Artistic Residencies
Led by Gecko’s highly experienced devising performers, our residencies are uniquely curated experiences and richly collaborative spaces to connect, play and make art within a safe community where honesty and vulnerability is encouraged and championed.
Our weeklong residencies allow 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. They are an opportunity to gain an insight into the creative process our devising performers go through when creating a show.
WHO ARE THEY 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 always 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.
Our residencies are only open to applicants who have not previously taken part in a Gecko Residency. For artists who wish to continue their professional development with us, we also run returners residencies and other opportunities for further development which will be sent directly to you rather than advertised publicly.
Gecko is committed to diversity, inclusion and equality within the arts and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.
WHAT WILL I BE DOING?
Our week-long residencies 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.
*Please be aware that some of the work has a strong emotional component. Please get in touch if you wish to discuss this further.
Any questions? Contact us at workshops@geckotheatre.com
“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
“This residency was one of the most impactful and profound experiences in my artistic journey”
Spring ‘23 Residency Participant
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.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Places cost £460 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.
We will not be running residencies until earliest Spring 2025, so keep an eye on our social media and website for updates in the new year.
When applications open, we ask you to fill out a form with the following information:
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
