Participate Acting & Performance

A programme of training and workshops created specifically for schools, colleges, conservatoires and universities in the performing arts. Designed to provide acting and performance students with space in their busy timetables to reflect on their personal, professional and interpersonal development, as well as encouraging empathy and connection with their peers.

Training created specifically for performing arts colleges and conservatoires

  • Helping students cultivate bold learning environments, with inclusion at the centre 
  • Supporting personal, professional and interpersonal development by addressing a range of topics related to equality, diversity, inclusion and group dynamics 
  • Providing a supportive and structured space to work through difficult topics, with practical advice and tools to takeaway 
  • For performing arts schools, colleges, conservatoires and universities across the country

Photo: P Fysh

Training sessions

For Students

Designed to support vocational learning, these sessions make space for Acting & Performance students to think beyond the technical skills of their craft and explore the industry (and their role within it) on a deeper level. Students will come away empowered with greater awareness and confidence to navigate the industry as individuals, whilst also understanding how they can become a force for positive change in an inclusive, collaborative space. Specifically designed with Performance students in mind, the sessions aim to be as practical and interactive as possible, to ensure full engagement from participants. 

Based on up-to-date research and collaboration with a number of drama schools and conservatoires, these one-off sessions are most effective when integrated into the timetabled modules of performing arts training.

While most of our sessions are available all year round, here are our recommendations for how to map the training journey of your students.

These sessions are designed to help students put their best foot forward when thinking about how they will work together as a cohort. We particularly recommend these sessions towards the start of their training, either in induction week or as part of their early timetable.

Designed for the middle stage of their learning, these sessions integrate particularly well into modules such as contextual studies or professional development. In these sessions, students will explore key issues within the world of the performing arts and learn the skills they need to contribute to positive change within the industry. 

These sessions equip students with the skills and confidence required to navigate challenging industry dynamics. We recommend booking in these sessions towards the end of their training, providing a final opportunity to support and empower them as they prepare to step forward in their careers.

“After the sessions, I feel I have gained the tools to navigate my way through difficult situations in the industry. Being able to communicate assertively and stand by my morals is absolutely necessary practice not just for work, but life.”

Third Year Acting Student

“I think this was really useful for us all to take stock and look at the way we teach and how that can affect the students not only whilst in our lessons but also for the rest of their lives.”

Faculty Member

About Participate

Participate is Tonic’s programme of training and workshops created specifically for schools, colleges, conservatoires and universities in the performing arts. Designed to provide students with space in their busy timetables to reflect on their personal, professional and interpersonal development, as well as encouraging empathy and connection with their peers. All sessions are designed and delivered in a way that is tailor made for performing arts students; providing space and learning that is pragmatic, empowering, and optimistic. 

The programme for teaching and administrative staff creates space for reflection, as well as being future-focused, including the provision of a range of useful tools and framing of ideas and concepts which participants can integrate into their practice. 

Since 2018 Tonic have delivered Participate around the country. The popularity of the sessions has demonstrated the great need for them. Read more on Participate’s impact and reach.

Booking and further info

Get in touch or contact gina@tonictheatre.co.uk for further information or to discuss bringing Participate to your students and colleagues.

Get in touch
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performers on stage during a theatre rehaersal
Photo by Hamish Kale

Tailored to your needs

Participate training sessions are bookable individually or as part of a longer-term package of support. Looking for something specific? Get in touch to discuss.

Make an enquiry

All enquiries welcome! If you are interested in booking Participate sessions, or just need some more information, please complete the form below and one of our team will be in touch. Or email us direct at info@tonictheatre.co.uk.

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