Retreats 2024 – Information and Prices
Stories, poetry and more
Mon 24th June to Sat 29th June
Led by Jo Bousfield
More info
Do you enjoy words? Jo will run gentle and humorous writing sessions pitched at a level to suit you, so you can return home with individual poems or stories to delight your friends and loved ones. There’s no pressure to achieve anything more than 'being there'? Treat yourself to a stimulating but very restful time to be yourself. Everyone welcome - no special skills necessary. Jo is adept at creating a relaxed, safe atmosphere in which to flourish. Cerebral work, walks, talking and silence make for a great balance. Be inspired by the surroundings and the nurturing atmosphere, and above all have fun!
Jo Bousfield studied Drama at Dartington College of Arts. She is an actor, director, playwright, poet and workshop leader. Among her many achievements Jo co-founded Dr Fosters Travelling Theatre, was the Theatre Development Co-ordinator for Gloucestershire and the Artistic Director for Flies on the Wall Youth Theatre in Stroud for 27 years. Jo runs monthly creative writing groups in Stroud. She has published several books of poems and had several of her pieces included in poetry collections.
‘The sessions were stimulating and fun and held in a very warm and thoughtful way.’
‘I didn’t know I had poems in me, it was pure delight to write, discuss and laugh with the others and create some stuff that I dared to feel proud of.’
Creativity through Drama
Mon 15th July to Sat 20th July
Led by Phil Knight
More info
Would you like to explore your creativity through drama? During the five days you will discover stories, find ways to tell them and help others to tell theirs. You’ll share your experiences and memories, explore how you feel about them and find exciting, dramatic forms of expression. As your imagination is set loose and you develop ideas, you’ll find common ground and understanding.
A variety of exercises and techniques will be used to release your ideas and creative potential, including drama exercises, devising, movement, poetry writing techniques, yoga breathing, meditation and deep relaxation.
Previous drama experience is not necessary.
Phil Knight studied dance and performing arts at Brighton University and started his career as a performer on the alternative cabaret circuit. To develop his interest in physical, improvised, issue-based theatre he became Artistic Director of Third Theatre; ‘A group with total intuitive understanding,’ according to The Guardian. He worked as a director on several community theatre projects and has been a lecturer in physical theatre, directing improvisation and movement for actors at several colleges. Phil believes theatre has an increasingly important role to play in the digital age as a space for human-to-human interaction.
In 2012 Phil trained as a Zen Yoga teacher and he will be happy to offer some optional yoga sessions during the week.
'His enthusiasm creativity and obvious expertise in delivering drama sessions was an inspiration.'
