Creatives in the Den

Join us in the Den for a day of talks, workshops and surgeries about all things creative. Drop-in any time between 1.00pm – 7.00pm.

We also have 2 very special workshops – Writing in the Den at 3.30pm – 4.30pm and Directing in the Den at 5.00pm – 6.00pm.

Then stick around from 6.00pm for the artist mixer which will be run by the Tameside Creative Network, to be able to meet like-minded neighbours. 

See below for a full rundown of events and how to get involved!

Age Guidance: Open to everyone, not suitable for under 12.

Workshops

Writing in the Den (3.30pm -4.30pm)

Join poet & playwright Ntombizodwa Nyoni for an incredible introduction to writing. Whether you write regularly or have never picked up a pen, this one’s not one to be missed! No experience necessary.

Zodwa Nyoni is a Zimbabwean-born writer/director working in theatre, TV, film, radio and opera.

Lecturer in Scriptwriting at Manchester Metropolitan University and on the Advisory Council for the Caine Prize of African Writing, Zodwa’s plays include: Liberation; BOI BOI IS DEAD (Winner of Channel 4 Playwright’s Scheme); & THE DARKEST PART OF THE NIGHT (one of The Independent’s top stage shows of 2022).

BOOK HERE for Writing in the Den

Directing in the Den (5.00pm – 6.00pm)

Delve into the art of directing with Gitika Buttoo. From creating your vision for a piece to working with a cast to bring a play to life, this is a workshop for anyone looking to develop their practice and for the curious – no experience necessary.

Gitika is a Queer British South Asian Director from Yorkshire, currently based in Manchester.

She directs theatre, film and radio nationally and has just finished wrapped on her film ‘Before I Do’ that was commissioned by the British Film Institute and was selected by BFI Flare Film Festival (The largest LGBTQ+ Film Festival in Europe). One of Headlong Theatre’s Origins Directors, she is also Staff Director at The National Theatre, Regional Associate of Tamasha and Associate Director of LUNG Theatre Company.

BOOK HERE for Directing in the Den

Surgeries

Got a creative question you need answering? Not sure how to take a creative project further? Then join one of our creative surgeries where we will have some of the team from the Royal Exchange Theatre on hand to help! Join us in the Civic Hall where you will be able to book a slot to chat with one or more of the following people:

Producing with Anna Moutrey (Director of Producing)

Learn about the art of producing, that is the management of getting a show, project or event off the ground and onto the stage.

Community Engagement with Emily Oldroyd (Community Producer)

Get involved with all things community engagement, that is broadening access to and ownership of arts through co-creation (making with local communities) and creative projects and opportunities for non-arts-professionals.

Marketing with Morayo Sodipo (Marketing Manager)

Hear all about marketing and communications, that is the publicity and audience development for a show, or event: from posters to social media campaigns.

New writing with Rosie Thackeray (Bruntwood Coordinator)

Find out about opportunities for new writing, the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting or anything else writing related.