Workshops

Led by Gecko’s highly experienced devising performers, our workshops are a practical and engaging exploration of the devising processes and performance techniques we use when creating a show.

Due to a high number of workshop bookings across the upcoming academic year, we’re only taking bookings in certain weeks. When booking your workshop via the workshop booking form, you can select your preferred week from our list of available dates.

Delivered at your venue (and available internationally), our workshops support the teaching of students in schools (Year 10 upwards), colleges and universities, giving participants the chance to experience Gecko’s unique style of movement and physical theatre, as well as an opportunity to gain an insight into the creative processes Gecko’s devising performers use when creating a show. 

Whether you’re looking to enhance your learning experience at degree or masters level, introduce your students to physical theatre, set an exam brief or stimulus, or support delivery of A/AS Level and International Baccalaureate courses for drama and theatre, our workshops are customised to meet your specific needs, with our workshop leaders working with you to ensure your students gain the most from the experience. We’re proud to be a recommended practitioner on various GCSE, A/AS Level and IB syllabuses.

Workshops can be led by one or two of our facilitators and can last up to two days depending on your requirements. Bespoke projects and longer workshops are also available on request.

Gecko is equipped and committed to making our workshops accessible and inclusive for disabled participants. Please make us aware of any accessibility requirements when completing the request form so that we can incorporate any actions you require of us into our workshop delivery.

Any questions? Contact us at workshops@geckotheatre.com

 
A gecko practitioner faces away from the camera reaching her left hand out. A group of teachers behind her reach with their arms out towards the palm of her hand. They have their mouths open, looking scared.

“Students and staff were inspired by the practitioner’s energy, expertise and dedication.”

Teacher at Langley Park Girls' School

 
 
A side angle of two young people shouting, leaning forward with their fists in the air. One has shoulder length brown hair and is wearing glasses. The person behind has brain hair back in a pony tail.

“We felt safe to explore in the atmosphere you had created. Everyone loved getting stuck in to the physicality of the work, and it has reminded many that they can challenge their bodies to move in different ways.”

Teacher at Teatr Cymru

 

Everything you need to know

  • Half-day workshops (three hours):
    £450 + VAT with one practitioner
    £650 + VAT with two practitioners
    Includes The Wedding (Video Resources), valid for one term.

    Full-day workshops (up to seven hours including a one-hour lunch break. Full day workshops can also be split into 2 half-day workshops working with two different groups of max. 20 participants in each.):
    £600 + VAT with one practitioner
    £800 + VAT with two practitioners
    Includes The Wedding (Video Resources), valid for one term.

    Two-day workshops (up to seven hours per day including a one-hour lunch break):
    £850 + VAT with one practitioner
    £1,250 + VAT with two practitioners
    Includes The Wedding (Video Resources), valid for one term.

    Bespoke projects and longer workshops:
    Available on request please contact us to discuss your requirements.

    Included in each workshop package is online access to a performance of our critically acclaimed production The Wedding and the accompanying making of documentary, The Wedding: Making Total Theatre for the 21st Century, ideal resources for students to critically review or use as a stimulus for devising.

  • The maximum group size is 20 students per workshop leader.

    We’re able to work with larger numbers if the group is split into two or more separate workshops.

    For groups of more than 20 that cannot be separated into two or more sessions, an additional workshop leader will be required as well as an additional space.

  • The workshop space should be an appropriate size for the group, allowing sufficient personal space so as not to come into contact with an obstruction or fellow performer. The room should have a ceiling height that allows for jumping and flooring should be suitable for working barefoot (clean, clear and safe).

    We also ask that the room be kept as clear as possible of other objects to minimise the chance of injury through slips and trips.

  • Our practitioner will need an amp or stereo system (including suitable cables) to play the output from an iPod or laptop that Gecko will provide.

    You will also need some large sheets of paper or a flipchart, some coloured pens and some masking tape or blue tack.

    Tables or chairs are not needed unless requested for the workshop content.

  • Students should be introduced to Gecko’s work prior to their workshop with us. Please encourage them to visit our website and YouTube Channel, on which we have many video resources as well as some of our past shows which are all available to watch in full.

    On the day we ideally prefer to work in an environment where participants wear their own clothing, rather than uniforms. This should be suitable for physical activity, such as tracksuit bottoms, leggings, t-shirts and sweatshirts. Workshops are usually done in bare feet, but participants should bring trainers or other suitable sports shoes just in case. We ask participants not to wear jewellery and for long hair to be tied back.

    Gecko workshops are highly physical and those taking part should bring a bottle of water with them to keep hydrated throughout the workshop.

  • Absolutely! Gecko are experienced with working with groups of multiple abilities and are keen to ensure all participants have the best experience possible during our workshops. There is a section in our booking form where you can detail any additional requirements, and we will also ensure there is an opportunity to further discuss these with your practitioner prior to the workshop.

Download our booking requirements for full details of student numbers, group sizes, room requirements, clothing and equipment needed etc.