The Unexpected Stage: Theatre-Making Workshop
Led by Melanie Rashbrooke, Director and Facilitator, Novo Theatre
What happens when you turn a whole building or street into a stage? In this fun, hands-on workshop, you will step into the shoes of a Novo theatre-maker and learn how Novo Theatre makes its innovative, site-specific theatre shows.
You will explore how to build characters, tell stories and make performances in unexpected places. Whether you are curious about directing, performing or working backstage, this session offers a taste of what it takes to create a brand-new theatre show. You will explore some of Novo’s favourite rehearsal room techniques and have the chance to ask questions about what it’s really like to be a theatre-maker.
Come ready to play, explore, and discover how Novo Theatre creates theatre you never see coming!
Tell us something interesting about your career to date:
"I've made shows everywhere from caravans, multi-story car parks, abandoned buildings 1/3 and people's living rooms, to even having aliens land unexpectedly in a primary school playground! While I enjoy working in traditional theatre venues, I especially love bringing theatre to more unusual space."
What is the best piece of careers advice you have ever received?
"Some of the best advice I ever received was simple: Be kind, be curious and try new things. When you're starting out, don't worry about picking just one thing. Explore different roles and see what clicks for you.
I've tried everything from acting to stage management to marketing and producing. Knowing a little bit about lots of different roles makes you a brilliant all-rounder. I've found this especially helpful as a theatre director, as it's given me great insight into the different roles of my team, meaning I understand what they need to make a project succeed. Be ready to ask questions and ask for help. I've found people are almost always willing to help and enjoy being asked.
Speaking up and being curious is one of the fastest ways you can learn and grow. Kindness goes a long way. Being a supportive team member makes the whole creative process better, and everyone remembers the people they enjoyed working with."
Your pathway into your career:
"My career path has been 100% learning by doing. Although I studied English Literature at university (and was very active in the University's Theatre Society), I haven't formally studied directing or performance. My real education came from working in the industry itself. I'm what you call a multi-hat wearer. While my main work is directing, I've tried every role imaginable: admin, technician, marketing, Box Office, and producing. This broad experience has been crucial. It's given me a complete overview of how a show comes together, and it's why I can freelance successfully today."