In 2020 as a response to Covid-19, Poleroid launched TWO SERIES of SELL OUT reduced price online open workshops with some of the UK's HOTTEST theatre makers, to support entry level and established artists, enabling them to CONNECT with new people, REVIVE their skillset & CREATE ideas.
17 WORKSHOPS.
300 PARTICIPANTS.
1 ZOOM.
These sessions are the perfect opportunity for
EMERGING THEATRE MAKERS, GRADUATES or EXPERIENCED CREATIVES
to expand their skillset, forge helpful relationships in the industry and feel supported for the future.
HOSTS HAVE INCLUDED:
RSC Director & Artistic Director of the Unicorn Theatre JUSTIN AUDIBERT
Royal Court Pinter Award Winning playwright BRAD BIRCH
BAFTA nominated writer KENNY EMSON
Young Vic JMK Award Winning Director JOSH ROCHE
Frantic Assembly Creative Associate SIMON PITTMAN
Headlong Origins Associate Director MARIA CROCKER
War Horse Associate GARETH ALED
Poleroid Artistic Director & Old Vic 12 Producer MOLLY ROBERTS
BE THE FIRST TO KNOW ABOUT NEW WORKSHOPS
Poleroid are pleased to have been able to provide subsidised workshop places for artists in financial hardship find out more here.
PAST WORKSHOPS
An Introduction to… Reinterpreting Classics: making relevant work for contemporary audiences
With director JUSTIN AUDIBERT
Justin Audibert is Artistic Director of the Unicorn Theatre, the UK's leading theatre for young audiences. He has also directed over 30 professional productions including work for the National Theatre, the Young Vic and most recently the gender-swapped production of The Taming of The Shrew at the Royal Shakespeare Company. Here he gives an introductory session for directors on how you go about reimagining work from the classical repertoire to make it relevant to a contemporary audience. He will discuss collaboration, editing text and how to make a concept into a fully formed world onstage.
https://www.shepherdmanagement.co.uk/agents/justin-audibert/
An Introduction to… Directing for the Fringe
With director JOSH ROCHE
Your favourite director is Sam Mendes but the stage you're working with is smaller than a postage stamp. Problem? Not necessarily. Award winning director Josh Roche talks through the 'do's, the 'do not's and 'don't even try's of directing for fringe spaces.
Josh won the 20th JMK Award with his production of My Name is Rachel Corrie (Young Vic) and has been Associate/Assistant Director on numerous productions at the RSC and Globe. From 2011 to 2016 he was the Artistic Director of Fat Git Theatre and is currently Associate Director with Poleroid Theatre for whom he recently directed the 5 star sell out hit Plastic by Kenny Emson at the Old Red Lion, Mercury Theatre & Latitude.
You might also like Josh's One-on-One Script Reading Service! Info here
An Introduction to… Playwriting & New Work
With playwright KENNY EMSON
A workshop lead by BAFTA nominated and award-winning Essex born playwright Kenny Emson for any aspiring writer looking to hone their skills and find about more about how to establish yourself and your voice as an artist within the modern theatre landscape.
This workshop will including useful writing exercises, tips on how to build relationships with theatres, and anecdotes about Kenny’s ten years working as a professional writer.
Kenny is a past winner of the Mercury Theatre playwriting prize, the Adopt a Playwright Award, the Adrienne Benham Award and the Clare McIntyre Bursary at the Royal Court Theatre. His plays have been performed by the Bush Theatre, Nabokov, Eastern Angles and High Tide Theatre companies and he has also worked for the BBC across their continuing drama shows, writing for Eastenders, Doctors and for radio 3 and 4. He recently wrote the five star sell out hit Plastic for Poleroid Theatre.
An Introduction to... Crafting A Play’s Shape and Structure: Determining the tone, rhythm and tempo of a night at the theatre.
With playwright BRAD BIRCH
The way we shape our play has a huge influence on how the audience experiences it. This conversation about structure will open up the different choices we can make when determining the tone, rhythm and tempo of a night at the theatre.
Brad Birch is an award-winning playwright and screenwriter whose plays have been produced all over the world. In 2016 he was awarded The Harold Pinter Commission at the Royal Court. His anthology collection Plays One is published by Methuen.
An Introduction to... Developing Character & Plot
With playwright BRAD BIRCH ★ BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND ★
After the sell-out success of his workshop 'Crafting A Play’s Shape And Structure: Determining the tone, rhythm and tempo of a night at the theatre', Brad Birch returns to Poleroid to talk about developing character and plot. Sometimes the idea for 'a thing that happens' comes to us first, sometimes the idea for 'a character' comes to us first. This workshop aims to demonstrate how we can use the right tools to develop a plot out of the first sprouts of an idea - whichever way we come into it. There is no one way to do it, and there are no hard and fast rules, but we will be approaching character using exercises and theories that have long been utilised by loads of writers in the past - so it's worth a shot, isn't it?
Brad Birch is an award-winning playwright and screenwriter whose plays have been produced all over the world. In 2016 he was awarded The Harold Pinter Commission at the Royal Court. His anthology collection Plays One is published by Methuen.
An Introduction to… Moving from theatre to television writing
With writer CAMILLA WHITEHILL
Writing for theatre is fun, but wouldn’t it be even more fun writing for a medium where you can just cut to a different scene when you’ve run out of ideas? Camilla Whitehill talks you through turning a middling career in theatre into a semi-successful career in television.
Camilla Whitehill is an award-winning playwright and television writer. Work includes stuff for the BBC, Dave, cool fringe theatre that made her no money (some of which you can buy in book form) and a twitter account she’s now trying to forget about.
An Introduction to… Being An Artist: creative strategies for directors & theatre-makers
With movement director SIMON PITTMAN
Simon is a freelance director and movement director, and Creative Associate at Frantic Assembly.
This workshop will help you think and talk about what you do, how you do it, and look at ways of unlocking new approaches to devising work from scratch. Through a combination of interactive creative tasks and discussions Simon's sessions look at what it means to collaborate, how we talk about our work, where ideas come from and how to develop them in form, content and process.
Simon recently started a new project called Better Creating, helping freelance creatives up their game through online content. See bettercreating.com for more. simonpittman.com
An Introduction to… Physical Ensemble Storytelling
With actor & puppetry director GARETH ALED
Imaginative, creative & collaborative theatre made by company full of generosity and heart.
What are the demands placed on you?
What personal qualities are conducive to good work?
What techniques may you need to learn and adapt?
& how do you sustain and navigate the intense process of auditions, rehearsals, technical rehearsals, previews, press and run.
Gareth is an Actor and Director. Most recently he was Associate Puppetry Director on Sally Cookson’s The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe at The Bridge Theatre and Resident Puppetry Director for the National Theatre, War Horse UK & International Tour. Acting credits include National Theatre, Leeds Playhouse, Complicite, Elliot & Harper and RSC.
An Introduction to…Assistant/Resident/Associate Directors
Who are they?
With director MARIA CROCKER
What’s the difference between an assistant director and a resident director? What does an associate director actually do?
Having worked alongside some of the industries most exciting creatives, this workshop aims to define assistant/resident/associate roles, their relationship with actors, and share various pathways available to directors who are interested in working in these positions.
Maria Crocker is a Headlong Origins associate artist, a regional director practitioner for JMK and runner up for the Sir Peter Hall RTST Directors Award 2019. As well as her own productions, her work as associate director includes Local Hero for The Edinburgh Lyceum; Hadestown for The National Theatre; Meek for Headlong and Birmingham Rep. Her work as assistant or staff director includes Pinocchio at The National Theatre; Mood Music at The Old Vic.
An Introduction to… Understudies: for Directors, Actors & Stage Managers
With director JOSH ROCHE
Unappreciated in your lifetime? As it was for Van Gogh, so too for Understudies - undoubtedly the most thankless task in theatre, it is also one of the most difficult. Award winning Director Josh Roche unpacks the tricksy world of the understudy company. A workshop for actors and directors which looks at the common questions - do I just copy the lead? How do I find rehearsal time? When do I need to be off-book? Can I direct or am I just managing stage moves? and a lot else besides.
Josh won the 20th JMK Award with his production of My Name is Rachel Corrie (Young Vic) and has been Associate/Assistant Director on numerous productions at the RSC and Globe. From 2011 to 2016 he was the Artistic Director of Fat Git Theatre and is currently Associate Director with Poleroid Theatre for whom he recently directed the 5 star sell out hit Plastic by Kenny Emson at the Old Red Lion, Mercury Theatre & Latitude.
You might also like Josh's One-on-One Script Reading Service! Info here
An Introduction to… Directing New Writing and Dramaturgy.
With director BETHANY PITTS
What are the specific demands of directing new writing?
Director / writer collaborations - the dos / don'ts and the exceptions
What even is dramaturgy?
This workshop will delve into the nitty gritty of directing new work, exploring how to work with a writer from first draft to fully staged show. We will work through giving notes, building and sustaining relationships with writers and how you handle radical rewriting during a process and keep your team together... And we will also touch on the much debated subject of dramaturgy and what role a director can play in that.
Beth is a Fringe First Award Winning Director and Dramaturg and an Associate Director of Poleroid Theatre. She specialises in new work and has worked with writers including Vinay Patel, Isley Lynn, Milly Thomas, Maud Dromgoole, Stephanie Martin and many others.
THEATRE PRODUCING WORKSHOPS
An Introduction to… Starting a theatre company & producing your first show
★ BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND ★
With MOLLY ROBERTS
Award winning Producer and Actor Molly Roberts presents the ins and outs of setting up your own company and getting your first fringe theatre show off the ground in this accessible and encouraging workshop. Empowering early years theatre makers to feel confident in taking the first steps to making their own work even if they've got no experience or financial backing!
Topics will include ORGANISATIONAL SET UP, BRANDING, APPROACHING VENUES, MARKETING, FINANCES, first steps to FUNDRAISING + Q&A.
Molly is Artistic Director of multi-award winning new writing company Poleroid Theatre and a freelance theatre Producer (The Old Vic 12, Stage One) specialising in working collaboratively with new writing, developing emerging artists and championing new talent. Molly has successfully balanced a career in professional acting (West End/BBC) and her own theatre making, giving her a unique perspective on how artists can proactively pursue their interests and become confident multi-disciplined members of the industry.
Molly's One-on-One Producing Surgery! Info here
An Introduction to… Writing Arts Council England Funding Applications
With MOLLY ROBERTS
Award winning Producer Molly Roberts aims to demystify the Arts Council application process for first time applicants. Molly will take participants on a step by step guide through all the elements of an Under 15K Arts Council National Lottery Project Grants application process.
Participants will look at each application question in depth to understand its meaning, what is required for each response, the best format to answer to each question, and how to provide a clear, well thought through project narrative giving you the best chance of funding success.
Molly has written numerous successful Arts Council England funding applications for Poleroid Theatre, various freelance engagements and for herself as an individual.
You might also like Molly's One-on-One Producing Surgery! Info here
Producing your first show... Next Step!
With MOLLY ROBERTS
This workshop is a useful top up to our “An Introduction to… Setting up a theatre company & producing your first show” but can also be attended as a stand alone Producing workshop!
Following on from the “An Introduction to… Starting a theatre company & producing your first show”, Award winning Producer Molly Roberts delivers this top up session to look in more detail at certain elements that go into producing your first show.
Topics include BUDGETING - How to make a budget when you have no money, and how to make a budget when you've got funding in place!
MARKETING & AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT - getting those bums on seats! PRODUCTION PACKS, CONTRACTS & MORE!
With time to also discuss individual project queries.
You might also like Molly's One-on-One Producing Surgery! Info here
ONE-ON-ONE SESSIONS
ONE-ON-ONE PRODUCING SURGERY
With MOLLY ROBERTS
Cost: £30
1 Hour Zoom Meeting
Molly is offering a one-on-one surgery for individuals or companies to give bespoke mentorship & advise on particular project queries, funding applications, or to look in depth at specific elements of theatre producing.
Molly is Artistic Director of multi-award winning new writing company Poleroid Theatre and a freelance theatre Producer (The Old Vic 12, Stage One) specialising in working collaboratively with new writing, developing emerging artists and championing new talent.
Molly teaches New Writing Development and Theatre Producing for numerous undergraduate courses at leading UK Drama Schools, Bucks New University, St. Mary’s University, The Old Vic and Poleroid Theatre.
SCRIPT READING SERVICE
10% OFF SPECIAL DEAL!
With JOSH ROCHE
Not currently available.
What you get:
Full Script Report
1 Hour Zoom Meeting
We are really excited to be able to offer this EXCLUSIVE 10% DISCOUNTED SERVICE with Poleroid Associate Director Josh Roche (Plastic - 2018).
Josh is an award winning Director (RSC/Globe/Young Vic) and Dramaturg who has been reading plays on behalf of Sonia Friedman for the last eight years and regularly scouts for work on behalf of Poleroid.
Josh will read your play, put together a report of notes and comments, and then talk it all over with you via Zoom. All for £45
WHAT YOU'RE SAYING ABOUT US
"I couldn’t recommend enough you sign up to a #PLAYIN course that @PoleroidTheatre are offering. Last night Brad Birch gave a literal masterclass in how to shape a play. Some of the most generous and effective advice. A gift."
- Ben, Actor
"Just had an absolutely sick workshop in 'Starting a Theatre Company & Producing your First Show' with Molly from @PoleroidTheatre"
As grad & emerging artist I'm feeling inspired and energised!
- Patrick, Drama school student
Unbelievably efficient, effective, and another e word, effervescent masterclass from #BradBirch today. #PlayIn is connecting heads and that’s something right now! Thank you!
- Guy, Writer
“Today’s workshop was amazing. It was so helpful.”
- Hannah, Drama school undergraduate
“Very insightful and helpful to hear a realistic approach to getting my own work started.”
- Daniel, Drama school undergraduate
"A fantastic insight for the future. Inspiring and productive."
- Glitch Theatre
"Thank you Poleroid Theatre and Molly for the amazing advice session this week! Absolutely brilliant stuff!"
- Eleanor, Drama school undergraduate
"Gave me lots to think about & I'm much more confident"
- Eloise, Drama school undergraduate
"A big thank you to @moyroberts for your rich insight and generosity at the @PoleroidTheatre
workshop. I feel like you’ve imparted what would have taken me a year to work out in an hour - invaluable thank you!"
- Layla via Twitter
Ace workshop w/ @JoshRoche1 on directing for Fringe spaces this evening. An intensive, skills-focused hour. Got pages of notes,
and the thought of directing a show for a 3mx3m square no longer terrifies me. Thanks @PoleroidTheatre
- Jimmy via Twitter
“Another brilliantly insightful workshop… Bring on the next one!”
- Ella via Twitter
“An awesome workshop”
- Sam via Twitter
“So many useful things to take away and one day use!”
- Tia via Twitter
"I’ve got so much information now on creating & producing my own work.
It makes me so excited for the future.”
- India via Twitter
“Very recommended to those looking to produce their own work”
- Shoddy Theatre
"Massively helpful"
- Aaron, University Student
"Fantastic, informative and charming... Gave me the boost I needed to get going with my company's first project"
- Taylor
"Brad Birch, was great - articulated all the old tropes about structure in an entirely new way, and might have actually unlocked a new piece of the puzzle of my play for me!"
- Anonymous
"Bloody brilliant, so insightful and encouraging. Learned loads."
- Jacob, Drama school student
"Having done three of Poleroid's workshops, I can highly recommend them. Molly fits a huge amount of practical information and advice into the allotted time - and her enthusiasm is infectious. I'll definitely be back for more."
- Chris, Writer
CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS
We are happy to offer full refunds on all workshops, provided we are given a full working 72hrs notice.
Workshops require a minimum of 5 participants to run, and full refund or credit note will be issued if bookings full under this amount.