Everything you need to know about STORM

What is STORM?
STORM is a collaboration between the Lyric, Graeae and PUSH and is a response to a shared concern that the physical and visual theatre sector has a distinct last of theatre makers from diverse backgrounds especially artists from black and minority backgrounds and disabled artists. From 1 to 5 June 2009 we will be inviting leading practitioners from a range of disciplines (such as improvisation and installation, site specific and the spoken word, puppetry, projection, hip hop theatre and devising), to run workshops and discussions. There are 40 places for participants who will be given the opportunity to attend workshops by these practitioners as well as being given space to try out ideas and experiment.

Is STORM for me?
Whether you are young or old, emerging or established, a performer or a producer, a poet or dancer, then STORM could be for you. We want to hear from people who are working as theatre makers, are committed to a career in the arts and are open to learning and sharing all they can throughout the STORM week. We are particularly interested in receiving applications from people who feel frustrated by the lack of opportunities open to them and who are excited by different processes and practices but don’t know how to find out more.

Full access support will be provided for the week but if you have any concerns please feel free to get in touch.

The call for applications is now closed.

How will the week work?
STORM will take place from 1 to 5 June 2009. Each day will be divided into 3 parts with a three hour morning workshop, a 3 hour afternoon workshop and an event in the evening. The daytime workshops will be facilitated by leading practitioners and will give participants an opportunity to experience their very different processes. The evening events will include performances, discussions and a chance for participants to show elements of the work that they may have developed throughout the week. The whole week will be rounded off by an open space debate led by Improbable and a party to celebrate a week of hard work and success.

Do I need to commit to the whole week?
Participants will be expected to commit to the whole of STORM and availability will be taken into account when we begin to shortlist applications. To get the most out of the week we would encourage all participants to fully commit and engage with both the daytime workshops and debates and the evening events. You never know what you might miss!

Will I get paid?
STORM cannot offer paid places to any participants. We understand the implications of taking time out from work so all workshops and discussions will be free and we can also provide free meals and refreshments throughout the week. If you are travelling from outside of London we may also be able to give bursaries for accommodation and travel so please let us know.

What happens after STORM?
We are very keen to continue building the relationships with both practitioners and participants after the STORM week has ended. We aim to develop a network of theatre makers through STORM who regularly return to the Lyric to see shows and engage in workshops. We will be setting up our own social networking site where participants can communicate with us and with each other. There will be an opportunity to feedback after STORM and tell us what further support you need and how we can help.

What is Graeae?
Graeae is a world leader in developing and promoting disabled-led theatre for a wide-ranging disabled and non-disabled audience using creative and accessible processes. They aim to produce trailblazing, world-class theatre placing D/deaf and disabled people centre stage, challenging assumptions through a high quality, dynamic and diverse artistic programme. Graeae’s vision is to create a new dramatic language that demolishes the barriers to the performance and appreciation of theatre.

What is PUSH?
PUSH is dedicated to the promotion of Black British artists into the heart of mainstream arts. We create arts events and development programmes in collaboration with mainstream arts organisations and Black practitioners to inspire new relationships and a commitment to diversity in the arts.

For more information please email Jenna, call 020 8741 6812 or text 07907 631 505.