Acting Gym

Athletes go to the gym to train and keep fit for an upcoming event, but what happens to actors who are in-between jobs? Where can actors continue to push themselves post-youth theatre, university or drama school?

Our Acting Gym is a playground for Hull and East Riding actors to take risks and develop their skills in a supportive environment. It involves regular free workshops on specific themes, such as readthroughs, self-tapes and auditions, with individual exercises and group work, at the Middle Child rehearsal space.

The Acting Gym is designed to suit the needs of individuals with the sole intention of giving actors a space to try new things and improve their craft.

The Lab

The Lab is an extended edition of the Acting Gym, with the first iteration exploring two pieces of new writing back in June 2022.

The Lab will return in the autumn of 2023 with a focus on monologues.

Regular one-off Acting Gym workshops will continue on an ad hoc basis. Subscribe to our artist development newsletter to keep updated.

Abstract illustration of theatre seats, a stage and lab equipment with text that says 'Acting Gym - The Lab'

The Lab: Monologues

In 2023, The Lab will focus on one of the most important aspects of an actor’s career – monologues.

Whether it’s sweating over a self tape or feeling the pressure to make your mark with a big soliloquy in a performed-too-often-play, monologues are a key skill for all. So, this year we turn our focus to building a safe space in which you can find the perfect speech, learn it and hone it alongside other friendly faces.

Our artistic director and literary manager will be on hand to support with play choices and techniques, and you’ll end the programme with a monologue you can be proud of!

We are offering two separate opportunities for involvement in The Lab to improve access for freelancers:

  • Option 1: 9am – 12pm every Tuesday from 24 Oct to 21 Nov
  • Option 2: 2pm – 5pm every Friday from 27 Oct to 24 Nov

Please note: in order to apply you will ideally be available for all sessions at the time of applying.

Who can apply

The Lab is designed for actors with professional experience or aspirations, based in Hull and the East Riding, who:

  • Want to build confidence
  • Want to push themselves to try different characters, different kinds of work and different rehearsal techniques
  • Have a specific skill or focus they are keen to develop, for example a new accent
  • Feel out of practice and want to sharpen their skills ahead of an audition or a new job
  • Want to spend time developing their craft amongst other actors
  • Are keen to play in a low pressure environment

While there is no budget for this process and nothing will be physically made, we hope this will offer invaluable experience for those looking to grow their confidence in rehearsal rooms.

Participation in The Lab is completely free, but there are only a limited number of places available. We will provide each participant with their own copy of the chosen scripts.

Applications will open Tuesday 8 August.

How to apply

Applications are now open and all you have to do is fill in a short online form.

Alongside the usual questions about name and contact details, it also asks for a few words on:

  • your experience to date
  • your favourite plays and writers
  • the kinds of roles you’d like to approach in Acting Gym
  • the specific outcomes you are hoping to get out of Acting Gym

The deadline for applications is 12pm on Tuesday 19 September. Selected participants will be informed no later than Tuesday 26 September.