If you are a theatre, organisation, school, college, university, community group, or indeed something else, and you are interested in discussing a theatre workshop or project please get in touch.
I have facilitated workshops for an array of groups alongside my own practice for over 10 years.
As well as teaching I also work with groups to create performances and for organisations, delivering bespoke projects. I have directed performances, led regular classes, performance workshops and masterclasses for organisations such as:
- Leeds Playhouse
- BE Festival (Birmingham European Festival)
- Leeds Beckett University
- Lawrence Batley Theatre
- Wakefield Theatre Royal
- Seaglass Collective
- Edgelands Arts
I facilitate a wide range of workshops, often creating bespoke sessions for groups and organisations responding to specific needs and requests. Some of my specialisms are:
- Devising
- Clown
- Improvisation and story making
- Physical comedy
- Visual theatre
- Confidence, play and imagination
“Natalie is one of the most dynamic, engaging practitioners I’ve ever met. She has a brilliant way of connecting and understanding young people of all ages and she genuinely cares for every one of them. Her creativity whilst teaching knows no bounds and when a practitioner gives their all to their pupils like she does, the response can be phenomenal.
Her style of teaching is as exciting and fascinating to those who are watching, as it is to her pupils.“
Louise Denison, Theatre Director and Principal of Wakefield Theatre Royal Performance Academy.
Youth Theatre
I am an experienced youth theatre practitioner with over 10 years experience, working with children and young people aged 4 to 25 years.
For me, youth theatre is about developing skills and confidence whilst enjoying yourself.
- I direct performances
- Lead regular classes
- Deliver bespoke performance workshops and masterclasses.
Below are some images from ‘I Was There at the End’, a youth theatre show I co-directed for BE Festival’s young company BE Next, which was performed in the festival’s main programme. The show explored the climate crisis, disaster tourists and their individual fears and hopes for the future.
“The most innovative youth group performance I have seen. Kept me laughing but also hard-hitting. Top Stuff.
Best BE Next I have seen. Energy, a great mix of exciting diversity and a vital topic!“
BE Festival, Audience Feedback for Be Next’s ‘I Was There At The End’.
Schools (primary & SEcondary)
I have worked in schools facilitating drama workshops independently and for organisations for many years. If you would like to discuss a theatre project for your school please get in touch.
If you are interested in art workshops for schools see ‘art/sculpture’.
- Experienced working in both primary and secondary schools.
- Workshops are bespoke and created to meet the needs of each group.
- Projects can vary in length from one off workshops up to 12 week blocks.
- After school drama clubs offered.
- All of my school offers are available to home education groups.
- Fully DBS checked.
“The children throughly enjoyed the drama group. Natalie ignited their imaginations and enthusiasm for creating stories. They developed their self-esteem and confidence when working with others and performing in front of an audience. They also developed their language and listening skills. We would definitely work with Natalie again.“
Chris Johnson- Headteacher, West End Academy
Universities and colleges
Working with students who have chosen to pursue the performing arts is always exciting.
I’ve enjoyed being an artist mentor and guest tutor on numerous modules for Universities as well as working with students to create and perform new pieces of work. I’ve delivered many workshops for colleges, training students and introducing them to my process.
Uncanny Theatre worked with Salford University to devise and direct their third year performance project ‘Anger Management’ which debuted at The Lowry as a double bill with Uncanny.
“Natalie’s secret weapon as a workshop leader is the fact that she is such an extraordinary performer herself. While being eminently knowledgeable and hugely charming, Natalie is also extremely funny and this makes her an absolute pleasure to work with. She is able to demonstrate and embody her teaching in a highly engaging way and this draws workshop participants irresistibly into her captivating world.“
Dr Oliver Bray, Director of Arts, Leeds Beckett University.
community groups
Over the years I’ve worked with many community groups developing skills, confidence and connections. I’ve hosted the over 55’s art and social group at YSP, worked with community groups, church groups, amateur dramatic societies and I’ve also directed community casts. Some projects have worked towards community performances and others have been for professional touring work.
“Natalie is professional and caring, delivering lively, well structured drama workshops. Natalie is able to engage and excite children from a range of different backgrounds ensuring they have fun and grow in confidence in a safe environment.“
Christine Hall, Chair of Governors – Moldgreen Community Primary
To discuss a theatre workshop please get in touch.