Gbolahan Lekan Obisesan – Now, Then, Tomorrow
Writers can write from experiences, knowledge of the past, comments and observations of the present or their predictions and the future. Work with playwright and theatre director Gbolahan Obisesan (author of Fringe-First winning Mad About The Boy) on character led and driven stories.
Part of the International Student Drama Festival taking place in Sheffield, 22nd – 30th Jun 2012.
'Re-acting' workshop at The Actors Centre
So often actors focus on what they need to 'do'; but truly engaging acting comes from an actor’s response to what is happening around him or her. This advanced workshop at The Actors Centre (two separate workshops on the 20th and 21st June, £60 each) will explore how you can engage with the situation and other actors in a scene in a way which keeps the audience on the edge of their seats and allows you to access the freedom, creativity and originality you have always dreamed of.
Tutor: Barbara Houseman (author of Tackling Text, Finding Your Voice)
Barbara Houseman has worked in theatre for over thirty years both as a voice, text and acting coach and a director. After dividing her time between directing and voice work, she spent six years in the world renowned Voice Department at the Royal Shakespeare Company, working alongside Cicely Berry and Andrew Wade and then became Associate Director at the Young Vic, working alongside Tim Supple. She now works freelance coaching voice, text and acting and as an associate director. Among other clients, she coaches Daniel Radcliffe and Jude Law when they are preparing projects for stage and screen.
Scenes will be provided in advance for students to familiarise themselves with. To enroll submit your CV or Spotlight link to bookclass@actorscentre.co.uk.
![Tackling Text [and subtext]](/assets/9dfa76d0/9781854597991-15103-65x100.jpg)
'Beyond Naturalism' - a Masterclass with Fin Kennedy
Fin Kennedy: Beyond Naturalism
A lecture and writing workshop with playwright Fin Kennedy – author of the award-winning How To Disappear Completely And Never Be Found – a nightmarish netherworld of skewed timelines and characters waking up dead, which eschews many of the traditional rules of logic and linear narrative.
In this 3-hour workshop Fin explains the process behind this and some of his other non-naturalistic plays, and looks at the risks and rewards of re-writing the physical rules of time and space. Participants should come prepared with at least one storyline idea which they would like to explore from a new, potentially non-naturalistic, angle.
Cost: Free (online booking charges may still apply)
2012 Wickham Lecture: 'Plays for Today'
'Plays for Today' - the playwright’s place in British Theatre – then and now'
Presented by writer David Edgar.
David Edgar has been at the forefront of playwriting in Britain for three decades, exploring political and social issues in this country (such as in the award-winning Destiny and Maydays) and abroad (as in The Shape of the Table, Pentecost and The Prisoner's Dilemma, a trilogy about Eastern Europe after the Cold War). He won a Tony Award for The Life and Times of Nicholas Nickelby - his adaptation of Charles Dickens’s novel. His most recent play, Written on the Heart, about the penning of the 1611 King James Bible, has recently transferred to the West End following its RSC debut. In 1989 he founded the UK’s first postgraduate playwriting programme at Birmingham University, becoming its Professor of Playwriting Studies in 1995. In addition to his plays, he is a regular commentator in the press on the relationship between the arts and society, a frequent broadcaster and the author of How Plays Work, a practically focused analysis of the dramatist’s art. He is President of the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain.
The lecture will be followed by a Q & A session. Admission free.
HighTide Festival Symposium: A Changing Tide?
The opportunities to produce new plays in the UK are highlighted as some of the best in the world; we are a nation of writers, a theatre industry inspired by discovery. However, with the need for a changing tide in new models to discover, develop, produce and support writers, how have these opportunities changed and what of their impact? Who is producing? How are they producing? What is being produced and where? Who are the writers and where are they discovered, nurtured and supported towards a long term career?
Join HighTide and a host of important writers and artists from the vibrant world of theatre for an exciting day of conversation around new writing. Highlights include a Q&A with writers Steve Waters (The Secret Life of Plays) and Tony Ramsay titled 'Beyond that First Play', and playwright David Edgar (How Plays Work) discussing the rise of new writing in his session 'From Written Off to Written Large'.
Tickets are available here and cost £25/£20 (students).
Enda Walsh on Misterman
Enda Walsh discusses his play (also published in Enda Walsh: Plays One), playing in the Lyttelton Theatre 14th April - 28th May 2012.
Lifelines with Michael Pennington
Burgh House and Hampstead Museum are excited to welcome Michael Pennington to host an evening talk and supper. The Burgh House is a beautiful Queen Anne house in the heart of Hampstead Village in London. Tickets for the talk only cost £12, or for the talk followed by reception £30.
Michael Pennington in Sweet William
Michael Pennington performs his one-man show about Shakespeare, Sweet William, at Colchester Mercury on 2nd April. He will also be signing copies of his new book, also called Sweet William.
Jez Butterworth in conversation with Andrew Dickson
Playwright Jez Butterworth reflects on his work and the extraordinary success of his play Jerusalem in an interview with theatre critic Andrew Dickson. Part of the Guardian's 'Open Weekend' held at the newspaper's offices, King's Place, London.
Masterclass with Jez Butterworth
Acclaimed NHB playwright Jez Butterworth, whose play Jerusalem enjoyed huge critical and commercial success at the Royal Court, on Broadway and in the West End will give a talk and Q&A, hosted by London theatre critic Matt Wolf.
Michael Pennington in Sweet William
Michael Pennington performs his one-man show about Shakespeare, Sweet William, at Northampton Royal on 18th March. He will also be signing copies of his new book, also called Sweet William.
Harriet Walter at Bath Literature Festival
Harriet Walter appears at the Bath Literature Festival, where she will be signing copies of her book, Other People's Shoes.
Michael Pennington in Sweet William
Michael Pennington performs his one-man show about Shakespeare, Sweet William, at Salisbury Playhouse on 8th March. He will also be signing copies of his new book, also called Sweet William.
Michael Pennington in Sweet William
Michael Pennington performs his one-man show about Shakespeare, Sweet William, at Newbury Watermill on 4th March. He will also be signing copies of his new book, also called Sweet William.
An evening with Simon Callow
An evening of fine dining with Simon Callow at Raymond Blanc's Le Manoir Aux Quat'Saisons, Great Milton.
National Theatre Platform with Antony Sher
Actor, author and artist Antony Sher talks about his career, and his starring role in Travelling Light. Part of National Theatre Platforms, tickets £4/£3.
National Theatre Platform with Gregory Doran
RSC associate director Gregory Doran explains how he rediscovered Shakespeare's lost play, Cardenio. Part of National Theatre Platforms, tickets £4/£3.
Nicholas Hytner and Nicholas Wright on Travelling Light
The playwright and director discuss the new play and premiere production of Travelling Light. Part of National Theatre Platforms, tickets £4/£3.
V&A archive screening of Gregory Doran's production of Cardenio at the RSC (July, 2011)
Simon Callow on Dickens and Theatre
Simon Callow offers an insight into a life driven as much by performance and showmanship as by literary endeavour. Part of National Theatre Platforms, tickets £4/£3.