Workshops

Dramaworks has access to a number of practitioners all over the UK who are themselves freelance and whose talents cover a wide variety of skills. All of these leaders are experienced in their own fields. You may be surprised to find how broad the scope of skills is: apart from the usual drama and acting workshops, we have contacts in DANCE and MUSIC fields as well. The best thing to do is always to ring and discuss what you want. It may be that someone can be found to deliver your specific workshop for you. Ring the Dramaworks number and talk to Jeni: 01326 372561.

A few things that you need to know:

• Most workshops work out at about £60.00 an hour. Some of the all day workshops, which involve more than one leader, cost more.
• Mileage costs are added to this but every effort is made to group schools together in areas, so that mileage costs are shared between schools. For this reason it is better to book as early as you can and, if possible, to give more than one date.
• Workshop leaders are all experienced professionals in their fields. They live in different parts of the country so that, where possible, the one who is nearest to you will be found. This is not always possible where the subject is very specialised.
• All workshops are practical.
• It is better to book workshops by phone, so that details can be sorted there and then.
• Suitable clothing should be worn by students taking part.
• We are very flexible. All reasonable suggestions are considered and tailor-made workshops can be made for you.

Workshops are Available in the Following Areas [though please note that with a large network of contacts, ideas not on the list could be covered - just ring and ask]:

• Practitioners: Stanislavski, Brecht, Artaud, Grotowski, Brook, Boal
• Styles: Naturalism, Political Theatre, Physical Theatre, Comedy of Manners, Commedia-dell'Arte, Street Theatre, Mime, Melodrama, Acting Shakespeare, Acting Jacobean Theatre.
• Skills: General Acting, Mime, Stage Fighting, Storytelling, Movement Techniques [drama not dance], Vocal Techniques, Devising Skills, Improvisation Techniques, Directing Techniques, Maskwork, Audition Techniques, Circus Skills, Percussion and African Drumming [excellent for Artaud], Egyptian Dance.
• Texts: any text considered, if enough time for preparation given. Most exam syllabus texts have workshop material already in place.
  Approaches to Shakespeare - at any level, from Year 7 to University.

Important Notes

• All of the above can be delivered to any level of student [though I think Grotowski to year 7 might be a bit of a challenge!]
• All of the above are designed for a minimum of 2 hours'; duration, though Physical Theatre and Devising Skills are best done in at least four hours and preferably a whole day.
• Devising can be taken as a starting out session or a needing-help-with-moving-it-on session.
• A further service is available as a pre-exam aid. Only Jeni does this, with her long experience of examining. Best done about ten days before the exam, Jeni will observe and advise on either Devised or Scripted work.

Workshops for Younger Students:

Basic Mime skills, Basic Mask skills, Physical Theatre skills [includes voice], Melodrama, General Acting skills, Creating characters, Early approaches to Shakespeare,Creating a Play in a Day [whole day], Storytelling,
Exploring Myths and Legends [half-day or day.], African drumming.

Special Needs

Specialist workshops are available for those with learning difficulties and/or Autism, helping to foster involvement with others, independence and communication skills.

Personal and Social Developement

Workshops are available for any age on the following:Bullying, Peer Pressure, Healthy Eating, Smoking, Drug Awareness, Alcohol Awareness. Other ideas, tailored to your own requirements, will be considered.