Opening pathways to employment through theatre production.

  • Explore creative interests
  • Develop practical skills
  • Build confidence
  • Progress towards work

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Free creative courses now open — explore what's on offer and sign up below!

We improve people’s life chances through theatre production and skills training.

Making Theatre Gaining Skills aims to improve people’s life chances through theatre production and skills training. We offer free and exciting classes for everyoneexplore new interests, learn practical skills, and connect with others in a supportive and inclusive environment, regardless of your background or experience.

Don’t consider yourself someone used to theatre or the arts? No problem — while our courses are based around theatre production, the main focus is on developing transferable skills like confidence, communication, creativity and teamwork, and you won’t be expected to act or perform.

See what’s on offer and get involved:

We offer an extensive range of free courses to adult leaners covering a variety of different subjects such as: set design, prop making, puppetry, animation, lighting, sound effects and more. We also offer classes covering essential life skills such as cookery and maths designed to build confidence and independence. We also offer:

  • Free part-time and full-time courses aimed at 18-25 year olds designed to move young people towards employment.
  • Free taster sessions and workshops designed to spark an interest in creative careers.
  • Traineeships, volunteering, work experience and accredited qualifications.

Work experience and training based around the production of a short theatre play.

A transferable learning experience:

Whether creating puppets, painting a backdrop or setting up lights and sound, most of our courses are centered around the production of a short play for children presented in a specially designed pop-up theatre.

Leaners work together supported by a team of professional practitioners using teamwork, problem solving and creative skills to build the theatre, devise a story, design and make the set, props and costumes and create lighting and sound effects. This provides learners with:

  • Transferable soft skills, allowing participants to progress to employment in not just theatre but any sector. 
  • Technical training, combined with skills such as time management, effective communication and resourcefulness.
  • A life-changing boost in confidence.

New, free creative courses available now!

Theatre and Puppetry, Scenic Prop Making and more…

Free practical and creative classes for anyone aged 18 and over. Engage in hands-on learning and develop your skills in a friendly and welcoming space.

No previous experience or qualifications are necessary but numbers are sometimes limited.

Thirteen years of training and skill building.

Specialized knowledge in the arts sector:

Making Theatre Gaining Skills C.I.C. was established in 2013 to build on projects delivered by Hilary Strong across Hampshire and Sussex. Since then we’ve run 36 successful courses and worked with over 320 participants in 15 different locations.

The innovative training techniques use creativity to engage people at risk of exclusion from the labour market, so that they can gain confidence and progress into employment or further training.

Click here to find out more about our history.

We're easy to find!

Based at The Bognor Makerspace and conveniently located just two minutes’ walk from Bognor railway station on Longford Road, with regular buses stopping close by.

If you're interested in applying for any of our courses, or just want to find out more, please get in touch with us via email or phone, or just drop in!

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Making Theatre Gaining Skills is supported by:

Our different sponsors: Department for Work and Pensions, West Sussex County Council, Aardman Studios, Arts Council, Bognor Rotary Club and more.