Puppetry Intensive - Devising as an Ensemble Company
8th - 9th February (two day workshop)
For ages 18+
Duration: 10am - 5pm
Join puppeteer and puppetry director Gareth Aled for a dynamic, hands-on workshop that will deepen your understanding of puppetry through ensemble-based theatre-making. This intensive two day workshop will explore how puppetry fosters collaboration, enhances character complexity, and creates compelling performances. Drawing on Gareth’s extensive experience with the National Theatre and productions like War Horse, The Ocean at the End of the Lane, and Life of Pi, you’ll gain practical insights into using puppetry as a tool for unlocking powerful storytelling moments. You’ll learn how to respond to stimuli, create memorable scenic transitions, and build complex relationships on stage within an ensemble.
This workshop offers a unique opportunity to work closely with an industry-leading puppeteer and director. Whether you’re new to puppetry or an experienced performer, you’ll leave inspired, equipped with new tools, techniques, and insights to bring your performances to life through puppetry and ensemble work.
About the tutor: Gareth Aled
Gareth is a Director, Actor and Theatre Practitioner specialising in Puppetry and Devising. Most recently, for the National Theatre, he was the Associate Puppetry Director for the production The Ocean at the End of the Lane (UK Tour / West End). For Simon Friend Entertainment he held the role of Resident Director for Life of Pi (UK Tour). Work as Puppetry Director includes: Al Adiyat/Expo 2020 Dubai (Nick Barnes Puppets/Artists In Motion). Work as Associate Puppetry Director includes: War Horse (National Theatre, UK and International Tour), The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Elliot Harper, Bridge Theatre), and The Wicker Husband (Watermill Theatre). Work as Director includes: Blister at the Manchester School of Theatre and Romeo and Juliet at the Emil Dale Academy. Work as an Actor includes: Curtain Up (Theatr Clwyd), Macbeth and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Shakespeare’s Rose), The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Leeds Playhouse), Running Wild (Regent’s Park and Chichester), The Machine Stops (York Theatre Royal and Pilot), The Magic Flute (Complicité), War Horse (National Theatre), The Heart of Robin Hood (Royal Shakespeare Company) 150 and Branches (National Theatre Wales). He holds the position of Lecturer in Actor Training at the Manchester School of Theatre.