Arts & Culture
From sword fighting to acting for beginners, Shoebox is enrolling now!

Develop your craft at The Shoebox Theatre in Swindon.

Level 2: Course for Actors 18+

Shoebox’s classes for Actors aged 18+ are aimed at those who have had previous theatre training - you might be on a year out before Drama School or perhaps you are an actor wanting to continue or diversify your training.

Budding actors will be given the opportunity to develop further insight into established methods and techniques through practice, critical reflection and in-class performances - these workshops are both practical and challenging.

The next course, Theatre and Immediacy, is an exploration of experiential performance starting on January 23 2018. More than ever, audiences are seeking new experiences, exciting and unique performances and events, which place them at the centre of the action. This course explores theatre as an active experience.

Drawn from the theories of Antonin Artaud, this experiential movement towards a theatre, which assaults the senses and places responsibility in the hands of the audience, will offer a basis for experimentation. You will consider your audience and their relationship to the space, the performers and the unfolding action, creating immersive theatrical experiences, which are both intimate and absorbing.

When: Tuesdays, from 7.30pm until 9.30pm, January 23 to March 27 2018.

How much: £70 for a 10 week course.

A non-refundable deposit of £20 is required to secure your place, the remaining £50 should then be paid before or on the first session.

For further information, and to book your place, click here.

Level 1: Acting Course for Beginners 18+

Enrolment is now open for our next Acting for Beginners course! It’s never too late to tread the boards!

The Beginners Acting Courses for Adults offer an introduction to acting in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. Ideal for those with little or no acting experience, classes provide the chance to explore acting technique in a playful, accessible and practical way. Whether you are an aspiring performer; wish to revitalise your creativity; or simply want to try something new and build self-confidence, you will find our classes fun and rewarding.

The next beginners course starts on January 25 2018 with Storytelling, exploring how to create imaginative and engaging characters, use vocal and physical skills to bring strange worlds to life and create performances that will keep your audience on the edge of their seats.

When: Thursdays from 7.30pm until 9.30pm, January 25 to March 29 2018.

How much: £70 for a 10 week course (£7 per 2 hour session).

A non-refundable deposit of £20 is required to secure your place, the remaining £50 should then be paid before or on the first session.

For further information, and to book your place, click here.

Stage Combat Exam Course: Broadsword

Gain an Equity recognised qualification in Theatrical Broadsword - a style inspired by gallant knights and the legendary Samurai!

The Shoebox Theatre is teaming up with the Academy of Performance Combat to bring you a ten-week exam course in theatrical broadsword fighting. The course will be taught by experienced APC Teacher and RSC Associate Practitioner, Tom Jordan.

Students will be taught to master the basics of a generalised broadsword combat system, learn a choreographed fight, add the words and then perform it in front of an external examiner. Passing this examination results in an Equity recognised qualification in Broadsword at Basic Level.

Sign up today and take the next step in your journey towards becoming an adept stage fighter!

When: Wednesdays, from 7.00pm until 9.30pm, 24th January - 28th March 2018

How much: £135 for a 10-week course including exam.

Suitable for ages 18+

For further information, and to book your place, click here.

  • From sword fighting to acting for beginners, Shoebox is enrolling now!
  • From sword fighting to acting for beginners, Shoebox is enrolling now!