The Funhouse provides a structured approach to devising in real time — and in front of a real live audience.

Perfectly suited for solo performance pieces and for group scenes, the results are as thrilling for the audience as they are for the performers.

The concept for The Funhouse grew out of a week-long workshop residency I ran for theatre-makers as part of East Meet West. The participants wanted to explore ways of creating solo performances ranging from narrative and character-led work to pieces of movement and performance art.

Together we explored a series of guiding principles and practical exercises that allowed the participants to devise work in real-time before an audience, often surprising themselves with what they were coming up with, and pushing the boundaries of what they felt capable of producing.

I’ve since refined and expanded this approach through work with students at universities and drama schools, and I’m always gratified to see that the liberation of the participants is matched by the excitement of the spectators watching.

Working in this way takes a huge amount of courage. Before entering The Funhouse, workshop participants are taken through a series of exercises to help them build confidence and trust their instincts.

CONTENT & OUTCOMES

Workshops on The Funhouse can take two forms:
a two-day introductory workshop, and a five-day deep-dive residency.

During the two-day introductory workshop, participants will:

  • Discover how The Funhouse was first developed and how it has been used in the process of creating theatre and other artistic projects.
  • Learn the key principles performers will need before entering The Funhouse. These principles are explored through a series of practical group and individual exercises. Each exercise builds on what has come before, providing a structured approach to the learning.

  • Enter The Funhouse and experience creating their own one-person performance (quite possibly, for the very first time).

  • Receive a list of 100 starter prompts to kickstart their future use of The Funhouse beyond the workshop.

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

  • Re-enter The Funhouse to gain more practical experience of generating solo work.
  • Enter The Funhouse in pairs to experience generating scene work.

  • Discover other practical tools that complement and intersect with The Funhouse, supporting further development of  work that was first generated in The Funhouse.

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

  • Discover how to compose their own effective prompts for use in The Funhouse.

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 two-day introductory workshop comprises two 3-hour sessions with a break in between on each day.
    — 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 apart from the 100 starter prompts.)

  • 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.