Training and Artist Development
Training and artist development have always been an important part of Amadan Ensemble’s work. Alongside creating and touring our own performances, we create opportunities for artists to develop their practice, experiment, make new work and build confidence.
We are particularly interested in supporting emerging and early-career artists, and in making professional development opportunities more accessible to those who may face financial, geographical or other barriers to taking part. Through workshops, mentoring, longer-term development programmes and Theatre Works Fest, we aim to create practical, supportive spaces where artists can take risks, meet other practitioners and dedicate time to developing their work.
Theatre Works Fest
Our annual Theatre Works Fest brings artists together for an intensive programme of professional development, experimentation and creative learning. Each January, the festival offers masterclasses with leading national and international practitioners alongside workshops, residencies and opportunities to develop new work. At its heart is a simple idea: bringing high-quality professional training and new creative approaches to theatre-makers in Northern Ireland.
Mentoring
Amadan Ensemble offers ad hoc mentoring to individual artists, specialising in Clown, Bouffon, physical and devised theatre, producing, dramaturgical, and directing support.
We’ve mentored artists applying for Arts Council funding in ROI and NI, and can provide studio space for development. This tailored guidance empowers artists to refine their craft, navigate funding, and bring their projects to life.
NUTURE
NURTURE offers emerging artists rehearsal space, and mentoring with Amadan Ensemble’s Creative Directors. Through hands-on experience in devising, producing, and showcasing new works, NURTURE participants gain direct access to Amadan’s collaborative, physical, and experimental methods of theatre making. They also receive dedicated time to create, network support, and production advice (funding, logistics, budgeting) to develop their own work. The aim is to support the development of emerging artists' work to a full production.
Workshops
Throughout the year, Amadan delivers practical workshops for professional and emerging artists, students, community groups and organisations. Our specialist areas include Clown, Bouffon, Physical Theatre, Devising, Mask, with workshops ranging from introductory sessions to intensive professional training.