Winter Residency Announcement!
Gecko Winter Residency
Applications Now Closed
Monday 11th - Friday 15th December 2023
Co-op Juniors | Ipswich
We are thrilled to announce our winter professional development intensive of 2023 led by Gecko performer, Dan Watson, and our Assistant Director, Andres Velasquez.
A chance to refuel, replenish and reinspire your creative practice with a particular focus on devising and making movement.
‘This residency was one of the most impactful and profound experiences in my artistic journey.’ - Spring ’23 Residency Participant
Scroll down to find out how to apply
We want everyone to be able to access our work. We’re committed to being as accessible as possible, wherever we can. If you find it difficult to get advice or apply, we can help you. Please contact workshops@geckotheatre.com or call +44 (0)1473 599200
WHAT IS IT?
A uniquely curated experience and richly collaborative space to connect, play and make art within a safe community where honesty and vulnerability is encouraged and championed.
This weeklong residency allows a small group of professional artists to delve into the world of Gecko and to learn about the company’s approach to physical theatre and devising. It is an opportunity to gain an insight into the creative process our devising performers go through when creating a show.
WHO IS IT FOR?
The programme is suitable for any theatre makers, choreographers, directors, performers and practitioners who are interested in deepening their devising knowledge and experience. We are excited to work with open hearted, curious, creative and collaborative individuals.
Participants must have studied theatre/dance/drama at a professional level and have a minimum of three years professional experience as a performer and/or maker.
Please note: This residency is only open to applicants who have not previously partaken in a residency.
Gecko is committed to diversity, inclusion and equality within the arts and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.
WHAT WILL I BE DOING?
The week will explore the methods Artistic Director Amit Lahav implements when devising a production. Through preparation, ensemble building, serious play, simple beginnings and highly physical, dynamic tasks and activities, you will focus on methods for creating movement for performance. You will delve into the use of breath and language to express, and open doors to accessing emotional spaces safely. Participants will be nurtured and challenged in their artistic decision-making and the residency will culminate in the creation of a short ensemble piece, putting what you have learned into practice.
‘I felt supported, heard, challenged, pushed, seen, accepted. It brought me so much joy and rejuvenation - like I've re-discovered my passion.’ - Spring ’23 Residency Participant
*Please be aware that some of the work has a strong emotional component. Please get in touch if you wish to discuss this further.
WHAT WILL I GAIN FROM IT?
A deeper insight into Gecko’s creation process and ‘Total Theatre’ methodology.
A toolkit of practical devices and approaches to take into your own practice.
A spark to ignite the endless possibilities of creating and devising.
A reminder of the magical potential of theatre.
A new community and network of theatre makers and artists.
WHERE WILL THE RESIDENCY TAKE PLACE?
Co-op Juniors, The Warehouse, Paul’s Road, Ipswich, IP2 0AN
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Places cost £450 including VAT. Participants will also need to arrange their own travel and accommodation.
A finance plan is available to spread the costs.
ARE THERE ANY BURSARY PLACES AVAILABLE?
Equality, diversity and inclusion are central elements of Gecko’s essence, supporting our vision of deepening human connection through physical, visual, visceral and ambitious performance and participation.
‘This is the best my disability has been treated in any of the training I've done…it means so much to me that I had such a smooth and joyous time.’ - Spring ‘23 Residency Participant
Gecko is committed to creating opportunities for those who are underrepresented in the arts and we are particularly keen to receive applications from artists from the global majority, those from a lower socio-economic background, d/Deaf, neurodivergent and disabled artists. Therefore, we will be offering bursary places for this residency which covers the fee, accommodation and subsistence. Please note, participants will need to arrange their own travel. If you would benefit from this opportunity, please complete the appropriate section of the application.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR A PLACE?
Places are via application only and participants must have studied theatre/dance/drama at a professional level and have a minimum of three years professional experience as a performer and/or maker.
Participants will be selected based on experience and suitability for this programme.
To apply please fill our our application form below.
The application will include:
o Uploading a CV or equivalent
o Uploading a recent headshot
o Uploading a short video (no longer than 3 minutes) detailing why you want to take part in the residency and how it will influence your training and professional development
o Your reason for applying for a bursary place, if applicable
o Equality and Diversity section
Applications close at 6pm Friday 17th November and candidates will be informed of whether or not they have successfully secured a place by end of day Tuesday 21st November.