Theatre Drop In: Space to Play

Looking to hone your onstage skills?

Whether you’re interested in acting, movement, or just performing on stage, this weekly Theatre Drop In gives you space to stay creative, build confidence, and explore new approaches to performance.

Each session offers a fresh focus – from improv and ensemble work to devising and cabaret – led by experienced facilitators who’ll help you experiment, play, and develop your craft in a supportive, relaxed environment. You can join every week or drop in whenever you can – each session stands alone.

This term’s sessions include:

• Week 1: Ensemble – Build trust and confidence through collaborative exercise
• Week 2: Improv – Explore spontaneity and creative play
• Week 3: Movement – Develop body awareness and physical storytelling skills
• Week 4: Character Voice with Andrea – Bring your characters to life through vocal expression
• Week 5: Cabaret Performance – Find your stage persona and performance energy
• Week 6: Music with Kensaye – Blend rhythm and movement through live sound
• Week 7: Verbatim Theatre – Create authentic work from real voices and experiences
• Week 8: Devising – Collaborate to build original performances from scratch
• Week 9: Scratch Night – Share what you’ve created in an informal showcase

Please note: schedule is subject to change. For updates, email performingarts.projects@roundhouse.org.uk

What do I get by taking part? 

• Have a guided creative outlet once a week
• Meet other theatre makers and performers
• Learn from expert facilitators in a supportive, non-judgmental space
• Take away potential new ideas or inspiration for new work

Who is teaching the project? 

Phao May is a Movement Director, Director, Choreographer and Facilitator, working across stage and screen in London. She attained a foundation in Acting from RADA in 2014, and later an MA in Movement Directing and Teaching from The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in 2022. She has collaborated with Soho Theatre, The Bush, and National Youth Theatre and created work for Edinburgh Fringe and The Vaults. Her creative work spans plays, devised work, commercials, music videos and live comedy, working with trained actors and musicians, community groups and comedians. 

Isaac Jordan is a theatre director, writer and facilitator. His work focuses on the intersection of community heritage, theatre and storytelling: exploring ways to celebrate and strengthen everyday communities. As well as working with the Roundhouse, he has collaborated with organisations including the Natural History Museum, SPID Theatre, the Pink Singers, UCL, Half Moon Theatre and Richmond Theatre.

Plus guests! We will also have guest tutors for some sessions who will bring their expertise in areas such as script writing, comedy, etc.

Do I need any particular skills or experience to take part?

You don’t need any specific skills, but this will be most relevant to people who have done at least a bit of theatre or movement before. Open to all levels – we welcome back people who have attended previous terms.

How to enrol

This is a drop in session, just show up at Roundhouse Studios and pay £2 on arrival. It’s first-come first-served with limited spaces, so we ask that you arrive by 6.30pm at the latest to sign in. Latecomers will be admitted only if there is space.

I’M NOT SURE I CAN AFFORD TO TAKE PART…

If you need help to pay for things like project fees, transport or childcare, we can help. Find out how you can get support. If you are using a bursary to pay for the project, please ensure you arrange this with the Advice Base with plenty of time before the start of the project.

I HAVE ADDITIONAL NEEDS. WHAT SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE?

We are committed to supporting D/deaf, disabled and neurodiverse young people, those with medical conditions, access requirements or any lived experience that may require adaptation, support or sensitivity. If there is anything you would like to let us (our youth workers, tutors or staff) know that will support your enjoyment and access, you can do so by emailing us at advicebase@roundhouse.org.uk, and we will contact you to discuss further how to best support your engagement.