wolsey festival may still be months away but preparations are already afoot to ensure that come spring 2003, the celebration of new and emerging talent is bigger and better than its predecessors.

And the search is already on for the artists, companies and productions to fill the bill of the popular regional festival.

"Pulse is, in effect, an early days Edinburgh," explained festival director, Mary Swan, hinting at the future prospects of the event.

"We invite people to be part of the festival, to use the facilities of the theatre, to realise their full potential, to prove themselves and to improve their performance, to work with us to present their best performance in ideal conditions.

"Participants get the full back up of our technical and marketing departments and a mentor will be appointed to assist them in planning and developing their act."

Pulse, staged at Ipswich's New Wolsey theatre, includes drama, music, dance, poetry, comedy and story telling.

It was first staged in 2001 and has quickly become a focal point of the year for performers from all over the region. It is designed to encourage innovation and talent and in doing so provide the opportunity for up and coming talent to try out new work. And it thrives on the enthusiasm and energy of its performers.

Pulse 2003 is open to anyone whether it be an act, a band, a production or an event but prospective festival performers are urged to be quick so as not to miss out on the chance to be part of something special.

"The only proviso we have is that you are dedicated to success," Mary stressed. "Pulse is not an amateur festival. It is a stepping stone for performers who have real potential and are committed to realising that potential.

"We work with participants to develop an audience who expect, and deserve, a quality performance – so our standards are high. If your standards are equally high we want you to be part of Pulse 2003."

n If you would like the opportunity to participate in Pulse 2003, you are encouraged to get in touch as soon as possible as places are again limited.

To apply, or for further information, contact Mary Swan at mswan@wolseytheatre.co.uk or call her on 01473 295917. If you have a demo tape or other material which may help your application forward it to Mary Swan, Pulse Festival Director, New Wolsey Theatre, Civic Drive, Ipswich.