West End Puppetry Masterclass with Abigail Matthews

Arion Productions Ltd has launched a new series of masterclasses to provide expert ‘one day only’ training in much-sought-after specialist fields with some of the country’s finest theatre, film, televisio
n and radio professionals on various Sundays throughout 2016 at the Diorama Arts Studios.
Each of these unique masterclasses can hold up to fifty attendees. They have been created for those considering performing arts or professional performers who might be looking to learn new skills. Classes are accessible to all, regardless of any disability or access needs. All attendees must be 16+.

All profits raised from the Portfolio Masterclass series will be invested by Arion Productions into future opportunities in their upcoming productions to give practical and paid experience. All places must be booked in advance and it is strongly advised to book as quickly as possible to avoid disappointment

Artistic Director of Arion Productions Andrew Keates comments,
“Arion Productions is passionate about providing opportunities for actors who want to invest in themselves and develop their craft. As a company we are fortunate to have connections with some of the finest professionals working within our industry and it has been a delight seeing actors transform in an afternoon by being given the chance to work with such a high caliber of stand-out artists”

Abigail Matthews: West End Puppetry Masterclass
Sunday 7 August 2016. 1pm – 5.30pm.

Abigail has worked on a variety of productions in the early stages of her career including musical theatre, physical theatre and puppetry, plays, cabarets, pantomime, fringe theatre and street theatre. Her exploration into the world of puppetry began in 2012 when she became an alternate Aslan puppeteer in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe working with Max Humphries, Steve Tiplady and Jane Leany to learn the ethos and craft of team puppetry. Since then, she has continued to work with a myriad of puppets in subsequent performances, most notably in the acclaimed West End National Theatre production of War Horse, where she worked directly with Handspring Puppet Company and associate directors of puppetry, Tommy Luther and Jimmy Grimes. She then went on to join a team of ten puppeteers working with director Ivan Thorley and designer Caroline Bowman at Puppets With Guts to devise and perform their street theatre piece Citizen Squid at the Lyric Hammersmith: Theatre In The Square and Watford Imagine Festival. She is currently working on the West End and National Tour production of Goodnight Mister Tom with puppet director and designer Toby Olie.

Puppetry is a thought provoking, moving and disciplined theatrical language that is finding its way into many areas of the industry from physical theatre and street theatre, to plays and musicals. It is becoming an essential skill for the actor today, especially for devising theatre and children’s theatre. The ethos of team and solo puppetry requires great focus, clear communication of thought, stamina and joy. Much the same as the ethos of acting- this is a must do workshop for not only learning new and relevant skills, but enhancing your storytelling abilities as a performer.

Abi has requested that all those that attend her masterclass should wear comfortable clothing that they are free to move in.

Times
Doors open at 1pm and masterclasses will end at approximately 5.30pm.

Location
Diorama Arts Studios. 201 Drummond Street, Regent’s Place, London NW1 3FE.
Tel: 020 7383 0727. E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.diorama-arts.org.uk

Requirements
All those that wish to participate must be 16+ and either in training or considering training in performing arts or be a professional actor that wishes to learn further skills. These workshops are not for children. Please wear clothing that you are comfortable to move in. For detailed notes about requirements, please see individual mast