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We’re excited to announce that three free creative courses are starting this autumn – and you’re warmly invited to join! Don’t miss this opportunity to learn something new, meet like-minded people, and have a lot of fun along the way.

What’s on offer?

Starting Monday 22nd September
1. Willow Sculpture (Mondays, 9:30am – 12:00pm)
Discover the magic of working with natural willow and tissue paper to create bold 3D sculptures, props, and lanterns. You’ll also learn how to decorate and light your creations for maximum impact. It’s a fun and easy way to bring ideas to life – no prior experience required!

Starting Monday 22nd September
2. Visual Effects for Film (Mondays, 1:30pm – 4:00pm)
Step into the world of film and TV magic! Learn about stop-motion animation, green screen, and other visual effects techniques. You’ll get hands-on experience with the technology and create and edit your very own short films. Beginners welcome – enthusiasm is all you need.

Starting Tuesday 30th October
3. Puppetry (SPECIAL Advanced Course) – Tuesdays, 10:00am – 12:30pm
Come and make new puppets for our Christmas show, learn fresh techniques, and bring them to life in performance. We’ll also explore new stop-motion filming. This course is open to anyone who has completed a previous puppetry course with us, or who already has experience making and operating puppets.

Dates

• Willow Sculpture & Visual Effects: every Monday, 22nd Sept – 20th Oct (5 weeks)
• Puppetry: every Tuesday, 30th Oct – 21st Nov (4 weeks)

 A few important notes:

• Places are first come, first served – and interest is expected to be high.
• To get the most out of your course, applicants should be able to commit to all sessions.
• Before the start date, we’ll arrange a quick appointment with you to complete the application forms.

Interested?

Please contact us to find out more or book a space on:

• 01243 30680
• learn@makingtheatre.co.uk

We’re currently offering free puppetry and theatre taster sessions aimed at 16-25 year olds who are interested in joining our training towards employment sessions later in the year. These sessions are located at The Bognor Makerspace. No experience necessary, beginners welcome!

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We’re currently offering free 1-day puppetry and animation workshops for ages 14-25, and are booking sessions between the 7th to 18th July 2025. These workshops can take place at schools, youth groups, or summer programme – or you’re welcome to bring groups to our Makerspace in Bognor Regis. See more below:

Join our trainee team at Bognor Makerspace for an exciting short course exploring the stop-motion techniques of Aardman Animation, the creators behind Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, Chicken Run, and more.

You’ll learn storyboarding for animation, some production design and craft skills, and lots of hands-on stop-motion animation skills.

• Led by industry professionals at Bognor Makerspace supported by expert tuition from the Aardman Academy.
• Plus remote live masterclass from Aardman creatives.
• Work together on a short film to be shown at the Bognor Puppet Festival in May.
• Fully funded by Arts Council England so FREE for participants.

10am – 12.30pm on Thursdays, 27th February –  27th March.

For further information and to book your place contact Darren East on 07951 907695 or darren@makingtheatre.co.uk.

If you’ve never had to cook for yourself before, this course could be perfect for you! Sessions run each Tuesday from 2:00pm – 4:30pm at the @bognor_makerspace.

Practice a wide variety of cooking skills, learn new recipes and enjoy sharing ideas with a friendly group in our welcoming training kitchen. Best of all, take home what you’ve made!

To find out more or sign up, please contact 01243 306800 or info@makingtheatre.co.uk.

Making Theatre Gaining Skills were recently featured on BBC South Today, showcasing the hands-on training we offer in theatre production, including interviews with staff and participants. Watch the clip below to see what we’re all about.

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Enrolment is now open for a new Puppetry and Production Skills Traineeship programme for young people aged 16+ based at the Bognor Makerspace.
A practical and industry-led course that will enable students to develop their skills and connect with others in a supportive and inclusive environment, regardless of background or experience.

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Our new and exciting theatre production skills courses start soon! Get ready to explore everything from lighting and sound to scenic art, costume design, and puppetry. These free courses are perfect for anyone wanting to dive into the world of theatre, no matter your experience level. Join us to learn new skills, meet like-minded people, and bring your creative ideas to life in a supportive environment.

All our courses are free for anyone aged 19 and over. No previous experience or qualifications are necessary but numbers are limited. To find out more or sign up, please contact 01243 345239 or info@makingtheatre.co.uk.

Lighting, Sound & Visual Effects // Mondays, 9:30am – 12:00pm

Learn the basics of lighting and sound design, rigging and operation. You’ll be given the opportunity to shoot video, create animation and use green screens.

Scenic Art & Construction // Mondays, 1:30pm – 4:00pm

A practical course involving carpentry, painting and design. You’ll be given the chance to create your own theatre set using different techniques and materials.

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The Bognor Institute of Laughter presents an evening of comedy featuring some of the best local and South Coast comics!

Featuring up and coming comedians from Bognor and the area, including members of the newly revived Bognor Institute of Laughter. Supported by Comic Relief, tickets are just £10.

Coming to the Bognor Makerspace this July, Wednesday 10th. Open bar and refreshments will be available. Doors open at 6.15 pm, curtains up at 7:30pm

Find out more and book here: t.ly/SVphV

Making Theatre Gaining Skills is a social enterprise established in 2013 that provides unique training courses in the Coastal West Sussex area. We work with long-term unemployed people who are affected by mental health issues, learning difficulties and other disabilities.

MTGS has been in residence at the Bognor Makerspace since October 2020. We currently run a range of courses and projects utilizing a learning room, large fabric and craft classroom, training kitchen and a carpentry workshop. The Bognor Makerspace is a large warehouse which is being steadily developed as a community resource, offering space for a range of creative activities.

New Creative Classes for Adults

We are currently developing a programme of weekly classes for adults aged 19+ that is funded by West Sussex County Council. The focus is on puppetry and production skills with the opportunity for people to learn new skills in design, construction and operation over an eight week term.

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