Mondays, 19 May, 16 June, 21 July, 6.30-8pm | £2 per session | 18-25
Do you love writing poetry? Want to expand your knowledge of the art form? Our monthly Poetry Writing Drop-In is the perfect place to explore your work in a supportive environment with fellow writers and experienced tutors. Whether you’re a seasoned poet or just starting out, everyone is welcome at these inclusive sessions.
What you get
Meet the tutors
Monday 19 May: Talia Randall is a multi-award winning audio producer, poet and performer. Talia’s poetry books include, ‘Proverbs for a Woman Drinking Alone’ and ‘Eighty Two’ (Broken Sleep Books). Talia’s audio work includes the podcast series ‘Blossom Trees and Burnt-Out Cars’, one of Pod Bible’s ‘Best podcasts of the year’ and recommended by The Guardian.
Talia is also the creator of ‘What Words Are Ours?’ a poetry cabaret that features Deaf and hearing artists on the same stage.
Monday 16 June: Rachel Long founded Octavia Poetry Collective for Women of Colour, which was housed at the Southbank Centre, in London, from 2015 to 2020. Her debut collection, My Darling from the Lions (Picador, U.K, 2020 / Tin House, US, 2021) was shortlisted for the Forward Prize for Best First Collection, The Costa Book Award, The Rathbones Folio Prize, the Jhalak Prize Book of the Year by a Writer of Colour, and The Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year Award.
Monday 21 July: Cecilia Knapp is a poet and novelist and the Young People’s Laureate for London 2020/2021. She was shortlisted for the 2022 Forward prize for best single poem. She is the winner of the 2021 Ruth Rendell award and has been shortlisted for the Rebecca Swift Women’s prize. Her debut poetry collection Peach Pig was published by Corsair in 2022 and was the Observer’s poetry book of the month for October. Her poems have appeared in The Financial Times, Granta and The White Review. She curated the anthology Everything is Going to be alright: Poems for When You Really Need Them, published by Trapeze in 2021. Her debut novel Little Boxes is published by The Borough Press. In 2023, Little Boxes was longlisted for The Authors Club Best First Novel Award. Cecilia teaches poetry in a number of settings and is the lead tutor of the Roundhouse Poetry Collective.
Do I need any particular skills or experience to take part?
No, this drop-in is open to all levels of experience.
How to join
This is a drop in session which means there’s no need to book beforehand, just arrive and pay £2 at the front desk.
Please note spaces are limited and filled on a first come, first serve basis. Booking opens 30 minutes beforehand (6pm), and we recommend arriving at least 10 minutes early to secure a space, sign up and pay.
I’M NOT SURE I CAN AFFORD TO TAKE PART…
If you need help to pay for things like project fees, transport or childcare, we can help. Find out how you can get support. If you are using a bursary to pay for the project, please ensure you arrange this with the Advice Base with plenty of time before the start of the project.
I HAVE ADDITIONAL NEEDS. WHAT SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE?
We are committed to supporting D/deaf, disabled and neurodiverse young people, those with medical conditions, access requirements or any lived experience that may require adaptation, support or sensitivity. If there is anything you would like to let us (our youth workers, tutors or staff) know that will support your enjoyment and access, you can do so by emailing us at advicebase@roundhouse.org.uk, and we will contact you to discuss further how to best support your engagement.
Wednesdays, 7 May - 16 July, 6.45 - 8.30pm | £2 per session | 18-25
Looking for a space to create and explore performance? This weekly drop-in is for people who want to keep practising theatre and movement without having to commit to a full course.
Each week will focus on a different topic to spark ideas for work you might want to develop further outside of the sessions. Each session is stand-alone, so you can come to as many or as few as you like and still gain valuable skills.
Topics covered in each session include (subject to change):
What you get
Meet the tutors
Phao May is a Movement Director, Director, Choreographer and Facilitator, working across stage and screen in London. She attained a foundation in Acting from RADA in 2014, and later an MA in Movement Directing and Teaching from The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in 2022. She has collaborated with Soho Theatre, The Bush, and National Youth Theatre and created work for Edinburgh Fringe and The Vaults. Her creative work spans plays, devised work, commercials, music videos and live comedy, working with trained actors and musicians, community groups and comedians.
Isaac Jordan is a theatre director, writer and facilitator. His work focuses on the intersection of community heritage, theatre and storytelling, exploring ways to celebrate and strengthen everyday communities. In addition to working with the Roundhouse, he has collaborated with organisations including the Natural History Museum, SPID Theatre, the Pink Singers, UCL, Half Moon Theatre and Richmond Theatre.
Plus guests! Some sessions will include featured artists who are experienced in script writing, comedy and more.
Do you need any particular skills or experience to take part?
You don’t need any specific skills but this will be most relevant to people who have done at least a bit of theatre or dance before. Open to all levels – we welcome back people who have attended previous terms.
How to join
This is a drop in session which means there’s no need to book beforehand, just arrive and pay £2 at the front desk.
Please note spaces are limited and filled on a first come, first serve basis. Booking opens from 6pm and we recommend arriving at least 10-15 minutes early to secure a space, sign up and pay.
I’M NOT SURE I CAN AFFORD TO TAKE PART…
If you need help to pay for things like project fees, transport or childcare, we can help. Find out how you can get support. If you are using a bursary to pay for the project, please ensure you arrange this with the Advice Base with plenty of time before the start of the project.
I HAVE ADDITIONAL NEEDS. WHAT SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE?
We are committed to supporting D/deaf, disabled and neurodiverse young people, those with medical conditions, access requirements or any lived experience that may require adaptation, support or sensitivity. If there is anything you would like to let us (our youth workers, tutors or staff) know that will support your enjoyment and access, you can do so by emailing us at advicebase@roundhouse.org.uk, and we will contact you to discuss further how to best support your engagement.
Wednesdays, 7 May - 16 July, 4.30-6pm | £2 per session
Join our weekly Circus Skills Drop In and try out a range of apparatus and techniques, including aerial hoop, rope, static trapeze, silks, acrobatics, parkour, juggling, stilt walking and unicycling! Learn to climb, fly, balance, flip and improve your coordination guided by professional circus tutors in a fun and supportive environment. All skill levels welcome!
What you get
Meet the tutors
You will train with professional circus tutors working in the arts industry.
Do I need any particular skills or experience to take part?
No previous experience needed and suitable for all skill levels. Contact performingarts.team@roundhouse.org.uk if you would like to chat further about the sessions.
How to join
This is a drop in session which means there’s no need to book beforehand, just arrive and pay £2 at the front desk.
Please note spaces are limited and filled on a first come, first serve basis. Booking opens 30 minutes beforehand, and we recommend arriving at least 10 minutes early to secure a space, sign up and pay.
I’M NOT SURE I CAN AFFORD TO TAKE PART…
If you need help to pay for things like project fees, transport or childcare, we can help. Find out how you can get support. If you are using a bursary to pay for the project, please ensure you arrange this with the Advice Base with plenty of time before the start of the project.
I HAVE ADDITIONAL NEEDS. WHAT SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE?
We are committed to supporting D/deaf, disabled and neurodiverse young people, those with medical conditions, access requirements or any lived experience that may require adaptation, support or sensitivity. If there is anything you would like to let us (our youth workers, tutors or staff) know that will support your enjoyment and access, you can do so by emailing us at advicebase@roundhouse.org.uk, and we will contact you to discuss further how to best support your engagement.
Secondary School age? 11-18? Looking for something to do in the school holidays? A break from revising and exams? Come and join us for three full days at Theatre Porto in May Half Term – completely free.
This half term we will be offering the opportunity to local young people to work in a professional theatre space with a number of different creatives and explore: theatre making, script performing and writing, set design, videography, arts, crafts, painting and much more! No previous theatre or arts experience needed – just come and give things a try!
So whatever you might be interested in there will be something for you to enjoy and the chance to build a new network of friends too – just bring your imagination, curiosity and enthusiasm. Let’s get creative!
Relaxed, welcoming and fun!
Dates 27, 28 and 29 May 2025
Please note that due to funding, priority will be given to young people residing in Central & Grange area.
Let’s meet on the green and see who we might bump into…
Join Trestle this summer as we find a way to pass the sunny days with our mates and whoever else we might stumble upon.
Using Trestle’s iconic masks the week will end with an outdoor site specific performance to make the most of St Albans green spaces.
Costs: £140pp, £5 early drop off from 9am per day. £5 late pick up until 4pm per day.
Dates: Monday 11 August - Friday 15 August 2025
Times: 10am – 3pm each day, sharing from 3pm – 3.30pm on Friday.
A series of workshops for anyone aged 16 to 21, equipping participants with the skills to collaborate, create and perform both as individuals and a part of an ensemble.
Rooted in the Burnt Orange ensemble philosophy and inspired by Open World Facilitation, Makers' sessions are responsive and reactive, adapting to suit the needs, interests and passions of participants. Each session you will have the opportunity to explore performing, scripted work, writing, devising, directing and any other role that may be of interest.
We will host a showcase at the end of term to celebrate the work created by participants.
Sessions are hosted on May 4, May 18 and June 1
If the cost would be a barrier to participation, contact the Burnt Orange team through the email address shared below for a free bursary place.
Applications to join the Youth Opera Programme for the 2025/2026 season are now open and will close on Friday 23 May.
The Royal Ballet and Opera's Youth Opera programmes provide children aged 8 to 13 with rigorous music and drama training, creative projects and the chance to perform in world leading opera productions with The Royal Opera.
RBO Youth Opera is divided into two strands:
RBO Young Voices (Ages 8-9)
RBO Young Voices is a singing programme for 8-9 year olds, developing participants' vocal control, musical literacy and performing skills. As well as performing at concerts and other events at the Royal Opera House, participants gain a grounding in the skills required to progress into our older ensemble, the RBO Youth Opera Company.
RBO Youth Opera Company (Ages 9-13)
RBO Youth Opera Company is our in-house chorus of 9 to 13 year olds. We offer participants all-round training in the performing arts, covering vocal technique, language coaching, acting and stage craft, musical literacy and creative processes for developing new work. The RBO YOC also has the opportunity to audition for the children’s chorus in one Royal Opera Company production per season.
Led by a Theatre professional and supported by Lyceum staff, this course is for anyone who is interested in working behind the scenes, making it all happen.
The first week will feature practical workshops and activities based on Theatre Production areas to get you learning and making friends. Exact workshops vary each year, but to give you an idea, you might be:
In the second week, participants will be allocated a role (usually lighting, sound or stage management) on either the Junior or Senior production. You'll then join rehearsals and take a practical backstage role during the performances.
All workshops and roles are fully supported by Theatre professionals and Lyceum staff; all you need to bring is commitment, creativity and bags of enthusiasm!
Dates: Monday 7 July - Saturday 19 July
The Acting Summer Foundation Course at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School (BOVTS) is a ten-week intensive experience of life at a leading conservatoire drama school. On this full-time course, you will be immersed in a programme which mirrors the curriculum of current BA and MFA students and will have the opportunity to work with BOVTS staff members alongside practitioners who are active within the theatre, film and TV industry.
You will be taught through a mixture of practical performance projects and masterclasses. You will have a range of classes in acting, movement, voice, dialect, singing, improvisation, stage combat and scene study techniques. Whether you are looking to pursue acting work professionally, hone your skills for your own personal development, or explore whether degree-level training could be for you, the course offers you the opportunity to learn your craft at a renowned drama school. BOVTS offers a fun and nurturing environment in which to pursue your creative ambitions, based in one of the UK’s most exciting student cities.
The Acting Summer Foundation Course runs from Monday 14 July to Friday 19 September 2025. There will be classes scheduled on Monday – Friday throughout the duration of the course, typically running between 09:00—17:00. The exception to this is Monday 25 August; the School will be closed due to the summer bank holiday.
To give you an idea of the structure of the course, an overview of the timetable is available to download (PDF, 33 Kb). Please note that this year’s timetable may differ as our courses regularly undergo review, but you can see how different skills are typically taught throughout the course’s duration.
“What an extraordinary, life-changing experience it was! Studying at BOVTS is like being embraced into a family of caring, talented teachers and actors who are passionate about the craft and working together. The culture at BOVTS is encouraging, respectful, welcoming and empowering; the environment and buildings are beautiful and I found Bristol to be one of the most wonderful cities in which to spend the summer!” Lindy, former participant.
“My time at BOVTS was eye-opening. I found the atmosphere to be very welcoming and the tutors were always willing to answer my questions, which was invaluable as I tried to figure out my next steps. The stage combat classes were especially helpful as they opened up the whole world of stage combat for me. After finishing the Foundation Course, I went on to take a few courses in stage combat and horse riding. I’m planning to pursue more training to fulfil my goal of working in special action and live theatre.” Margot, former participant
“I knew that my career could be enhanced by some drama school training, so I looked into short courses and was thrilled to discover that BOVTS offered an Acting Summer Foundation Course. Taking ten weeks off would be much more practical than taking a year out of my career. To cut a long story short, training at BOVTS is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. To be taught by teachers working in the industry is invaluable. I know that every tool they have given me is effective, reliable and current.” Bastian, former participant
Applications close: 10am Thursday 29 May 2025
Join live artist and producer Kit Hall for this free workshop exploring how rest, care and community can support you when times get tough as a creative freelancer
This workshop invites you to think about what you need as an artist to do your best work, and shares how you can reshape your communication, collaboration and work so you can hold yourself and others with more care within your practice.
Soft Slow Power will explore:
Tuesday 20 May, 6pm - 7:30pm
The Courts, Bridewell St, Bristol BS1 2QD
Ticket: FREE!
