Workshops

NOTE: I am currently working as Practitioner in Residence at Shakespeare's Globe taking a number of workshops at the Globe and in the community of Southwark. For information about booking a workshop at the Globe please contact the Globe Education Team or phone +44 (0)20 7902 1433 for more information.

Telling stories is a way of examining our histories, feelings and beliefs. In modern society however we are often told stories by television and cinema rather than having the opportunity to explore and tell our own. For me, theatre is about telling our own stories and finding ways of communicating what is important to us.

I use drama workshops to look at different ways of telling stories and teach ways of using the skills and techniques of actors, directors and writers. Workshops give the participants stimulus for using the voice, the body and the imagination to perform and tell stories.

The following workshops can be tailored to groups or individuals with goals in mind (e.g. group building) or around a specific issue (e.g. bullying, racism). For information about rates and availability, or if you would like to discuss a workshop proposal please email me and I will get in contact with you.

Playing - "What's the Story?"
This is an ongoing workshop that is constantly developing and can take a variety of forms. In its longest form this provides the basis for creating a devised play, but a single workshop can look at any aspect of the creative process from research, to structuring a play, creating characters, dialogue and plot and, most importantly, exploring what the play is for; why the play is being created. It is useful for those interested in directing, devising, writing and acting, and for groups wishing to stage their own production from scratch.

Voice Work for non-actors - "Finding your voice"
This workshop draws on the work of Kristen Linklater's system for Freeing the Natural Voice. It uses a series of simple group exercises looking at relaxation, breathing, posture and the production of vocal sound in order to tap into the rich vocal range of each individual. It also concentrates on maintaining the vocal apparatus for long term everyday use, speaking without strain and under pressure (vocal projection) and is especially useful for female professional voice users such as teachers, lecturers, barristers etc. as well as those with an interest in public speaking or simple everyday communication. This course can also be run for young people interested in improving communication skills and also with a singing element if required.

Physicality for non-actors - "Express yourself"
This workshop looks at the basics principles of body language in everyday situations to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to express themselves more positively. A series of exercises and role-plays break down habitual movement patterns looking at status, confidence and communication skills through the body. This course can also be run in conjunction with the voice work course (above).

Directing workshop - "Why theatre?"
This workshop is intended for those interested in directing and encourages participants to find their 'voice' as director. Drawing on Peter Brook's timeless question "Why theatre?" it addresses ways of approaching making theatre from a directorial viewpoint. It examines approaches to text based work and devised theatre, dramaturgy, storytelling, the rehearsal process, working with actors, designers and other professionals and looks both at traditional British models of theatre-making and more experimental models. Ideally the workshop is split into 10 three hour sessions with research/homework, but classes can be run looking at specific aspects of the workshop such as the director/actor relationship, approaches to the text etc.

Introduction to Shakespeare - "Whose story is it anyway?" - a course for young people
This workshop is aimed at introducing young people to speaking and experiencing Shakespeare from an active theatrical standpoint rather than in a formal academic setting. It focuses on participants looking at the text as potential actors; of speaking the verse, acting as a group, discussing character and motivation and making the language come alive. It also emphasizes interpretation and empowers young people to come at the text from their own perspectives.

My Education

I was lucky enough to have a formal education in theatre. I studied a 4 year MA in Theatre, Film and TV at Glasgow University followed by a year's Postgraduate Training at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London. Throughout my studies and training I had access to a wealth of ideas and theatrical techniques and attended workshops run by leading companies in the UK and abroad including Theatre de Complicité (UK), Forced Entertainment (UK), DRAK Divadlo (Czech Republic) and John O'Keefe (US). Whilst I was studying and in conjunction with my work in theatre productions I have been running workshops for young people and adults since I started work as an assistant director on a community play in 1989.