STARTING FROM SCRATCH​​

Making Theatre The Ad Infinitum Way

A 5-day masterclass in devising new work for theatre led by Ad Infinitum’s award-winning Co-Artistic Directors, Co-Founders, Nir Paldi & George Mann.

WHO IS THE MASTERCLASS FOR?

Theatre makers, actors, devisers and theatre creatives who want to explore making work collaboratively through a rigorous, fun and energising devising process.

This workshop is open to professional artists and theatre makers/creatives aged 18+.

WHAT IS THE MASTERCLASS ABOUT?

Collaboration is at the heart of what we do at Ad Infinitum. Starting from scratch, we devise our own original work using a blend of techniques to tackle the most complex societal issues. Nir & George's unique way of making work grew out of the pedagogy of the Lecoq School, where they both trained, and has developed into a collaborative devising practice over two decades of working together. 

In this masterclass, they will share their knowledge, inspiration, expertise and practice with you, guiding you through the process of building the beginnings of a new and original piece of theatre. You'll discover and test different techniques and working methodologies, building towards guided work in small groups where you'll create a short, original piece to share with your peers.

In this masterclass you will:

• Try out devising techniques and skills

• Explore story, narrative and structure

• Explore making work about challenging themes

• Discover how to get started from scratch in an empty space

• Learn how to work collaboratively

• Take risks in a professional, friendly working environment

• Embark on rigorous research

• Experiment with giving / taking feedback in an honest and constructive way

• Test and find the right style(s) for what you want to stage

HOW DO I APPLY?

The masterclass is aimed at professional performers/makers. To apply for a place you will need to share with us:

• Your up-to-date CV or equivalent 

• A video, up to 5 minutes long telling us a bit about your professional journey and why you’d like to take part in the masterclass 

Once you have these ready, please apply by completing this form:

We will choose participants based on experience and suitability for this work, and if you are selected we will send you an invitation with details on how to make payment to secure your place.

If you apply by the Super Earlybird or Earlybird dates, we will honour this price even if your application is accepted/payment is made after the date has passed.

If you have any questions about the masterclass, you can get in touch at artists@ad-infinitum.org with the subject line ‘Masterclass Query’.

ACCESS

Ad Infinitum is committed to making our courses accessible to participants with a range of lived experiences, including participants with additional or different physical needs. This might include booking BSL interpreters, sending course information in advance, offering a quiet space, or something else. If you have an access need, please include this in your booking form or get in touch to chat with us about how we can make the course accessible to you.

ABOUT AD INFINITUM

Ad Infinitum is a multi-award-winning, internationally acclaimed theatre company. We collaborate to tell stories, play and disrupt. We work with artists, activists and communities to create transformative theatre, revolutionise audiences and change the world. Founded by Co-Artistic Directors George Mann and Nir Paldi in 2007, Ad Infinitum is based in Bristol and works internationally. 

Ad Infinitum's portfolio of 16 critically acclaimed international touring productions has been created in partnership with & commissioned by some of the UK’s leading theatre organisations including The Barbican, Bristol Old Vic, Everyman Liverpool, London International Mime Festival, The Lowry, Royal and Derngate, The Traverse and Battersea Arts Centre (BAC). 

Ad Infinitum has toured to over 25 countries globally including the USA, China and Brazil, and our productions have won 24 awards; most recently, Until I Find You/Hasta Encontrarte won the 2025 Cartelera de Teatro Audience Awards for Best Play and Best Actress in Mexico.

You can find out more about us here, and about our shows here.