Elevate Taster Workshops (various dates)
We are excited that the Elevate programme 2026 is now open.
Are you an Early Career Artist interested in non-verbal, physical story telling? Have you tried full mask performance before? Fancy the chance to be part of Vamos Theatre’s Elevate 2026 FREE four-day training residency in mask and physical theatre? Then come and join us for a taster session.
Vamos Theatre’s Elevate programme trains and inspires the next generation of artists from diverse communities across the UK (18 years +). The programme is open to all, but we are especially interested in meeting artists from ethnic minority backgrounds, deaf artists or those whose finances might be a barrier to accessing training opportunities.
The first stage, open to all, is a free full mask taster session where you can immerse yourself in Vamos Theatre’s approach to mask theatre, creating physical character and devising non-verbal theatre that connects and moves audiences. This includes a workshop led in BSL, with interpretation for hearing participants, at Bristol Old Vic.
From these nationwide taster workshops, Vamos Theatre selects a group of artists to attend a free residency in October 2026, where you’ll receive intensive training and space to create a public performance. All Elevate graduates will become part of our Alumni and be offered opportunities for further online and in-person training in the future.
The Autumn residency (19th-22nd Oct) will be delivered in BSL and English and fully translated for deaf and hearing artists.
TASTER WORKSHOP DATES 2026
When: Monday, 23rd March, 2-5pm
Where: School of Arts and Creative Technologies East, Campus East, University of York
Cost: FREE
To book: this event is now finished
When: Tuesday, 24th March, 2-5pm
Where: Chichester Festival Theatre, Oaklands Park, Chichester, PO19 6AP
Cost: FREE
To book: this event has now finished
When: Saturday, 13th June, 2pm-5pm
Where: The Landmark Theatre, The Promenade, Ilfracombe, EX34 9BZ
Cost: free
To book: via the Landmark Theatre website
When: Thursday, 7th July, 5pm-8pm
Where: Bristol Old Vic, Coopers Hall, Bristol, BS1 4ED
Cost: FREE
To book: via Vamos Theatre's Eventbrite page
Please note this workshop is led in BSL by deaf artist, Ciaran O'Breen, with interpretation for hearing participants. Both deaf and hearing participants are welcome to attend..
When: Monday, 14th September, 5pm-8pm
Where: The Swan Theatre, The Moors, Worcester, WR1 3ED
Cost: free
To book: via the Worcester Theatres website
From these taster workshops, we will select a number of participants to take part in a free four-day residency at 101 Outdoor Arts, Newbury (19th-22nd October 2026)
For more about Elevate, visit our Learning pages
Ink and Curtain Festival - Mask Performing Workshop (12+)
This engaging and fast-paced workshop introduces young people to mask performance in the style of Vamos Theatre, showing how to create characters, develop clarity in communication and devise original work. The workshop empowers young people to create their own mask theatre, get confident about devising and gain a better understanding of theatre vocabulary.
When: Monday, 24th August 2026, 2pm-4:30pm
Where: The Coach House Theatre, Grange Road, Great Malvern, WR14 3HA
Suitability: 12+
Cost: £10 (includes booking fee)
To book: via the Malvern Theatres website
Ink and Curtain Festival - Mask Performing Workshop (18+)
Revealing the Mask is a workshop introducing adults to the art of mask performance. It’s an engaging, creative, high energy and inspiring workshop that gives participants a thorough introduction to full mask and devising techniques in the style of Vamos Theatre. Through games, exercises and shared exploration, the workshop introduces mask characterisation, mask physicality, mask techniques such as clocking, stillness and isolation, and ways to devise effectively and impactfully, helping to build confidence and understanding of non-verbal performance.
When: Monday, 24th August 2026, 6pm-8:30pm
Where: The Coach House Theatre, Grange Road, Great Malvern, WR14 3HA
Suitability: 18+
Cost: £15 (includes 12% booking fee)
To book: via the Malvern Theatres website