Geese Theatre Company
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Creative Residency

A creative residency with Geese Theatre Company takes participants through a series of theatre and drama workshops culminating in a performance on the final day. Using theatre games, exercises, image work, mask work, improvisation and scene work the participants will create the performance. Geese Theatre Company believes in creating a safe, supportive and boundaried environment, allowing all participants the opportunity to contribute ideas and opinions and to perform in the finished piece. 

While a creative residency often focuses on a theme or particular issue, it is the involvement in this process that can have a lasting impact on participants. Each individual will have a better understanding of themselves and as a result of their involvement they will have increased their skills and confidence. The participants will also feel that they have been part of a meaningful project which they themselves have created and which each individual has had an important part.

Benefits of a Creative Residency with Geese:

Creative

  • Provides participants with:
    • an insight into theatre and performance related skills
    • an opportunity to express themselves in a new way, in a safe and challenging environment
    • an opportunity to work with skilled professionals, with a wealth of experience in this field
    • the chance to create a unique, one-off performance fusing storytelling, improvisation and music
    • access to learning that is immediate and fun and which does not rely on academic skills
    • the opportunity to perform their own work in front of an invited audience

Personal Development

  • Participants will have the opportunity to:

    • develop skills of communication, negotiation and compromise
    • experience being part of a team, sharing ideas and solving problems together
    • build self-confidence and self-esteem through trying something new
    • experience a sense of personal achievement
    • question and gently challenge their own ideas and beliefs in an active and dynamic groupwork setting

Issue Based

A creative residency can explore any of a number of issues. Recent examples have focussed on: consequences of offending; victim awareness; substance misuse; self-image; bullying.

  • Participants will have the opportunity to:

    • explore and broaden their understanding of an issue relevant to their lives and their experience
    •  bring their own knowledge and opinions to the process

A Creative Residency can be delivered in both custodial and community settings.

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: Richard Tomlinson

 

“It was very interesting and I was surprised how well we communicated and were able to laugh together. I feel more confident. The Geese workers prepared us well. Lots of staff and inmates have complimented me since and it makes me feel good. It was good that the play had emphasis on how victims feel.”

Prisoner, HMP Maidstone

 

"The work undertaken was extremely relevant. It was completely engrossing to the young people and the 'journey'  from creation to performance was inspirational."

Julie James, Senior Teacher, Clayfields House Secure Unit

 

"The work you do is wonderful and so encouraging. The lads just loved it."

Jane Wirgman, Health Promotion, HMYOI Norwich

 

"The sense of pride the participants got from the performance was very apparent and quite moving for the audience to observe."

Barry Dickinson, South London ISSP

 
   
  Geese Theatre Company Bafta Arts Council
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