Shapeshift Aberdeen

DISCOVER. DECIDE. devise your own theatre.

Date of Activity: October 2023
Location: Aberdeen City
Age Range: 17-25

A group of young people dressed in dark clothing huddle together, grasping on another's arms and shoulders. They have a mixture of happy and content expressions on their faces

A group of 4 young people sit in seats in the foreground with notepads on their laps, smiling and talking to one another. A group of 3 young people are in the background (one with their back turned) standing in a small circle chatting. They are in a room with white and gold walls and wooden flooring.

Shapeshift aberdeen is a week-long course of workshops and learning sessions for young theatre-makers based in aberdeen.

The project is inspired by conversations with young artists during Encounters, where they shared their experiences of the gaps in provision, networking and general opportunities to ‘make theatre’. Through a series of exercises, collaborative making and Q&As, a group of 20 young people will work alongside an experienced Lead Artist and aspiring Trainee Artist, exploring innovative approaches to devising theatre and creating new work from scratch. Developing new techniques in theatre-making through the week will conclude with a light touch sharing at His Majesty’s Theatre Studio, for an invited audience.

Shapeshift Aberdeen intends to equip participants with a toolkit towards establishing their own theatre and devising practice. The project will create a framework that supports their agency as artists, while providing space for creative stretch, experimentation and ambition as they begin their unique journeys into the industry.

We are currently seeking 20 young participants to engage in the project in October. Find out more information by following the link below:

Sign up as a participant

In the centre is a young performer gesturing with both arms outstretched. They wear a black and white striped long-sleeved top. Around them are other performers in various positions with flailing arms.

“I found this set of workshops very inspiring… It’s a space where we could share skills with each other and test new things out.”
Participant during Encounters Tour

“TRYing different styles of workshops gives me more confidence as a performer.”
Participant during Encounters Tour

Shapeshift Aberdeen is produced by Scottish Youth Theatre in partnership with Aberdeen Performing Arts, NESCOL and Aberdeen Arts Centre, and supported by Aberdeen City Council Creative Funding.