Our Summer Theatre Workshops: Masterclass Series is three introductory workshops in professional skills used by creatives across the industry, designed for both beginners and those looking to revisit foundational techniques. 

Our day-long workshops, 10am to 3pm, in our Burton Taylor Studio and are delivered by an exciting industry practitioner: Movement & Physical Theatre with Emma Webb on Tue 28 Jul, Directing with Ben Newman on Wed 29 Jul and Improvisation with Nathan Peter Grassi on Thu 30 Jul. 

Join us for one or come and take part in all three! 
 

If you would like more information before signing up, please email participation@oxfordplayhouse.com
 

Movement & Physical Theatre | Tue 28 Jul

With Emma Webb

This Masterclass, delivered by Emma Webb, will explore movement when creating a physical vocabulary for characters, discovering clues present within text to allow actors to make strong choices in the rehearsal room, as well as the agency of new possibilities that can open through their own bodies. 

There will be a heavy emphasis on moving, so it’s important that participants wear suitable clothing and be prepared to stretch and work in groups.

Directing | Wed 29 Jul

With Ben Newman

Reimagining the Familiar: Approaches to Staging Existing Texts 

Delivered by OP Resident Director Ben Newman, this Masterclass will explore approaches to directing existing plays, with a particular focus on works that can often feel daunting to tackle as a director. Through collaborative discussion and practical rehearsal exercises, participants will consider how to unlock complex scripts, develop a clear directorial vision for a production, and explore how to confidently lead actors through established texts. 

The workshop will explore strategies for script analysis, rehearsal planning, and how to balance respect for the original text whilst discovering your own creative agency in the rehearsal process.

Improvisation | Thu 30 Jul

With Nathan Peter Grassi

In this energetic introduction to improvisation led by Nathan Peter Grassi, participants will learn a variety of simple, easy-to-use techniques. The Masterclass will explore how improvisation can be used in performance, for devising new work, for creating instant and believable characters, and, of course, to have fun! 

This Masterclass is for anyone: whether you’re completely new to improv, haven’t tried it for years, or have lots of previous experience and want to brush up on your skills. 

Bursary Placement

We understand that sometimes there are financial barriers that can limit a participant's ability to access our workshops and activities, and so our Open House Bursary Placement scheme looks to support those who might not otherwise be able to attend.

To learn more and apply for placement, click here.