LEAD Residency

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 Total 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 and SEND settings
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:

Adaptable techniques drawn from Gecko’s rehearsal room
Tools for inclusive, emotionally responsive facilitation
Planning frameworks and devising structures
Physical storytelling through movement, breath, and language
Space for reflection, experimentation, and creative growth

*Please be aware that some of the work has a strong emotional component. Please get in touch if you wish to discuss this further.

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)
A finance plan is available to spread the costs.

WHERE WILL IT TAKE PLACE?

LONDON - Studio TBC

ARE THERE ANY BURSARY PLACES AVAILABLE?
Equality, diversity and inclusion are central elements of Gecko’s essence, supporting our vision of deepening human connection through physical, visual, visceral and ambitious performance and participation.

“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

Gecko is committed to creating opportunities for those who are underrepresented in the arts and we are particularly keen to receive applications from artists from the global majority, those from a lower socio-economic background, d/Deaf, neurodivergent and disabled artists. Therefore, we will be offering bursary places for this residency which covers the cost of the fee. Please note, participants will need to arrange their own travel and accommodation. If you would benefit from this opportunity, please complete the appropriate section of the application.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A PLACE?
Places are via application only 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, and detailing why you want to take part in the residency and how it will influence your practice and professional development.
Your reason for applying for a bursary place, if applicable
Equality and Diversity section