Ambitious Performers - Paignton Library

From the creatives who brought you MADAME THESPIA'S DELICIOUSLY DIVERSE CABARET and IMMERSIVE THEATRE SCHOOL...

Four of Swords & Libraries Unlimited present

AMBITIOUS PERFORMERS

Ambitious Performers is a series of workshops for anyone who:

• identifies as neurodiverse

• is aged 16+, young adults and adults alike

• wants to develop their performance skills

• fancies putting themselves out there in front of an audience!

This programme is run by Four of Swords and supported by Libraries Unlimited. We will be running five workshop sessions on consecutive Thursdays at PAIGNTON LIBRARY. The workshops will develop a range of ACTING & PERFORMANCE SKILLS. We will explore the character of “THE FOOL”: a theatre archetype who is comedic and stupid, but open to any experience, bright with magic potential and holding the power to speak truth to people in authority!

Sessions will include mask work, mime, improv, comedic sketches and tragic vignettes. We can work on personal singing, comedy or performance poetry routines if you wish. We will be working towards sharing our work at a special MADAME THESPIA’S SHOWCASE at the library on Thursday 3rd April.

WHEN?

Join us for one or all of the following:

Thu 6th Mar 4-6pm – THE WAY OF THE FOOL (Openness & Improv)

Thu 13th Mar 4-6pm – VOICE & STAGECRAFT AT PALACE THEATRE

Thu 20th Mar 4-6pm – MASKS & MOVEMENT - with special guest Donald Craigie of Stuff and Nonsense Theatre

Thur 27th Mar 4-6pm – CREATIVE STORYTELLING - with special guest Mark Cassidy of Boo to a Goose Theatre

WHERE?

Paignton Library

SHOWCASE

Thursday 3rd April 7pm
at Paignton Library

Rest assured, there is no obligation to perform at the showcase. You are still very welcome to attend the sessions, even if you are not available to perform/attend.

INTRODUCING OUR TUTORS

This project is being led by Phil Kingslan John and Isobel Jeffery.

Phil taught English, Drama and Media at secondary schools for eight years before leaving the school system in search of something more esoteric! In 2012 he founded Four of Swords with his friend Sarah; they have been creating visceral, vibrant and immersive theatre, film and education projects ever since. He also designs and delivers course content for Creative Connections, a regular drama group for Learning Disabled school leavers run by Exeter Northcott and the Pelican Project. It was through Creative Connections that Phil first met Isobel Jeffery.

Isobel is a Learning Disabled actress and writer who is incredibly passionate about theatre, film and the arts. In 2022, Isobel and Phil created Madame Thespia’s Deliciously Diverse Cabaret, an open mic night for all, especially designed to platform the work of neurodiverse and under-represented performers. Isobel and Phil have also created The Magical Screentest, a show about Isobel’s life as an aspiring LD actress, which was performed at a few festivals in 2024 and is looking to go on tour in 2025.

Over the course of the AMBITIOUS PERFORMERS programme, participants will also meet and work with a selection of theatre makers from Four of Swords' stable of collaborators, including of course Sarah White, the other half of Four of Swords, a brilliant actor and a creative producer extraordinaire!