WHO IS IT FOR?

This masterclass is for experienced performers and theatre makers with a minimum of three years’ professional experience who are interested in physical, ensemble-led approaches to creating performance.

We’re looking for 16 curious and open artists who are ready to immerse themselves in five intensive days of training, exploration and creation. The masterclass will involve highly physical, collaborative work, so participants should be prepared to engage fully with this way of working.

Gecko is committed to diversity, inclusion and equality within the arts, and we warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

WHAT WILL I BE DOING?

Over five days, you’ll work closely with Amit, Chris and the other participants, experiencing the ways Gecko creates work from inside the rehearsal room.

Through preparation, ensemble building and serious play, you’ll explore how your own stories, ideas and passions can become the starting point for creating work. We’ll look at how movement, imagery and theatrical language can open up ideas, build emotional worlds and gradually shape material into performance.

We’ll also explore how breath and language can help you connect with emotion and access emotional spaces safely within the creative process.

The masterclass will be filmed throughout the week, capturing the work as it unfolds. You’ll also be invited to reflect on your experience on camera, so that the voices and perspectives of the artists taking part become an important part of the final online resource.

DO I HAVE TO BE FILMED TO TAKE PART?

Yes! Filming will take place throughout the week and is an essential part of the residency. Participants must be comfortable being filmed while taking part in sessions and creative activities, as well as being asked questions and sharing reflections on camera if invited to do so. This footage will contribute to the creation of the masterclass resource, and participants must be happy for their filmed contributions to be included in the final publicly available resource.

WHAT WILL I GAIN?

• First-hand insight into Gecko’s creative process and what it feels like to work inside a Gecko rehearsal room.

• A deeper understanding of Gecko’s approach to devising, and how personal stories and ideas can be developed into performance.

• Practical tools and techniques to take into your own creative and performance-making practice.

• New perspectives and creative connections from working closely with a small ensemble of experienced artists.

• A place in Gecko’s 25th anniversary story, contributing your reflections and experiences to a new masterclass resource that will share Gecko’s practice with artists around the world.

DATES

• Monday 23rd - Friday 27th November 2026

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

• £620 (incl. VAT)

• A finance plan is available to spread the costs.

WHERE WILL IT TAKE PLACE?

• The Lanterns Studio Theatre, Unit D. Great Eastern Enterprise, 3 Millharbour, London E14 9XP

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A PLACE?
Places are via application only and participants must have studied theatre/dance/drama at a professional level and have a minimum of three years professional experience as a performer and/or maker.

Participants will be selected based on experience and suitability for this programme.

You will need to fill out our application form with the following information:

• CV or equivalent

• Recent headshot

• Short video (no longer than 3 minutes) answering three questions…

  1) Why do you want to work with Gecko on this Masterclass and why now?

  2) What are you interested in as an artist?

  3) Tell us something about you?

  If you need more time due to access requirements or personal preference, please feel free to exceed 3 minutes and adjust the timing to suit your needs.

• Equality and Diversity section

Please note you will need a google account to complete the form.