We're delighted to announce the launch of Elevate, our new learning programme designed to train and inspire early career artists who are interested in non-verbal, physical theatre making.

The programme, which is built on the success of our Emerging Artist scheme, begins with a series of free full mask taster sessions, held across the country, which introduce early career artists to mask theatre, creating physical character and devising non-verbal theatre that connects and moves audiences. From these nationwide taster workshops, we'll select a group of artists to attend a free residency in September 2025, an intensive training opportunity giving space to explore creative public performance. All Elevate graduates become part of the programme’s Alumni and are offered opportunities for further online and in-person training in the future.
 
To be part of Elevate, participants must be 18+ and can be either higher education graduates with at least one professional contract, an older performer or theatre maker who has just started to work professionally or a recent school leaver who is already working in the arts - all are welcome.

The taster workshops are open to all, and, as ever, we would like to encourage artists from the global majority and those from low socio-economic backgrounds to take part. We also particularly welcomes d/Deaf artists – the taster workshop at Bristol Old Vic will be delivered using BSL and led by Vamos Theatre’s d/Deaf practitioners Ciaran O’Breen and Mary-Jayne Russell de Clifford.

Honor Hoskins, our Creative Producer, comments, “We are really excited to be launching Elevate and to be able to offer early career artists support and skills in non-verbal, mask and physical theatre. Participants will get the chance to train with some inspirational artists and performers, make contacts in the industry and with their peers, and gain ongoing opportunities for further learning and earning going forward.”

For more information about Elevate and details of free taster workshops, visit our Learning pages.