Theatre Makers

Get stuck into the fun, creative process of making theatre from scratch. Over eight weeks, you’ll explore how to build powerful, original pieces using your own ideas, experiences and imagination. Through drama games, movement, improvisation and group storytelling, you’ll learn what it takes to tell stories that feel fresh and true to you. You’ll meet like-minded young creatives, work as part of a team, grow in confidence and find your voice on stage – whether you’re new to drama or already have some experience.

By the end of the course, you’ll take part in a relaxed, low-pressure sharing where you can showcase what you’ve created to friends and family.

Over the 8 week course you will:

• Play drama games to break the ice and get comfortable working as a group
• Use improvisation games to create stories and scenes, and spark your imagination
• Reflect on your life experience to find your voice
• Explore the stories you want to tell
• Work as a group to devise short sketches using dialogue and movement
• Learn about working as a group and how new pieces of theatre are created
• Work towards a ‘scratch night’ style performance in the final session – sharing short scenes you’ve devised/written over the course in an informal performance to friends and family

What do I get by taking part? 

• Develop your acting and writing skills
• Learn about how to tell your own stories through drama
• Improve your abilities in self-reflection and expression
• Meet and collaborate with other people who enjoy theatre and performing
• Have fun!

Who is teaching the project? 

Phao Wheatley

Phao is a Movement Director, Choreographer, Theatre Director, Intimacy Director, and Facilitator based in South-East London. Her work blends physicality, theatricality, and narrative to create bold, expressive storytelling that provokes, empowers, and connects.

With over a decade in the arts, Phao has collaborated with leading venues, companies and schools, including The Bush Theatre, Soho Theatre, National Youth Theatre and Guildhall School of Music and Drama. 

Phao’s creative background spans stage, screen, cabaret, music videos, commercials, and community projects, with training that includes an MA in Movement: Directing and Teaching from The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and an Acting Foundation from RADA.

Whether creating movement for theatre, choreographing for music videos, or leading workshops, Phao’s process balances rigour with play, creating spaces where performers can take risks, push boundaries, and bring their full creative selves to the work.

Isaac Jordan

Hi I’m Isaac, I’m a theatre practitioner and director based in London, I’ve been part of a huge range of projects for Roundhouse over the years and really enjoy coming back every term to see both familiar and new faces in a workshop! 

I’ve worked in theatre for close to ten years and have built a specialism in making theatre which explores the stories of communities and locations which are at risk of being lost or forgotten. I’ve worked on projects like this for spaces including the Bush Theatre, Buckinghamshire Archives, Theatre Peckham, Pleasance, UCL and the V&A, using a lot of devising, improv and archival and social research in my work.

Working with young people is a big part of my practice and you can expect playful sessions with plenty of room for curiosity and encouraging new ideas.

I’m really excited to explore writing for stage with you. You can expect a lot of fun games and collaborative creative writing exercises that can quickly help to shape dialogue, explore subtext, structure scenes and bring greater depth to your characters.

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

No, this is open to all levels of experience. We welcome people new to drama and welcome back people who’ve been to one of our theatre programmes before.

How to join

Book your place online using the enrol button. Spaces are limited so book now to avoid disappointment.

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.