Belper Community Play – Theatre Making Skills

A season of taster workshops led by a team of professional theatre-makers across different venues in Belper.

All workshops are free, no experience necessary. Places limited so register early.

To book a place on any of the workshops email: cahawley@btinternet.com with your name, contact details and your chosen workshop(s). Under 16's must be accompanied by an adult.

MONDAY 4 OCT - Creative writing with Kevin Fegan - 7-9pm at Belper Library (Age 16+)

If you live, work or are connected to the Belper area, come along and tell us your tales. This workshop forms part of the research for the Belper Community Play.

Kevin Fegan is an established playwright & poet commissioned to write a community play based on the people of the Belper area, past and present; its history and its myths.

TUESDAY 5 OCT - Performing for people with learning disabilities & neuro-divergence with Jen Sumner - 10-12 Noon at No.28 (All ages)

A fun and accessible workshop using music, movement and storytelling. Express yourself and explore new approaches to creating together. Jen Sumner is Artistic Director/Founder of Hubbub Theatre Company who specialise in integrated performances with learning disabled and non-disabled performers.

TUESDAY 5 OCT - Movement with Kitty Winter - 7-9pm at Strutts Centre (All ages)

Fun and practical movement techniques for creating characters through movement. Kitty Winter is an established freelance movement director working with companies at every level from village halls to the West end.

THURSDAY 7 OCT - Making shadow puppets with Mark Hornsey - 4.30-5.30pm and 6-7pm at Fleet Arts (All ages)

Learn to design, make and use shadow-puppets and get to take home your puppet. Mark Hornsley is a Theatre Designer and Joint Artistic Director/Co-Founder of Babbling Vagabonds Theatre Company.

THURSDAY 7 OCT - Performing for young people with Carole Copeland - 6-8pm at Strutts Centre (Age 13-18)

Exploring different theatrical styles, devising characters and stories. Carole Copeland is Artistic Director and Founder of Gekkota Arts. Carole trained at Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and is an experienced actor, director and workshop leader.

SUNDAY 10 OCT - African Singing with Tafi Mushuku - 2-4pm at St Peters Church (All ages)

"Sharing African songs that swallow accents, dissolve borders and unite everyone.; exactly what we need at this time". Tafi Mushuku is a Zimbabwe-born African percussionist and singer and choir-leader. He grew up with Ndebele/Zulu and Shona songs which he has shared with choirs in South Africa, Norway and UK.

TUESDAY 12 OCT - Acting for adults with Brett Heath - 7-10pm at Strutts Community Centre (All ages)

For actors with or without experience, creating individual characters and working as an ensemble both with scripts and devising through play, music, voice and movement. Brett Heath is an actor and director and teacher in theatre and television in Australia and UK since recently moving to Belper.

WEDNESDAY 13 OCT - Costume Design with Jo Birkett - 6.30-9.30pm at Early Years Centre (All ages)

Hands on experience designing costume for theatre characters. Find out where to start and what to consider when creating style, including the smallest details such as pockets and buttons. Jo Birkett is a freelance costume designer for theatres and English Heritage. Jo trained in costume making and design at Nottingham Trent University where she now teaches.

THURSDAY 14 OCT - Lighting design with Jamie Vella - 7-9pm at Strutts Community Centre (All ages)

Interested in technical theatre? Come and learn about what is involved in designing lighting and sound, creating the correct mood and atmosphere for live production. Jamie Vella is a freelance lighting designer and programmer working on theatre productions and music videos and is a key member of Derby Theatre's Technical Team.