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: this event has now finished
When: Thursday, 7th July, 5pm-8pm
Where: Bristol Old Vic, Coopers Hall, Bristol, BS1 4ED
Cost: FREE
To book: this event has now finished
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: this event has now finished
When: Saturday, 3rd October, 2pm-5pm
Where: The Everyman Theatre, 5-11 Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9BH
Cost: free
To book: via Vamos Theatre's Eventbrite page
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
Devising Mask and Non-Verbal Theatre for Teachers, Artists and Theatre Makers (various dates)
Get excited and confident about devising, using mask, and exploring non-verbal theatre at one of Vamos Theatre’s creative, high-energy and inspiring one-day CPD workshops for teachers (KS3+), artists and theatre makers. Through shared exploration, games and exercises that you can take straight back to the classroom and rehearsal room, you’ll gain a thorough introduction to using full mask and non-verbal theatre in your performance and theatre making, exploring mask characterisation and mask physicality, plus specifics such as clocking, stillness and isolation. You’ll learn ways to devise and create non-verbal stories that have clarity and impact, helping to build your confidence in adding devising and mask performance to your theatre making and schemes of work.
Every attendee will receive free access to one module in mask.ED, Vamos Theatre’s digital learning area, winner of a Music and Drama Education Award 2023.
Various Dates 2026
Date: Monday, 12th October, 2026
Time: 10.30am – 4.30pm
Where: Lakeside Arts, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD
Price: £60 (early-bird offer until 6th Sept) + booking fee/ £70 standard
Book: via our Eventbrite page
Date: Saturday, 14th November, 2026
Time: 10.30am – 4.00pm
Where: Drama Studio London, 1 Grange Road, London, W5 5QN
Price: £60 (early-bird offer until 6th Sept) + booking fee/ £70 standard
Book: via our Eventbrite page
Date: Wednesday, 25th November, 2026
Time: 10.30am – 4.00pm
Where: Everyman Theatre, 5-11 Hope St, Liverpool, L1 9BH
Price: £60 (early-bird offer until 6th Sept) + booking fee/ £70 standard
Book: via our Eventbrite page
If you have any access needs, please contact Vamos Theatre directly.
Listening with your Eyes workshop
Listening with your Eyes explores the powerful effect of non-verbal communication and helps develop skills of empathy, insight, listening and trust-building, particularly when caring for, or interacting with people living with dementia. Suitable for all experiences, Listening with your Eyes explores practically the many ways in which we make connections. It looks at the impact of body language, mood, eye-contact, touch, and gesture, and shows how tone of voice can change the meaning of the words we say. The workshop offers an opportunity for participants to see the powerful effect of non-verbal techniques, and their benefit in helping us make real and honest connections.
The workshop is led in a supportive and playful way. Our aim is for everyone to learn through their own discovery; to feel for themselves, to see with their own eyes and so to empathise with others more easily. Please note that this workshop is not mask-based.
When: Thursday 04 March 2027, 2pm-4pm
Where: Performing Arts Studio, Lakeside Arts, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD
Suitability: 18+
Cost: £10 (Lakeside offer a number of bursary places)
To book: via Lakeside Arts website