This series of workshops is aimed at East Midlands based actors, writers, directors who want to explore approaches to R&D, run by three local theatre makers.

Working from a stimulus, we will explore jumping off points for developing character, story, structure and form through three different approaches to research and development of a piece. It will also be an opportunity to connect with other writers, actors, and directors in a fun and engaging environment.

These workshops are organized by Playhouse Amplify member Helen Goodbarton, as part of a DYCP grant on creating theatre for young people, so the work will have a focus around performances for young audiences. They are offered free to Amplify members but donations are welcome if you are in a position to support Nottingham Playhouse and Amplify.

If you have any access requirements, please let us know when booking. These will be shared with the workshop facilitator.

We would like to make these workshops accessible to primary-carers on maternity/paternity leave and the organisers are happy for babes-in-arms (1 year and under) to be brought along to the sessions.

 

Tuesday 25 June

Research and development through movement with Ria Ashcroft

This workshop will have a focus on physical theatre, movement and circus, looking at devising techniques, storytelling and acro balance.

 

Thursday 27 June

Devising work through improvisation with Tim Evans

Using existing stories as a starting point, we will explore improvisation, ensemble and devising techniques. We will play with improvisatory theatre games and narrative driven exercises to bring new life to the stories you love to tell.

 

Tuesday 2 July

Page-to-stage script-based R&D with Hannah Stone

In this workshop Hannah will take participants through a page to stage process, focussing on how she worked as director/dramaturg on Goldilocks and the Three Bears. This will give theatre makers an opportunity to learn more about the process of making a new show for children with a script as the starting point.

Ria Ashcroft

Ria Ashcroft is a theatre maker, performer, circus artist and director. Their work centres around physical theatre, circus, movement, clowning and storytelling. They make narrative based work and often devise to create new writing. They are co-artistic director of The Gramophones and have just directed Take Flight, an aerial theatre for babies and their grownups. They are also co-director of Circus Hub and are currently making an outdoor inclusive punk circus show called Rebellious Action.
Tim Evans

Tim Evans is a Theatre Director, Actor, Teacher and facilitator. He has been producing, facilitating and directing theatre projects and workshops for professionals, community groups and children for the last 15 years. He is Artistic Director at Infinite Egg Theatre, and freelance tutor and director at Nottingham Playhouse. Formerly a tutor and associate director at the Television Workshop Nottingham, he co-founded and tutored at the Actors Workshop, Nottingham. He also has a BSc in Mathematics with Astronomy.
Hannah Stone

Hannah Stone is a theatre maker and director. She has been making theatre for 17 years in various guises. She has made several shows for children, notably Pinocchio by Sarah Middleton for Nottingham Playhouse which later transferred to The Mercury Theatre, Colchester “An all-out, absolute winner” (East Midlands Theatre), Goldilocks by Anna Wheatly for Nottingham Playhouse and Aidy the Awesome and Tarzanna (National Tours) for The Gramophones Theatre Company. She is currently working on Ruby’s Worry for Mishmash who make classical music accessible for children.