Physical Theatre Foundations

Explore Physical Theatre in Christchurch

Physical Theatre Foundations is a six-week practical course introducing performers to key approaches in contemporary physical theatre, ensemble practice, mask, movement composition, vocal presence and devising.

Designed as a playful and exploratory introduction to physical theatre, the course gives performers practical tools for developing a stronger physical presence, creating character through the body, working as an ensemble and generating original theatrical material.

Across the six weeks, each session focuses on a different practitioner, training method or performance language, giving participants a broad foundation in contemporary physical theatre practice.

What to expect

The course explores a range of approaches to physical theatre, movement and performance, including:

• Anne Bogart’s Viewpoints – exploring space, time, movement and ensemble awareness
• Jacques Lecoq’s larval mask work – discovering physical character and expression through mask
• Philippe Gaulier’s Le Jeu – exploring play, presence and performance
• Butoh-inspired movement practice through Dr Lynne Bradley & Maro, Akaji
• Frantic Assembly’s devising techniques – developing physical approaches to creating performance material

Sessions are practical and participatory, with opportunities to experiment, play and develop your own physical and theatrical language.

Rather than focusing solely on finished performance, the course explores the processes performers can use to generate ideas, develop characters and create original theatrical material.

Movement, character and ensemble

Physical theatre places the body at the centre of performance. Through movement exploration, participants develop tools for creating dynamic physical presence, character, storytelling and ensemble connection.

You’ll explore how movement can communicate ideas and character, how performers can work together as an ensemble, and how physical exploration can become the starting point for creating new theatrical material.

The course encourages curiosity and experimentation, giving performers space to try different approaches and discover what works for their own creative practice.

Who is this physical theatre course for?

This course is designed for performers and people interested in developing their physical theatre skills. It may be particularly useful for actors, dancers, circus artists, theatre-makers and other performance practitioners who want to expand their physical and creative toolkit.

The course provides an introduction to a range of physical theatre methodologies, making it an opportunity to discover different approaches to movement, devising, mask and ensemble practice.

Whether you’re looking to strengthen your physical presence, develop your performance skills or explore new ways of creating theatre, Physical Theatre Foundations offers a practical space to experiment and learn.

Physical Theatre in Ōtautahi Christchurch

MOVE offers dance, circus and movement classes at Parakiore Recreation and Sports Centre in Christchurch, providing opportunities for performers and movement practitioners to explore different approaches to physical practice and creative expression.

If you’re searching for physical theatre classes in Christchurch, physical theatre workshops, physical theatre training, theatre movement classes, devising workshops, actor movement training or performance courses in Christchurch, Physical Theatre Foundations offers a practical introduction to contemporary physical theatre practice.

Training and inspiration

The course draws inspiration from training and performance experiences with Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre Company (Brisbane), Dairakudakan (Japan), Philippe Gaulier, Dr Pedro Ilgenfritz, Dr Lynne Bradley, Simon Woods and Frantic Assembly.

These influences contribute to a broad and varied approach to physical theatre, bringing together movement, play, ensemble practice, mask, devising and physical performance.

Course length: 6 weeks

What to wear: comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely is recommended. Participants should be prepared for active, practical movement work.