Training and Professional Development
The following courses, classes and workshops are not exclusively aimed at women; nor is this intended as a definitive list. It is, however, a selection of training and professional development options that take a 'total theatre' approach to theatre and performance. Many of the courses listed emphasis collaborative, devised theatre-making and most place the performer at the heart of the performance-making process. The options are listed under a selection of headings, differentiating between academic and vocational full-time training and short courses and classes in the UK and overseas.
Training and Professional Development - UK
Performance Degrees and Postgraduate Courses
BRIGHTON UNIVERSITY, SCHOOL OF ARTS AND COMMUNICATION
www.brighton.ac.uk/structure/soac
T +44(0)1273 600900
The school runs interdisciplinary degree programmes including Theatre and Visual Arts, Dance and Visual Arts and Multimedia.
It hosts the Life Arts Research Centre committed to promoting knowledge, understanding and critical appraisal of emerging genres
of art, design and performing arts practice and may of its staff carry an international profile.
BRISTOL UNIVERSITY - MA IN CULTURAL PERFORMANCE
Bristol
T+44 (0)117 331 5083
www.bristol.ac.uk/drama
Delivered by the Department of Drama and established in collaboration with Welfare State International, the course develops
advanced creative and research skills through an academic and vocational training in the expanding field of cultural performance.
CENTRAL SCHOOL OF SPEECH AND DRAMA - MA ADVANCED THEATRE PRACTICE
LONDON
T+44 (0) 20 7559 3901/3960
www.cssd.ac.uk
MA Advanced Theatre Practice
Drawing together ten different theatre-making strands: creative producing; directing; dramaturgy; performance; lighting design;
puppetry and object theatre; scenography; sound and music; visual media; writing for performance). Practice-based course that
prepares students for making new and innovative theatre in companies. One year, runs October to October.
THE CIRCUS SPACE
London
T+44 (0)20 7729 9522 (general enquiries)
T +44 (0)20 7613 4141 (degree admissions)
www.thecircusspace.co.uk
mailto:degree.admissions@thecircusspace.co.uk
BA (Hons) Degree in circus arts. Foundation Degree in circus arts (2 year vocational course) and. Also ongoing adult classes/professional training and development.
DARTINGTON COLLEGE OF ARTS
www.dartington.ac.uk
T +44 (0)1803 862224
MA Devised Theatre
MA Performance and Cultural Location in Contemporary Europe
MA Performance Writing
MA Visual Performance
Dartington also offers postgraduate research opportunities in disciplines across the field of total theatre.
BA Hons Art & Performance
BA Hons Choreography
BA Hons Theatre
BA Hons Writing (either Contemporary Practices or Scripted Media)
DE MONTFORT UNIVERSITY AND BROOKSBY MELTON COLLEGE
www.dmu.ac.uk
T: +44 116 255 1551
BA single honours in Performing Arts, based at Melton Mowbray.
The course aims to engage students in genuinely experimental work and to find their own way to work with new ideas, practices and structures.
They will examine a range of approaches to text, movement, body, time and space
GOLDSMITHS UNIVERSITY, DRAMA DEPARTMENT
drama@gold.ac.uk
www.goldsmiths.ac.uk/departments/drama
MA Performance
A cutting-edge approach to original theatre making in an inter-disciplinary context, taught by internationally renowned practitioners.
MA Performance and Culture
Focuses upon inter-disciplinary perspectives on international theatre with consideration of diverse forms of theatre and theatre as sociological process.
MA Theatre Education
TiE, Young Peoples Theatre and Children's Theatre; provides placement opportunities in the industry.
MA Writing for Performance
Writing for live performance with the emphasis upon developing an individual approach
MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY/RESCEN MA CHOREOGRAPHY WITH PERFORMING ARTS
London
T+44 (0)20 8411 6148
www.mdx.ac.uk
machoreo@mdx.ac.uk
An opportunity to undertake a deep involvement in choreographic investigation across the performing arts.
NORTHUMBRIA LIVE ACADEMY
www.northumbria.ac.uk
www.live.org.uk
ar.admissions@northumbria.ac.uk
MA in Theatre and Performance Practice.
The Northumbria Live Academy is a partnership between Northumbria University and Live Theatre new writing company. Aims to provide a bridge between undergraduate study and the professional world of theatre.
ST. MARY'S COLLEGE - BA IN PHYSICAL THEATRE
Strawberry Hill, London
T+44 (0)20 8240 4059
machonj@smuc.ac.uk
www.smuc.ac.uk
BA Physical Theatre undergraduate programme explores the academic and practical discipline of this expanding area of performance.
A challenging and extensive range of modules are on offer, throughout the three years, taught by active specialists in the field.
UNIVERSITY OF HUDDERSFIELD
T+ 44 (0) 1484 478406
www.huddersfield.ac.uk/drama
MA Ensemble Physical Theatre: Training & Performance
Drama, Theatre & Performance, University of Huddersfield
An intensive, practical exploration of psychophysical training, charting the journey from training through rehearsal to performance.
The practical work will be supplemented by a programme of theoretical exploration. Applications due November 2006 for admission in March 2007. The intensive training/rehearsal period will take place in Huddersfield over the summer months. More details from John Britton: email j.w.britton@hud.ac.uk
UNIVERSITY OF KENT CANTERBURY
Canterbury
T+44 (0)1227 823338
p.a.allain@ukc.ac.uk
MA by Practice as Research. For full details see the website or contact Dr. Paul Allain.
UNIVERSITY OF NORTHAMPTON
www.northampton.ac.uk
www.performancestudies.org.uk
BA In Performance
Develop skills in Physical Theatre, Performance Art and New Dance. Practice-based course developed in 1994 that still leads the way in its commitment to exploring current forms of contemporary theatre, live art and interdisciplinary performance.
Led by a team of internationally respected teachers and practitioners.
UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH
www.plymouth.ac.uk/arts/theatre
T:+44 (0)1752 238106
MA Performance Practice
Aimed at professional theatre and performance practitioners and/or graduates who wish to advance their practice and reflect upon their creative processes within the field of visual, body-based performance. Commencing October 2006 (1 year F/T, 2 years P/T).
UNIVERSITY OF WALES, ABERYSTWYTH
www.aber.ac.uk/tfts/teaching/degrees/postgrad/performance
hhp@aber.ac.uk
T:+44 (0) 1970 621911
MA in Practising Performance
Innovative MA dedicated to the practice of performance, with particular attention to devised performance, physical theatre, site-specific
work and time-based art. Start date: October of each year. Course Convenor Dr Heike Roms.
UNIVERSITY OF WINCHESTER, SCHOOL OF COMMUNITY AND PERFORMING ARTS
www.portal.winchester.ac.uk
performing.enquiries@winchester.ac.uk
T +44 (0)1962 841515
MA Theatre and Media for Development
This course integrates community theatre and media practices with development studies.
The school offers various undergraduate courses in Dance, Drama, Theatre, TV, Performing Arts and Screen Production.
Professional Training - Vocational Courses
ACADEMY OF CIRCUS ARTS
Winchester and Touring
http://freespace.virgin.net/zippos.circus/
zippos.circus@virgin.net
T+44 (0)7050 282624
Diploma course - six months training in circus arts inside the big top.
CIRCOMEDIA
Bristol
www.circomedia.com
T+44 (0)117 9477288
Centre for contemporary circus and physical performance. Courses include:
Two-year professional training programme
One-year foundation (OCR Diploma)
Three-month introductory
Two-year BTEC (National Diploma in Performing Arts)
Create and Promote - making and marketing circus art
DESMOND JONES MIME AND PHYSICAL THEATRE
London
www.desmondjones.com
T: +44 (0) 20 8747 3537
Regular short Courses in Mime and Physical Theatre with one of the world's leading practitioners. A unique blend of Decroux and Lecoq techniques.
Classical and Modern Mime; Story-Telling; Masks; Commedia; The Psychology of Colours; Dramatic Timing;
Physical/Verbal/Psychological Improvisation;
Stage and Body Dynamics; Performance etc. Powerful, exciting and creative.
Also, Private Individual and Group Lessons. Corporate Lectures and Workshops on projecting Image and Personality. Specific Workshops for Colleges
of Art, Film Animation Courses etc.
ECOLE DE MIME CORPOREL DRAMATIQUE
London
T:+44 (0)20 7272 8627
www.angefou.co.uk
infoschool@angefou.co.uk
Decroux technique movement theatre and corporeal mime. Professional training in technique, improvisation and composition. Students may join at the
beginning of each month. Drop-in classes Tues and Thurs 6.30 - 8.00 PM
LONDON INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS (LISPA)
London
T:+44 (0)20 8969 7004
www.lispa.co.uk
welcome@lispa.co.uk
Two-year professional programme based on the teachings of Jacques Lecoq: initiation course and advanced course. Evening courses and weekend workshops.
SCHOOL OF PHYSICAL THEATRE
Three Mills, London
T:+44 (0) 208 215 3350
www.physicaltheatre.com
school@physicaltheatre.com
One year intensive professional programme.
TheatreWorks Production Year.
Summer Intensive.
Courses, Classes and Workshops
CENTRE FOR PERFORMANCE RESEARCH (CPR)
Aberystwyth, Wales
T:+44 (0)1970 622133
www.thecpr.org.uk
aop@aber.ac.uk
Various courses, summer schools, symposia and conferences. See website for details
CHISENHALE DANCE SPACE
www.chisenhaldancespace.co.uk
mail@chisenhaledancespace.co.uk
(0) 20 8981 6617
Workshops on a range of physical performance practices every year. For information on the current programme visit the website.
CIRCELATION
www.circelation.co.uk
info@circelation.co.uk
An annual performance laboratory programme for circus artists and directors running each year in the spring. Circelation is Produced by Chenine Bhathena
and Leila Jancovich. Further information and available on the website.
CIRCUS MANIACS
Bristol
T: + 44 (0)117 9477042
www.circusmaniacs.com
info@circusmaniacs.com
Summer School and term time classes in: Trapeze, Aerial Skills (Corde lisse, Tissu, Aerial Ring, Web), Tight-wire, Chinese Pole, Acrobatics.
For anyone interested in learning or improving their technique in the above skills.
COMPLICITE
www.complicite.org
T +44 (0) 20 7485 7700
Theatre de Complicite run workshops throughout the year that offer insights into their process for details of the current programme visit the website.
THE CREATIVE RETREAT
Gardenstown, Banffshire
www.creative-retreat.co.uk
Arts Holidays suitable for artists seeking to refresh their arts practice or find a new one.
Enjoy the beautiful Banffshire Coast for a weekend of good food, good company and creative exploration.
DANCE RESEARCH STUDIO
London, N1
www.jackylansley.com
drs@jackylansley.com
T: +44 (0)20 7613 0341
Movement with Voice (Training and creative work)
Tuesday Mornings 10.30am- 12.30pm
One Day Intensive Workshops - The Actor Dancer: Interdisciplinary Performance. Directed by Jacky Lansley.
Individual Sessions also available. For information on other activities and space hire at the Dance Research Studio see website.
EXPRESSIVE FEAT PRODUCTIONS
www.exfeat.com
exfeat@globalnet.co.uk
T:+44(0)1227 280399
Training opportunities for aerialists in Kent. Please contact the company for full information on class times.
FORKBEARD FANTASY
www.forkbeardfantasy.co.uk
ff@forkbeardfantasy.co.uk
Hold two Summer Schools each year, usually in June and July.
Held at Forkbeard's Waterslade Studios in rural Devon, the Summer Schools offer the chance to discover new ways of working in a
stimulating creative environment. A hands-on introduction to the diversity of practice (prop & model-making, set design, animation,
film-making & interaction, introductions to Final Cut Pro, sound design and other media and technology) which exists within Forkbeard's work.
GLASSHOUSE MASK ACADEMY WORKSHOPS
Stourbridge, West Midlands
Tel: +44 (0)1384 399458
theatre@ghc.rmet.org.uk
Classes and summer school.
Tel or email for full details.
INDEPENDENT THEATRE COUNCIL TRAINING PROGRAMME
London
T:+44 (0)20 7403 6698
training@itc-arts.org
www.itc-arts.org
Total Theatre subscribers save 15% on ITC one-day training courses and seminars! The majority of their courses take place in central London and cover everything from fundraising to press relations; employment law to producing and touring; finance to leadership.
INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP FESTIVAL
www.theworkshopfestival.co.uk
Autumn season in London; spring season during the Brighton Festival in May. See website for full details.
THE KELMAN GROUP
Leeds
T+44 (0)1484 851227
www.kelmangroup.com
Regular workshops in the improvisational techniques of Scott Kelman. Kelmanworks Exploring is a new approach to physical and vocal skills,
making discoveries in complicity, presence and composition and developing sensitivity in ensemble work.
MICK BARNFATHER OF COMPLICITE
www.mickbarnfather.com
T: 0207 249 6211
Clown and Comedy courses run regularly
For venue, fees and other details see website
CENTRAL SUMMER SCHOOL
shortcourses@cssd.ac.uk
T: 0207 559 3960.
Central School of Speech and Drama runs summer schools and short courses. Email for full details
MOVE INTO LIFE
www.moveintolife.co.uk
info@moveintolife.co.uk
T: +44 1297 560511
A training in non-stylised movement practice with Sandra Reeve.
PILATES FOR PERFORMERS WITH FRANCESCA BAGLIONE
Expressions Dance Studios,
Highgate Road London
Tuesdays 1-2pm
baglione.f@virgin.net
Posture, core stability, strength, flexibility, movement - for better
Performance. Pilates beginners welcome. Other classes/times available. Email to book.
THEATRE TRAINING INITIATIVE
London
www.theatretraining.org.uk
info@theatretraining.org.uk
Developing the art of live performance through challenging, intercultural practice. Weekly classes, intensive workshops and creative
development opportunities. Previous workshops have included Butoh, Suzuki, Kalarippayattu and Yoga for Performers. Full details on the website.
TRIANGLE MUSEUM PERFORMANCE TRAINING
The Herbert, Coventry
T: +44(0)24 7678 5170
info@triangletheatre.co.uk
www.triangletheatre.co.uk
Triangle's award-winning 'immersive' method has been acclaimed by theatre, museum and education professionals.
Triangle presents a Museum Performance Training Programme, suitable for: newly qualified performers, undergraduate performers, experienced performers with a desire
to enrich their practice, performance artists/ designers with experience of site-specific and installation work.
Programme.
See website or email for details.
THE WHY NOT INSTITUTE
London
T:+44 (0)20 7739 8363
whynotinstitute@aol.com
Clowning courses with De Castro, eccentric dance and more.
THE WRIGHT SCHOOL
London
www.thewrightschool.co.uk
Classes and workshop programme led by John Wright - see the website for full details.
Useful UK organisations for education, training and professional development
THE CONFERENCE OF DRAMA SCHOOLS
T+44(0)20 7692 0032
www.drama.ac.uk/
The Conference of Drama Schools comprises Britain's 21 leading Drama Schools.
CDS exists in order to strengthen the voice of the member
schools, to set and maintain the highest standards of training within the vocational drama sector, and to make it easier for prospective
students to understand the range of courses on offer and the application process.
LEARNING AND SKILLS COUNCIL (LSC)
T+44 (0)870 900 6800
info@lsc.gov.uk
www.lsc.gov.uk
The Learning & Skills Council (LSC) is responsible for planning and funding high-quality vocational education and training for everyone.
NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR DRAMA TRAINING
T +44(0)20 7387 3650
info@ncdt.co.uk
www.ncdt.co.uk
The National Council for Drama Training is a partnership of employees in theatre, broadcast, and media industries, employee representatives
and training providers. One of the major tasks of National Council for Drama Training is to accredit courses in further and higher education
in the UK on behalf of the industry and provide career advice for those looking to train in drama.
UCAS
T+44(0)870 1122211
enquiries@ucas.ac.uk
www.ucas.com
The UCAS website includes information on courses and academic institutions throughout the UK.
Training and Professional Development - Overseas
ACADEMY OF LIVING MOVEMENT
Vienna, Austria
T: +43 1 8892945
www.livingmovement.org
info@livingmovement.org
Four-year professional training in performance/movement theatre. Incorporates bodywork, eurythmy, ensemble, devising, neutral mask, scenography, storytelling.
BUTOH-CENTRUM MAMU
Gottingen, near Hannover, Germany
T: +49 551 790 6245
gendo@butoh-ma.de
www.tadashi-endo.de
Intensive workshops with Tadashi Endo throughout the year.
Join the mailing list to be kept up to date.
CIRCO A VAPORE SCHOOL OF THEATRE
Rome, Italy
T: +39 06 700 9692
www.circovapore3000.it
circovapore@tiscalinet.it
Two-year professional training. Further info (in English) available on request - email above.
DELL'ARTE
California, USA
T: +1 707 668 5663
www.dellarte.com
info@dellarte.com
Dell'Arte is the North American centre for the exploration, development, training and performance of the actor-creator, and offers the only
MFA in Ensemble-Based Physical Theatre currently accredited in the US, in addition to its one-year Professional Training Program for Physical Theatre Actors.
Currently celebrating 30 years of ensemble performance, actor training and research, DAI's Mad River Festival runs June - July
The Dell'Arte Intensive is a summer residency held in Denmark. Includes classes on the actor's presence, movement, vocal and physical improvisation, yoga, and more.
See website for full details.
ECOLE INTERNATIONALE DE THEATRE JACQUES LECOQ
Paris, France
T:+33 1 47 70 44 78
www.ecole-jacqueslecoq.com/index_uk.htm
contact@ecole-jacqueslecoq.com
Two-year professional training together with the Laboratory of Movement study (LEM). English version of the school website can be viewed
at: www.ecole-jacqueslecoq.com/index_uk.htm.
ECOLE PHILIPPE GAULIER
www.ecolephilippegaulier.com
ecole@ecolephilippegaulier.com
The school begins in October and ends in June and includes the following workshops: Le Jeu, Neutral Mask, Tragedy, Bouffons, Melodrama,
Masked Play, Characters, Shakespeare, Clowns, Chekhov, and Writing and Directing a Show.
ESPACE CATASTROPHE
Brussels, Belgium
T:+32 (0)2 538 12 02
www.catastrophe.be
espace@catastrophe.be
Training in circus and performing arts.
MIME CENTRUM BERLIN
Berlin, Germany
www.mimecentrum.de
Courses in mime and physical performance including Meyerhold's Biomechanics.
NICA
Australia
www.nica.com.au
T:+61 3 9214 6975
The National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) encourages applications to its Bachelor of Circus Arts from talented people with a background
in circus, gymnastics, sports acrobatics, trampolining, martial arts, dance, diving, extreme sport, performing arts or physical theatre.
International students are encouraged to apply by video.
TOTAL THEATRE SCHOOL
Australia
www.totaltheatre.com.au
sophie@totaltheatre.com.au
One and two-year intensive courses in physical theatre techniques.
ZID THEATER LAB
Netherlands
T:+31 20 4888449
www.zidtheater.nl
info@zidtheater.nl
Training for performers and directors. Summer school and artists in residence programme - see website for full details.