The Box is simply that — a box.

It also manages to be a practical, liberating and endlessly adaptable device that can be used in devising, writing, improvisation and scene or character study processes.

Developed over twenty years of theatre-making, it has evolved into one of the most powerful and useful approaches in my toolkit.

I first experimented with The Box in my early work with Little Earthquake. I needed an easy-to-grasp, low-pressure way for actors to start improvising when they had little or no improvisation experience, or the very thought of having to improvise filled them with dread.

Through using The Box, these actors began to quickly trust their own instincts and improvise freely, always resulting in interesting and nuanced work.

I’ve since developed and adapted The Box for a wide range of contexts: writers developing characters and plots; ensembles devising new theatre works; actors and directors frustrated by sat-around-a-table textual analysis, who are seeking practical and dynamic alternatives for scene and character study processes; makers who don’t consider themselves writers but who are seeking a structured approach to nurturing their writerly instincts… The list goes on.

The principles behind using The Box are simple, but don’t be fooled; that’s the root of its power. Countless artists have discovered that with a little practice and a sprinkling of courage, it never fails to yield surprising and impactful results.

CONTENT & OUTCOMES

Workshops on The Box can take two forms:
a one-day introductory workshop, or a five-day deep-dive residency.

During the one-day introductory workshop, participants will:

  • Discover how The Box was first developed and how it has been used in the process of creating theatre and other artistic projects.

  • Learn the key principles behind using The Box through a series of practical group and individual exercises. Each exercise builds on what has come before, providing a structured approach to the learning.

  • Explore how The Box can be used as an improvisation tool.

  • Explore how The Box can be used in a devising process.

  • Explore how The Box can be used to develop new pieces of writing.

  • Explore how The Box can be used as a practical scene or character study / analysis tool. (Specific texts can be explored, if relevant.)

  • Learn how best to practise using The Box beyond the workshop.

During the five-day deep-dive residency, participants will also: 

  • Gain more detailed practical hands-on experience of using The Box in multiple contexts: for improvising, devising, writing and scene or character study / analysis.

  • Use The Box as the primary tool in the creation of a new short piece of theatre.

  • Discover other practical tools and approaches that compliment and intersect with The Box.

  • Explore strategies to incorporate The Box into their own practice and processes, including how best to facilitate other collaborators to use it.

DETAILS & LOGISTICS

  • Who is the workshop for?
    — The workshop is for actors, performers, devisers, writers, ensembles, directors and drama facilitators.
    — It is suitable for both professional artists and artists-in-training.
    — Groups consisting of people in different roles (e.g.: some actors, some writers and some directors) can also be accommodated.
    — No previous improvisation or writing experience is required.

  • How many participants can take part?
    — To ensure everyone can have the fullest experience of the practical exercises, workshops are capped at a maximum of 12 participants.

  • How long is the workshop?
    — The one-day introductory workshop comprises two 3-hour sessions with a break in between.
    — The five-day deep-dive residency is made up of two 3-hour sessions with a break in between on each day.
    — At drama schools and universities, a showing of the work explored can be scheduled for the last session of a five-day residency.
    — Other schedules can be accommodated to suit a group’s particular circumstances.

  • Where can the workshop take place?
    — The workshop is practical and needs to take place in-person; it cannot be delivered online.
    — The booker is responsible for finding a suitable room or studio for the workshop to take place in.

  • What space or equipment is needed for the workshop?
    — A space that is large enough to comfortably accommodate full-group practical work and exercises.
    — A chair for each participant.
    — Participants should wear clothes they are comfortable moving in.
    — Participants should bring something to take notes with (as no handouts are provided.)

  • What is the cost of the workshop?
    — Workshop costs vary depending on length and location. Please enquire about the cost by filling in the form below or emailing directly.

  • Can the workshop accommodate participants with specific needs or who require specific adjustments?
    — Absolutely! It is very important that everyone can participate fully in a way that is comfortable and positive for them. Please provide as much detail as possible when booking and I’ll arrange a time for us to have a conversation in advance of the workshop date.

INTERESTED IN BOOKING A WORKSHOP OR LEARNING MORE?

Get in touch to secure your dates or to arrange an informal chat about your ideas and plans. You can contact me using the form below, or email me directly:

hello [at] garethjnicholls [dot] com.

Which workshop (s) are you wishing to enquire about?

AVAILABLE WORKSHOPS

The Box

A powerful devising, writing, improvisation and scene study tool rolled into one.

The Funhouse

Enter The Funhouse to devise work in front of an audience in real-time.

The Bold Ensemble

A workshop to help groups of actors and devisers nurture key collaborative skills in order to work together most effectively.

Effortless Devising

A stress-free approach to developing narrative-led work.

Improvisation Without Fear

A step-by-step approach to eliminate dread when improvising.

Audience Collaboration — For Actors & Devisers

An approach that invites audiences to be your most important collaborator.

Audience Collaboration — For Directors

An approach that invites audiences to be your most important collaborator.