News

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.

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.

The Makerspace hosts several popular courses which are open to adults aged 19+. Currently, there are 8 different small-group activities which are funded by West Sussex County Council’s Multiply project.

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.

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.

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.

Hilary Strong looks back on a successful 30 year career in theatre production, as Director of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Greenwich Theatre in London and more recently creating unique children’s shows for Making Theatre Gaining Skills. Q&A session with opportunity to find out more about taking a show to the Fringe.

Located at The Bognor Makerspace, this in-person event is a must-attend for anyone interested in the entertainment industry or theatre production!

Book online here: Production Insight with Hilary Strong | Eventbrite

We would love to invite you to attend our FREE, FUN and FRIENDLY upcoming Connectors Health Information Sessions at The Makerspace in Bognor. The Community Connectors team at The Makerspace is a partnership with VAAC and made up of Makerspace members.

Our monthly programme will be run by our wonderful volunteer Community Connectors – Kate, Tina, Howard. Their role as connectors is to chat and engage with you about health issues and they will offer support and signposting to any information you require to access the health interventions that exist locally.

On Thursday the 4^th of January 2024, from 10am – 2pm, we are holding a Taster Day to welcome visitors and spread the word about our new community organisation.

Formed through a partnership of charities and social enterprises, The Bognor Makerspace aims to create an inclusive new environment to support our community. We host a range of facilities for the use of local people, including fitted-out carpentry workshops, arts and craft areas, a large training kitchen and abundant space for rehearsal sessions.

We offer taster workshops and short courses that are open to all, and we host a wide variety of activities each week – no need to book, just come on down and have a look.

The Bognor Makerspace (our base of operations) is excitedly holding a Winter Fair with plenty of craft stalls, gift stalls, raffle, tombola, refreshments, fun stalls and a Santa’s Grotto.

Saturday 25th November | 10am – 3pm
58-60 Longford Road, Bognor Regis

If you’re interested in hosting a stall to sell crafts or gifts, please email info@bognormake.co.uk or call the office on 01243 345239.