Working up a sweat with Frantic Assembly

Two weeks ago we invited the renowned physical theatre company Frantic Assembly to Bucks New University to hold a devising workshop with our performing arts students.

Frantic Assembly have been creating thrilling, energetic and highly physical theatre work since 1994 and are well known in England and beyond. It was a pleasure to welcome their performer and Associate Artist Dritan Kastrati to our campus, and see him hold two 2hour workshops with students from across all years.



Dritan led the students through an intense physical warm up, working up a sweat, before guiding them through a series of challenging lifts which then formed the basis for devising short performance pieces. The lifts and contact work were particularly challenging for students who feel less confident with physical work; however, it was fantastic to see how Dritan stirred them on and convinced them that, with the right technique, everyone can be lifted or lift other people.



Here is what 3rd year students Rhiain Lyne thought of the workshop:

"I really enjoyed the Frantic Assembly workshop last Wednesday. I have been enticed and excited by Frantic's work ever since I saw their production of Livelong in 2011. This workshop enabled me to gain insight into how the company create work, devise and rehearse for their shows. I like the fact that it pushed me out of my comfort zone, as when we were learning the lifts, I had to lift people as well as being lifted myself! I found it extremely enjoyable and also a great learning experience. If the company are invited back to do workshops in the future, I would go again. It's a free chance to work with a famous, company, what have you got to loose!"

To find out more about Frantic Assembly and their work, click on the link below:
http://www.franticassembly.co.uk


We were able to offer this workshop with the Big Deal scheme that Bucks New University is offering to their students. As part of this scheme, we can offer book voucher, cinema vouchers, trips to see shows and invite a range of practitioners to hold workshops and extra classes.
To find out more about the Big Deal at Bucks, visit this link:
http://www.franticassembly.co.uk