LEAD - Practitioner Residency

For facilitators, educators, and creative leaders who want to lead with impact, empathy, and embodied creativity.

Lead is a two-day residency designed for practitioners working in education, community and participatory arts. Rooted in Gecko’s physical theatre methodology, it offers practical tools and inspiration for leading dynamic, inclusive spaces that centre physical expression and emotional connection.

WHO IS IT FOR?

This programme is suitable for facilitators, teachers, and creative practitioners working in:

• Schools

• Youth, outreach, and community contexts

• Creative learning and participatory practice

Participants must be comfortable with highly physical, collaborative work.

Gecko is committed to diversity, inclusion and equality within the arts and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.

WHAT WILL I BE DOING?

Participants will explore:

• Tools for inclusive practice

• Planning frameworks and devising structures

• Physical storytelling through movement, breath, and language

• Space for reflection, experimentation, and creative growth

WHAT WILL I GAIN?

• Practical approaches to bring Gecko’s methodology into your own settings

• Confidence in leading physical, expressive processes

• A toolkit of exercises and strategies for immediate use

• Stronger connection to your creative voice and leadership style

• A new network of like-minded peers

WHEN IS IT?

• Saturday 16th - Sunday 17th May 2026

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

• £230 (incl. VAT)

WHERE WILL IT TAKE PLACE?

• Clod Ensemble, C2, Design District, 3 Cripps Yard, Soames Walk, London, SE10 0BQ

ARE THERE ANY BURSARY PLACES AVAILABLE?

Gecko is committed to creating opportunities for those who are underrepresented in the arts, and we particularly welcome applications from artists from the global majority, those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, and d/Deaf, neurodivergent and disabled artists.

We will be offering a limited number of bursary places for this residency, which cover the participation fee. To apply for a bursary please complete this section of the application form to tell us a little about your background, circumstances and why receiving a bursary would enable you to take part in this opportunity.

Bursary places are intended for applicants who would otherwise not be able to take part for financial reasons. If you are able to participate without financial support, we kindly ask that you do not apply for a bursary. We do offer a finance plan to help spread the costs if this would better support your access.

Please note that participants will need to arrange their own travel and accommodation.

“This is the best my disability has been treated in any of the training I've done…it means so much to me that I had such a smooth and joyous time.” - Spring ‘23 Residency Participant

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A PLACE?
Places are via application only, 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:

• Uploading a CV or equivalent

• Uploading a recent headshot

• Uploading a short video (no longer than 3 minutes) telling us a bit about yourself -detailing why you want to take part in the residency and how it will influence your practice and professional development, and what you want to take away from the weekend.

• Your reason for applying for a bursary place, if applicable

• Equality and Diversity section