A programme of hour-long workshops in the Tent on the Strand

The workshops are offered on a pay-what-you-will basis with a collection at the end of the session.

The workshops are open to all, subject to age guidance and specific stipulations.

No booking required.

Friday 2.30

Comedy performance - with Shirley Halse

Shirley is a Cheltenham-based writer / performer who, amongst many other things, is the creator and host of the Alternative Book Club comedy show and podcast.

This is Shirley's second time at Barnstaple Fringe Theatrefest - you may remember her from The Reduced Literature Degree in 2019. This year she is presenting The Comprehensive School of Art.

Friday 3.30

Try improvised comedy! - with Nick Hall

Why not have a go at improvised comedy - in a fun and friendly setting. Nick Hall is an experienced improv teacher from London who will be introducing people to the fun of making things up on the spot, through a series of exciting and supportive improvised games and scenes. No skills are required in advance - just turn up, be yourself and have fun! age 16+

Nick has taken nine shows to the Edinburgh Fringe, as well as performing at the Brighton Fringe, Latitude Festival, Soho Theatre, Princes Trust, and Bloomsbury Theatre. Nick has also appeared on Sky News, The Times Red Box podcast and written for The Independent. Catch him in Nick Hall: Restart

Friday 4.30

Friends From The Past - creating museum theatre characters with John Bassett

How do you create a character or performance based on historical research? How detailed do you need the research to be? How much of what you perform can be the total truth and how much is assumption? What is history? John Bassett from Spaniel in the Works Theatre Company presents this special workshop based on his 30 years working with theatre companies in museums including the Science Museum, Natural History Museum, The V&A, London Transport Museum, Stroud Museum in the Park and various other historical properties.

In the workshop John will share stories about characters he has created using historical research - the good, the bad and the difficult - how the truth about historical figures is often more interesting than the myth and what you need to be able to be more than just "a man dressed up". Workshop visitors are invited to bring along one piece of their own personal history to learn more about how they can find the full story behind a name on a piece of paper. Suitable for ages 11 and above.

Saturday 11.00

Voice and Text – fun exercises to try on any speech - with Cecily Blyther

These fantastic exercises are some of the ones used by the actors in the RSC. Michael Corbidge, their voice and text coach, has run similar workshops for us, when Studio Theatre Ilfracombe took part in the RSC Open Stages events.

The emphasis is on taking the word off the page – without any preconceptions and no conscious “acting”!

All you need to bring is yourself.

Saturday 3.30

Words make the world go round! - with Trevor Carter

Award-winning poet and storyteller The Bard of Windmill offers insights into effective verbal performance. This will be based on his 'Ten Pillars of Performance' approach. You will be introduced to the different aspects of effective performance and given a road map for further improvement. Those who progress in life are not necessarily the most knowledgeable or intelligent, but often the ones who can sound most convincing. It's a skill worth investing in.

Saturday 5.30

The Performers Play - with Bryony Chave-Cox

Work singly or in a group to create a performance piece for a relaxed sharing at the end of the workshop.

Performers in the festival might use the opportunity to relax and play, collaborate and create. Those who've been inspired by the Festival might enjoy the opportunity to try something new in a gentle environment.

Under 18s, vulnerable adults, or those who may need assistance to access an interactive classroom based learning environment to bring a chaperone over 18 please.

Sunday 3.30

Festival Faces! - with Jane Elliott of Puppet Roadshow

Come and make a quick and easy stick puppet using your own design to create a funny face to celebrate the last day if Fringe 2022.

Children and vulnerable people must be supervised please.