Durham Student Theatre workshops are typically organised for DST members, but some are open to anyone aged 16+ and from any background – whether that be sixth form, university or beyond, etc. Whether they are focused on writing, producing, technical theatre, acting or directing, the aim of each workshop is to widen skillsets, as well as to provide experience and career know-how. Workshops are run throughout the year (except during exam season); and they vary from introductory workshops at the start of the academic year to professionally led workshops run by industry professionals.

DST members are welcome to contact [email protected] if they would like to request a workshop or have any questions about DST workshops.

Recent Workshops:

  • ‘Spotlight on… Directors’, with John Caird (Honorary Associate Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company and Principal Guest Director of the Royal Dramatic Theatre, Stockholm, Original Director of Les Miserables)
  • ‘Spotlight on… Producers’, with Kenny Wax (produced SIX, The Play That Goes Wrong, Top Hat, Once on this Island) and Neil Laidlaw (co-produced the 2018 revival of Long Day’s Journey into Night, the West End transfer of Annie, Oslo at the National Theatre)
  • ‘Introduction to Ensemble Adaptation’, led by Marcus Bazley and Will Holyhead (Co-Artistic Directors of Cyphers Theatre Company)
  • ‘Music Direction Session with Mountview’, led by Richard Bates (Mountview’s Head of Musical Direction)
  • ‘Theatre for Community and Education Workshop with Mountview’, led by Maria Askew (Head of Mountview’s MA in Theatre for Community and Education)
  • ‘Audio and Video Editing: Principles and Software’, with DST Technical Teams
  • ‘Career in Television in Front and Behind the Camera’, with Alex Macqueen (An actor on British film and TV best known for roles in The Thick of It and The Inbetweeners)
  • ‘Playwriting: Source, Character and Image’, with Laura Lomas (Channel 4 Playwright in Residence at Clean Break Theatre Company. She is under commission to The Royal Court Theatre)
  • Comedy Writing and Careers with Megan from HR (Upcoming Comedians and Edinburgh and London Fringe Successes)

  • Drama School Auditions with Ed Sayer (Professional Actor and Audition Panel Member)

  • Brush Up Your Shakespeare with Alexandra Spencer-Jones (Internationally recognised director and Artistic Director of Action to the Word)

Each year our Workshops Calendar heats up during Epiphany as part of Durham Drama Festival and again in Easter term for ‘Summer in the City’ . Ranging from Acting in Greek Tragedy to Producing Tips and Tricks with Comedy Writing and Playwriting on the side! DDF judges are also invited to run workshops and panels, open to both chosen writers and a general audience. These often provide a range of exciting insights into the professional world, as well as strengthening the opportunities offered by the festival.