Our updated list of courses has just been finalised—take a look below!

Making Theatre Gaining Skills offers free and exciting classes for everyone – explore new interests and connect with others in a supportive and inclusive environment. No qualifications or prior theatre experience are needed; we’re looking for creative individuals who love to be artistic, make things, design, invent stories and enjoy working as a team.

See what’s on offer!

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 and to book a place call 01243 306800 or email learn@makingtheatre.co.uk

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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We’re currently reviving the Bognor Institute of Laughter thanks to funding from Comic Relief and are currently seeking a workshop leader.

The Institute of Laughter project gives its members a voice and supports new social connections while developing a range of creative skills.  We work to create comedy from stand up to sketch comedy as well as giving new and established comedians a platform. If you’d like to get involved, check out our website.

About the Workshop Leader role

This is a part-time, temporary contract to run for 12 months from the beginning of June. It may be extended, subject to future funding. We are looking for someone with ideas and enthusiasm who will support the enterprise in the following ways:

• Lead fortnightly practical workshops to enable members of the Institute to develop and improve their skills.
• Contribute to the programming of the public events by selecting and rehearsing items created by members, and hiring external comics.
• Working in partnership with the Project Manager, encourage participants to get involved in the marketing/communication process and support the development of the Steering Group.
• Help organise events, open-mic sessions and performances.

An interest in all things comedy (stand-up, sketches, songs, visual comedy) and a background in applied theatre, performance art or related areas, is important.

Hours/Pay

£30 per session for a 90 minute workshop, twice a month. Additional hours may be required in the run-up to public events.

To apply, send your CV with a covering letter that includes brief answers to these questions:
Why are you interested in this post?
What can you bring to the role?
What do you find funny?

Email to: Hilary Strong (Director), hilary@makingtheatre.co.uk

A full job description can be downloaded below.

New courses are starting soon at our home in the Bognor Makerspace, including carpentry, cooking, diy and more. Interested in learning cooking skills from an experienced chef, or in sewing or upcycling clothes that no longer fit? Then these courses might be perfect for you!

Funded by Multiply, these courses are free for adults and integrate basic numeracy skills and may allow you to benefit from follow-on maths tuition or further study and volunteering opportunities.

To find out more and book a space, please visit the Bognor Makerspace website.