Groups and Workshops at HOME

HOME is more than just a venue, it is a centre of culture which feeds and maintains creative ecosystems in Manchester. It does this through the regular groups and workshops hosted at the venue. Some groups like the playreading group run regularly whereas other events are one off workshops focusing on something specific like sustainability in theatre or opportunities for young artists to meet future collaborators. Often workshops are organised around the programming of theatre shows and exhibitions drawing on themes featured within them. We’ve put some short summaries below of some of the regular groups. 

Meeting on the first Friday of the month, the playreading group is a space for anyone to read and then communally philosophise on a chosen script. All texts are provided as well as light refreshments. Wherever possible the texts you’ll be looking at are linked to the shows currently on in the venue however, the group does also sometimes look at seminal works. Unlike watching a production, playreading with a group can let you experience a play with less of the questions answered. It leaves space for discussion about ambiguities in the plot. It encourages you to think about how, if you were directing the show, you would stage it.

Mothers Who Make (MWM) is a peer support group and creative exchange session for mothers who are artists – professional and/or passionate – writers, painters, actors, dancers, filmmakers or photographers. Every kind of maker is welcome, and every kind of mother. The group meet at HOME on a monthly basis.The challenges faced by artists and families at the moment are more real than they’ve ever been before. This is a space to share in those very specific problems and have a group listen, who fully understand the reality of trying to maintain a creative career whilst looking after and providing for children. 

Check out the dates for both of these groups as well as the one off workshops at HOME over the coming season.