Course Overview
CoCreate Theatre Group meets termly to learn about theatre and develop skills and confidence in performing, directing and writing!
Our Spring 2026 Term is a key development phase for our new show about hope.
Based at Lighthouse Theatre in Poole, you will be supported to go at your own pace – we really welcome new people to join us, and we’ll support you to develop your skills with no pressure to perform in front of people if you don’t feel ready – we value ideas, writers, and collaborators too!
For this term we ask that attendees intend to attend all 8 weeks – although we understand life isn’t always straightforward!
Course leader – Gemma Alldred
What to Expect
Cocreate Theatre Group is a great way to learn more about theatre and develop new skills and grow your creative confidence in a safe and friendly environment.
CoCreate Theatre Group is led by professional performer, writer and director Gemma Alldred, and we are sometimes joined by guest creatives who add to our learning journey together.
Each week we’ll do practical exercises, learning more about different aspects of theatre and performance – including working with scripts, devising skills, writing for stage, and different styles of theatre.
The course is suitable for all levels of experience from complete beginners to people with past experience, everyone is welcome.
Dependent on the venue’s programme, we may also organise a theatre visit.
What You’ll Achieve
Through an active mix of discussion, games, drama exercises, we will;
Create a new show for performance to an audience
Have fun and laugh lots!
Learn new skills and explore new ideas
Meet new people and make new friends
Build confidence in a safe space
Tell the stories that matter to you
Try on different characters, and explore your creative self.
Develop confidence in your physical and vocal ability.
When, Where & What to Bring
Any materials needed will be provided in the class, you may also like to bring your own notebook and pen if you like to take notes.
Sessions are active, we suggest that you wear comfortable shoes/clothes that you can move around freely in such as jogging bottoms or loose trousers and trainers. You might also like to bring water and a snack.
Eight weeks starting Feb 2026
Thursday Afternoons 1pm-3pm (informal meet up for lunch from 12pm)
Lighthouse Poole
Support
CoCreate sessions are designed to be safe and supportive spaces, that allow you the freedom to do your best work. Our courses are suitable for all levels of experience, and we welcome complete beginners.
When you sign up you’ll be asked if there’s anything you might need access support with, this could include physical access (lifts, wheel chair access, etc) or other things like help with writing, large print, or more time to process information. We’ll send a reminder email, with a link to join the session, to everyone.
You don’t have to tell us anything you don’t want to share, and we’re always happy to talk about how we can support you at any point in the course.
“All of a sudden, the 10 minutes we have been given to write speeds by like a whistle in the wind. I found myself enjoying it.
We are back to talking to each other again, discussing our own individual pieces of writing, our own personal stories, and all of a sudden I feel an instant feeling of trust.
These people, in this wonderful group, we’re all putting our trust in one another.
Gemma says, “let’s make a performance of our work”. The group exchange glances with each other, expressions of belief in one another, the feeling that we can do this!”
- Summer Theatre group participant describing a moment in the class together
Sign Up
Our creative courses are for people who are in recovery from mental health challenges, or anyone looking to use creativity to support their wellbeing in a friendly, supportive space.
Click the button below to complete a short online form to register your interest.
Courses are free, but spaces are limited — early registration is encouraged.
Supported by Dorset Community Foundation & NHS Dorset through the Community Health & Wellbeing Fund.
With special thanks to our project partners Power House Poole and Lighthouse Poole
