The participatory strand of our work evolved along side our own creative processes, and we share techniques we use in the rehearsal room with those taking part in participatory projects.

We have worked with young children, GCSE, A-level and university students, both inside and outside institutional settings, encouraging participants to practically re-imagine the possibilities of theatre. Our workshops give participants tools to create contemporary theatre using game playing, music, improvisation and found text as a starting point. This collaborative, playful process taps into the character and creativity of participants.

The Special Guests offer workshops and projects for A level and university students on devising contemporary performance, placing an emphasis on game playing in performance and improvisation. We offer 2 hour or 4 hour workshops for AS Level and Degree Level Drama and Theatre Studies Students along with longer projects with a performative outcome.

A level
2 – 4 hours
Aim: to fit the AS syllabus and the student’s preparation for unit 4: devised theatre. The workshop will provide key skills in devising and working in a group as well expanding practically around their study of contemporary/ experimental theatre practices. The students will come away with a range of devising tools, which provide different ways to make collaborative work.

Degree Level
2 – 4 hours
Aim: to give students a practical understanding of how performance is created in a theoretical context. The workshops will address key theoretical questions in a practical manner allowing space for discussion of ideas as well as development practically. A source book/ reading list will accompany the workshop, which will contextualise the work and tie it to a more theoretical base.

Week Long Project with Performance outcome – Summer and Winter Schools
The Special Guests are available to run summer and winter schools and other projects resulting in performance.
Game playing and performance
What is performance?
Site Specific Performance
The audience