‘a company that has developed distinct methods for actors with learning disabilities to lead theatre-making process, demonstrating the positive impact of that inclusion, in our art and the societies we inhabit’

TRAIN AND LEARN

Connected Particles: The Documentary

This is a film about Connected Particles, a six-week project by Dark Horse Theatre that brought together young people across Kirklees to experience the joy of creative connection and movement, exploring geometric shapes, creating movement sequences, inventing new games, reflecting and laughing. Connected Particles was funded by National Lottery Awards for All England.  

Keep an eye on our social media channels for updates on future projects like Connected Particles.  

AcT (Actor Training)

Do You Want to Act?

Join our AcT student actors in training to start your journey towards becoming a professional actor.

Our foundation actor training course follows Dark Horse’s bespoke method ‘The Silent Approach’ and covers a wide selection of units including: Movement, Acting Technique, Ensemble, Voice and Fitness. All units are designed to work towards preparing students for a career in the industry.

Dark Horse trains learning disabled actors at the highest, vocational level.

The silent approach, a ground-breaking rehearsal room method, is used across the company.

The training is unique and revolutionary and gives Dark Horse actors the tools they need to work in rehearsal rooms and TV and sound studios on equal terms with non-learning disabled actors.

You will attend Dark Horse 2 days a week from 9:45 – 3:00pm (during term time) and work towards showings each term to showcase your development in training.

Contact us at info@darkhorsetheatre.co.uk and you could be training with one of England’s leading learning disabled theatre companies sooner than you think.

IGNITE

Ignite is taking a break at the moment but if it is something you are interested in then please do get in touch.

Have an interest in drama? Want to build your confidence, learn something new and meet new people?

Our IGNITE Young Company (taking participants from 16+) is perfect for people looking to do all those things and more. If you want a new hobby or you’re looking for a stepping-stone into professional actor training this is the place to start.

Experience Dark Horse’s training methods in a relaxed, fun environment.

IGNITE runs every Saturday (during term time)

Session 1   9:00am – 10:30am      Specifically for people with ASD
Session 2   10:45am – 12:15pm   Suitable for all learning disabilities

Your first session is free so why not come and give it a go? Contact amy@darkhorsetheatre.co.uk for any enquiries.

Dark Horse Workshops

Our reputation for delivering excellence isn’t limited to performance. At Dark Horse we deliver workshops in schools, community and professional environments (for over 12 years Dark Horse actors have had input onto advanced interview training courses with the South Yorkshire police force). We can provide workshops to fit your brief as one offs or short courses.

STIR

Our Latest professional performance, STIR, combines live theatre and film and was devised, written and rehearsed with young people in mind as the target audience.

“I think high school (students) would learn that emotions show not always on the inside, but outside too.” – High school student, 14 years old

“Really important themes. Peer pressure, making friends, looking after each other, dealing with aggression. A Story delivered so simply and powerfully.” – Alistair Macdonald, Castle Hill School

“Very realistic and thought provoking with a variety of messages about street crime amongst young people. All people have the same experiences and emotions.” – Rosalind, Mrs Sunderland Festival

We are currently taking bookings from schools and other community settings to bring STIR to you. This is a unique opportunity for students to see dynamic story telling and professional quality theatre in the comfort of their own school. Additionally, we can offer a package deal including the performance and an hour long creative workshop for up to 20 participants. The STIR workshop is designed to fit with the needs, abilities, and experiences of the group and is facilitated by a Dark Horse director and actors from the company (actors you will have just watched in STIR). This package introduces students to the devising tools used by Dark Horse and the creative process we used to make STIR. More importantly, partaking in this workshop will boost confidence, encourage team work and improve focus and concentration.

For more information, costs and booking, please contact ekaterina@darkhorsetheatre.co.uk or call 01484 484441 to speak to a member of the Dark Horse team.