Hot Prospects: Ensemble Theatre-Making at the National Football Museum

As part of the National Football Museum’s Hot Prospects series, theatre-maker, performer and facilitator Alistair Wilkinson will be giving people a hands-on introduction to theatrical ensemble devising. Join them to explore techniques, connect with your body and develop your voice to become a more confident performer, whether that’s in a creative space or day-to-day life. Theatre-making is a highly varied and personal art form, Alistair will be sharing their approach to give participants a starting point to explore their own style and process.

During the workshop, you’ll look at grounding techniques, vocal training, improvising and physicality. Through exercises, games and provocations, you’ll be given tools that can help you take real ownership of a text and develop a character fully. It’s a space to play and try things out without feeling the pressure that anything needs to be too polished. You’ll learn how to respond and perform authentically and reactively, rather than prescriptive.

Theatre-making as an ensemble gives you a heightened awareness of how people occupy and share space in a room. These skills are equally applicable to everyday situations as they are on stage.

Alistair Wilkinson trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and was part of the Royal Court’s Invitation Writers’ Group. They’ve previously worked for the BBC, Punchdrunk, Sky TV, the National Theatre, the Barbican Centre as well as the FA. In addition to working directly on high-profile shows and experiences in both the theatrical and sporting worlds, their practice extends to supporting and developing emerging artists too.

Participants are advised to bring clothes they are comfortable moving around in as well as plenty of water. This workshop is free to attend for all 16 to 25-year-olds based in Greater Manchester. As well as giving some grounding in the world of physical theatre, this session offers a great way to meet like-minded people and connect with other young aspiring theatre-makers.

Ensemble Theatre-Making is just one of many Hot Prospects creative workshops at the Museum so be sure to check out the full program.