Silent Approach Masterclass
Separate Doors and Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch are partnering to offer a Masterclass and workshops for anyone interested in learning about how to create an accessible rehearsal space. Using non-verbal techniques, the Silent Approach has been developed to allow work with professional learning-disabled, neurodivergent and non-disabled performers to take place on an equitable basis.
The Masterclass and workshops are free, but you do need to book your space, and we kindly ask that you cancel your ticket if you can no longer make it.
What will I learn?
• How to direct and rehearse text-based theatre without relying on words and scripts.
• An accessible way to work with actors who process and use language differently.
• How to set up, run and manage a rehearsal room in a way that works well for neurodivergent and learning-disabled talent.
• How to see the rehearsal room and standard process through a new perspective and find new ways to work with different kinds of people.
Who is it for?
Theatre professionals, theatre professionals in training, youth theatre leaders, workshop facilitators, actors and anyone interested in how to create an accessible rehearsal space. The afternoon sessions are open to anyone who enjoys singing and dancing, professionally or for fun.
When and where?
Fri 25 Apr 2025 at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch
9:30am – 10am: Registration in the foyer
10am – 12pm: Silent Approach Masterclass
12pm – 1.15pm: Free tea, coffee and scone
1.15pm – 3pm: A choice of one of 3 sessions (please only book your preferred session):
Session 1: Singing with composer Loz Kaye – no previous singing experience required
Session 2: Tea dance with movement director Angela Gasparotto – no previous dance experience required
Session 3: Q & A with directors Kate Lovell and Helen Abbott about the Silent Approach – all welcome but may be particularly suited to theatre professionals
3pm – 4pm: Sharing and close of day
What do I need?
Please come in clothes and shoes you can move in and be ready to participate physically, including floorwork for the morning Masterclass.
Please note – Singing, Tea Dance and Q&A sessions will run simultaneously. Please book only one session.
Creative Directors will interview the production’s director and creative team. The Director’s Talk are ticketed but free to attend.
Whether you’ve already seen the show and are eager for more, or you’re yet to experience this razor-sharp political comedy, this is the perfect opportunity to gain behind-the-scenes insight. Hear directly from the creative minds behind the production and discover how history and humour come together on stage.
Book your seats for the show here.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ LondonTheatre1
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Southend Theatre Scene
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ArtsHub
Find out more about Handbagged here.
Keen to have even more of a theatre fix? Be a part of the magic with our Theatre Lab day on 19 Feb. Find out more here.
Do you want to connect with fellow local artists? Whether you’re looking to network, co-work, or both, this is the perfect opportunity for you.
You might be an actor looking for a Director… You might be a composer looking for their next project… Anything is possible!
Join us for an afternoon in a dedicated space in our foyer.
We have free public Wi-Fi, so bring along your laptop or notebook and pen. Don’t forget your reusable cup to enjoy a discount at our café!
An inspiring and exciting afternoon designed for those looking to network, develop their craft, and gain insight into the theatre industry. This free event offers exclusive access to a Page to Stage workshop, alongside Mini Matinees showcasing new writing by emerging creatives, and a special Creative Talk.
All three events will be BSL interpreted, as will the evening performance of Handbagged later that day.
2:00pm – 3:45pm:
Mini Matinees
New writing by emerging creatives, performed on our foyer stage.
Moira Buffini Writer’s Talk
Be the first to watch this exclusive screening of an interview with acclaimed playwright Moira Buffini, hosted by Alex Thorpe. They’ll explore what it takes to craft a fiercely comic play, dive into Moira’s journey as a playwright, and discuss everything Handbagged.
4:00pm – 5:30pm: Page to Stage Workshop
Removing the mystery of taking Handbagged from the Page to the Stage. This practical workshop provides insight into the director’s vision in creating some of the production’s most exciting moments. It is facilitated by Chani Merrell, who will be joined by members of the acting company and technical staff.
From rehearsal techniques and investigation with the actors and stage management, weaving in lighting, sound and music, this session unpacks the immense amount of talented people it takes to bring this epic and satirical production to life.
There will also be a chance for you to put your questions to the company.
Under 26? Why not book an £8 ticket for the evening production of Handbagged? Moira Buffini’s clever, funny, and charming comedy takes a fly-on-the-wall look at what might have happened when Queen Elizabeth II and Margaret Thatcher came face-to-face in the privacy of the palace.
Over the course of a decade, did the Monarch and the Iron Lady ever find common ground, or did their stiff upper lips reign supreme?
This highly entertaining production is presented by Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and Theatre Nation Partnerships.
This 90-minute practical workshop provides insight into the Director’s vision and decisions in creating some of the production’s most exciting moments. It is facilitated by Handbagged’s Associate Director, who will be joined by members of the acting company and technical staff.
From rehearsal techniques and investigation with the actors and stage management, weaving in lighting, sound and music, this session unpacks the immense amount of talented people it takes to bring this epic and satirical production to life.
There will also be a chance for you to put your questions to the company.
Join us for an engaging and informative free webinar all about fundraising in the arts, with Cerian Eiles, a freelance fundraising consultant with over 20 years’ experience working across the arts sector.
This unique opportunity is designed for artists, arts organisations, and anyone interested in enhancing their fundraising skills within the creative sector.
Expert guidance: Learn from an experienced fundraising expert who has successfully navigated the complexities of arts funding. Gain insight that can help elevate your fundraising efforts and achieve your project goals.
Skill development: Discover essential skills and techniques specifically focused for the arts. Whether you’re an emerging producer or an established creative, this webinar will provide knowledge that you can apply immediately.
Tips and Tricks: Benefit from practical tips and innovative strategies that can make a significant impact on your fundraising campaigns. Learn how to successfully engage donors and investors.
Participate from the comfort of your own home and free of charge.
Don’t miss this chance to improve your fundraising skillset and connect with a community of like-minded individuals.
Leave the kids with us for two jam-packed hours of creative fun involving drama games, storytelling and craft activities.
Each session is themed around a popular children’s story, and includes a ‘make to take home’.
Leave the kids with us for two jam-packed hours of creative fun involving drama games, storytelling and craft activities.
Each session is themed around a popular children’s story, and includes a ‘make to take home’.
Leave the kids with us for two jam-packed hours of creative fun involving drama games, storytelling and craft activities.
Each session is themed around a popular children’s story, and includes a ‘make to take home’.
Leave the kids with us for two jam-packed hours of creative fun involving drama games, storytelling and craft activities.
Each session is themed around a popular children’s story, and includes a ‘make to take home’.
