Course Overview
CoCreate Theatre Company meets termly to learn about theatre and develop skills and confidence in performing, directing and writing, through developing and devising our own new theatre shows.
Our Summer 2026 Term is a further 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 have limited places each term, but welcome new people to join us. We’ll support you to develop your skills and confidence with no pressure to perform in front of people if you don’t feel ready – we also value ideas, writers, and collaborators too!
For this term we ask that attendees intend to attend all sessions – although we understand life isn’t always straightforward!
Company Director – Gemma Alldred
What to Expect
Cocreate Theatre Company is a great way to learn more about theatre and develop new skills and grow your creative confidence in a safe and friendly environment.
Company work is facilitated and directed is led by professional performer, writer and director Gemma Alldred, and we are delighted to welcome back assistant facilitator, and choreographer Emily Thompson-Smith.
Each week we’ll do practical exercises to develop our performance skills, and develop new ideas for our show. Our current show includes elements of music/singing, dancing, writing and performing.
The theatre company is an intermediate group, however it is suitable for all levels of prior theatre experience from complete beginners to people with existing skills, 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 performance, movement and vocal abilities.
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 clothes/shoes (we sometimes work in bare feet) that you can move around freely in such as jogging bottoms or loose trousers and supportive trainers. You might also like to bring water and a snack.
May 14th 2026 - 2nd June 2026
(No rehearsal on 21st May. Rehearsal followed by performance sharing: 2nd June 1pm - 5pm)
Thursday Afternoons 1pm-3pm
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.
“It helped me connect with people because we all shared the same goal to collaborate, perform and have fun which helped me feel more comfortable and confident.
It was great coming back each week and seeing what everyone has been up to. I’d always leave every session feeling happier!”
- Spring Term 26, Theatre Company Member Feedback.
Sign Up
Create:Connect courses are open to people who identify as having lived experience of poor mental health and/or have a mental health diagnosis
Click the button below to complete a short online form to register your interest.
The company is free to join, 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 Lighthouse Poole
