Apply for Free Acting Workshops on Contemporary Playwrights

Each workshop will focus on a well-known contemporary playwright: Harold Pinter, Caryl Churchill, Joe Orton. Participants will take part in duologues, based on one scene from a play by each playwright. In each workshop, there will be three males and three females, enabling scenes between couples to be performed, under Bruce Alexander’s guidance. No advance learning is required: there are no props, no set, no costume. This is barebones work with script in hand.
These follow the highly successful workshops held in September, on Sharing Shakespeare: Getting a Taste of His Language, hosted by Bruce Alexander. Not only is Bruce an esteemed Shakespearean actor, he’s worked with many companies that focus on new writing, from the Royal Court Theatre to Joint Stock, with writers such as Alan Bennett, Nicholas Wright and David Hare. He’s also experienced verbatim theatre, recreating word-for-word dialogue on stage to form plays. Bruce has also appeared in episodes of numerous TV series, including A Touch of Frost, Gentleman Jack, East Enders and Midsomer Murders.
The Pick A Playwright workshops are open to anyone aged 18 or over, and no previous experience is required, although applicants should be fluent in English. When applying, applicants must say, in a single sentence, what they hope to get out of attending the workshops. They are expected to be popular, so applications should be made sooner not later. Successful applicants will be contacted by the end of November to confirm their places.
All six workshops have been made possible through a grant from South Oxfordshire District Council’s Performing Arts Grants Scheme, which awards funding to projects that foster a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable performing arts scene in South Oxfordshire: increasing the range of arts opportunities available to local communities; supporting inclusive practice and celebrating diversity; developing local artistic talent; promoting innovation and excellence; and developing new audiences and participants in performing arts initiatives.
Cllr Georgina Heritage, Cabinet Member for Communities at South Oxfordshire District Council, said, ‘We are thrilled that Thame Players’ application to the Performing Arts Grants Scheme 2024/25 demonstrated their project’s alignment with community values and priorities and they were therefore awarded the requested funding. We wish them every success with the next set of workshops, devoted to three contemporary playwrights. Hosted by leading actor Bruce Alexander, we hope they continue helping to develop local artistic talent.’
• All three acting workshops will be held on stage at the Players Theatre, Nelson Street, Thame OX9 2DP, at these dates and times -
Monday 12th January 6.30 – 8.00 pm – Harold Pinter
Monday 19th January 6.30 – 8.00 pm – Caryl Churchill
Monday 26th January 6.30 - 8.00 pm – Joe Orton
• To apply for a place, email Helen Johns at helen.johns@thameplayers.co.uk. In a single sentence, applicants should tell us what they hope to get out of attending any one of the workshops (participants can attend only one of the three workshops). Applicants must choose all three workshops, but mark them with their preference: first, second, or third choice. If there’s too much demand for one workshop, they will get their second or third choice. If more than 18 apply, we will keep a list of reserves.
• Emails making an application will be acknowledged on receipt and places confirmed by Monday 1st December.