MAKE - Theatre Maker Residency

Explore Gecko’s devising process through Total Theatre.

MAKE is a week-long professional development residency for theatre makers, choreographers, directors and practitioners interested in deepening their devising practice.

Led by Gecko artists and rooted in Artistic Director Amit Lahav’s approach, this intensive experience offers rare access to the tools and techniques behind Gecko’s emotionally driven, movement-based work.

WHO IS IT FOR?

This programme is suitable for mid and early-career practitioners working across theatre, choreography and direction, with a passion for physical and devised work. We are always excited to work with open hearted, curious, creative and collaborative individuals.

Participants must be comfortable with highly physical, collaborative work.

Our residencies are only open to applicants who have not previously taken part in a Gecko Residency. For artists who wish to continue their professional development with us, we also run returners residencies and other opportunities for further development which will be sent directly to you rather than advertised publicly.

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

WHAT WILL I BE DOING?

Our week-long MAKE residencies explore the methods Artistic Director Amit Lahav implements when devising a production. Through preparation, ensemble building, serious play, simple beginnings and highly physical, dynamic tasks and activities, you will focus on methods for creating movement for performance. You will delve into the use of breath and language to express, and open doors to accessing emotional spaces safely. Participants will be nurtured and challenged in their artistic decision-making and the residency will culminate in the creation of a short ensemble piece, putting what you have learned into practice.

Participants will explore:

• Gecko’s devising methodology

• Generating and shaping physical material

• Ensemble-building and collaborative creation

• The performer’s journey through narrative, emotion and movement

• Ownership of creative voice and authorship

The residency focuses on experimentation, process and collaboration, culminating in the creation of a short ensemble piece.

*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?

• A practical understanding of Gecko’s creative approach

• Strategies for movement-led, emotionally resonant performance

• Confidence in devising and leading new work

• Tools to support long-term artistic development

• A new network of creative collaborators

UPCOMING RESIDENCY

• Date: Monday 2nd - Friday 6th March 2026

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

• £500 (incl. VAT)

• A finance plan is available to spread the costs.

WHERE WILL IT TAKE PLACE?

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

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 fee, accommodation and subsistence. Please note, participants will need to arrange their own travel. 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 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:

• 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 training and professional development.

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

• Equality and Diversity section

APPLICATIONS OPEN 2026