OPEN STAGES, LONDON

Open Stages was set up in 2010 offering private workshops, classes and private tuition in theatre, puppetry and art to children and young adults in the Greater London area.

ANIMATION DANCE WORKSHOP BROADWAY THEATRE BARKING, LONDON:

(SUPPORTED BY THE ARTS COUNCIL)

This two day workshop examined the relationship between dance and animation and how the two could be fused together to create a performance. Working in small groups, with students of dance from the Barking Performing Arts Course, the workshop concluded with each group showing snippets of work through puppets/objects created.

THE CENTRAL SCHOOL OF SPEECH & DRAMA, LONDON:

ADVANCED THEATRE PRACTICE (WORKING WITH B.A & M.A STUDENTS)

(PUPPETRY TUTOR)

Work involved the teaching of skills and exercises in manipulation and the warming up of the body for both rehearsals and performance. A mentor to students working on different aspects and forms of puppetry and object theatre, looking at its relationship and dependency on other disciplines. The marking of portfolios of work and offering advice and solutions to students during their collaborations with other theatre strands.

STRATFORD CIRCUS, LONDON:

PUPPETRY AND OBJECT THEATRE IN PERFORMANCE

(PUPPETRY TUTOR)

A course designed to introduce the student to puppetry and object theatre. Through the use of specific exercises, “play” and movement, the course concentrates on the techniques, focus and sense of “play” needed from a performer of puppetry and object theatre. 

THE MATCHSTICK GIRL THEATRE/PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP:

(SUPPORTED BY THE ARTS COUNCIL & NEWHAM ACTION AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE)

This workshop was run over a four week period working with children aged 8 – 14 who had suffered from or witnessed domestic violence.  The children examined the story of The Little Matchstick Girl by Hans Christian Andersen using various art forms; for example photography, recorded sound, acting, puppetry and music. A portfolio of work was collected during each session, which the children took home with them at the end of the four week period.   

HANSEL & GRETEL PUPPETRY MAKING/PERFORMING WORKSHOP, LONDON:

This workshop was run over a three week period working with children aged 7 – 10 suffering from severe learning difficulties.  The first half of the workshop period concentrated on the making and creation of rod puppets based around the story of Hansel & Gretel, drawing on the children’s ideas and experiences. The second half concentrated on learning how to manipulate the puppets they had made, leading to a short presentation of work.