Pop-up Workshop
Free workshops for all the family
For half-term week, come and play at the National Theatre and take part in our workshops for children and their families in the Pop-up Workshop.
All workshops are FREE but booking in advance is advised for all non drop-in activities. View all forthcoming Learning Events.
Saturday 2 June
War Horse Puppetry Workshop
Time: 11am - 1pm
Join actors from War Horse and get a taste of the devising process that created the famous life-sized puppets. Learn the basic physical skills of puppetry and by the end of the workshop bring your own War Horse to life - using just a balloon and some sticks.
Suitable for families and children aged 6+ Book online
Family Design Workshop
Time: 3pm - 5pm
With costume, props, carpenters, metalworkers and wig-makers all on one site, the NT is a designer's playground. Inspired by NT designers and productions, have a go at designing a set for a scene, from initial ideas, to the creation of a scale model of your own design and a sketch of how it might be life-sized. Suitable for families and children aged 6+ Book online
Monday 4 June
Drop-in workshop
Time: 12 - 4pm
Drop in and discover the hidden world of theatre. Join our Dye Room specialists, roll up your sleeves and learn how to print fabulous 1950s-style fabric. Watch our wigs and make-up team as they demonstrate how to create an authentic 1950s look. Try on some original 1950s costumes from our store. Suitable for families and children aged 6+
Tuesday 5 June
Drop-in workshop
Time: 12 - 4pm
Meet a designer and make a mood board or model box. Our wigs and make-up team demonstrate how to create a 1950s look and try on some costumes from our store. Join us to see the NT revealed. Suitable for families and children aged 6+
Wednesday 6 June
Costume Design Workshop
Time: 11am - 1pm
Use rolls of brown paper, sellotape, scissors and glue - along with lots of imagination - to create a fabulous costume. This practical hands-on workshop, suitable for all ages, will introduce you to the world of costume and design at the National Theatre. No experience necessary. Suitable for families and children aged 6+ Book online
Physical Comedy Workshop
Time: 3pm - 5pm
Discover how Commedia dell'Arte - a traditional form of physical comedy - inspired One Man, Two Guvnors, now in the West End and on Broadway. Have a go at creating some of the characters and perform in a modern Commedia sketch using mask and slapstick. Suitable for aged 13+ Book online
Thursday 7 June
War Horse Puppetry Workshop
Time: 11am - 1pm
Join actors from War Horse and get a taste of the devising process that created the famous life-sized puppets. Learn the basic physical skills of puppetry and by the end of the workshop bring your own War Horse to life - using just a balloon and some sticks.
Suitable for families and children aged 6+ Book online
Acting Workshop
Time: 3pm - 5pm
Get a taste of how a professional actor develops a character through voice, movement and text, led by a National Theatre Assistant Director. Come ready to get up on your feet. Suitable for aged 13+ Book online
Friday 8 June
Family Stage Combat Workshop
Time: 11am - 1pm
Get to grips with the basics of stage combat. Discover how actors make a fight look convincing without getting a bloody nose. Led by Kate Waters (Kombat Kate), the Fight Director for One Man, Two Guvnors. No experience necessary but come ready to get up on your feet and be physical!. Suitable for families and children aged 6 + Book online
Dye Room Workshop
Time: 3pm - 5pm
Discover how to ‘break down' costumes to make them look well-worn, and learn the tricks our Dye Room team use to create sweat, grime, blood stains and all manner of nasty things. Bring along an item of old clothing and have a go at creating your own effects. Suitable for families and children aged 6+ Book online
Saturday 9 June
Family Design Workshop
Time: 10.30am - 12pm
With costume, props, carpenters, metalworkers and wig-makers all on one site, the NT is a designer's playground. Inspired by NT designers and productions, have a go at designing a set for a scene, from initial ideas, to the creation of a scale model of your own design and a sketch of how it might be life-sized. Suitable for families and children aged 6+ Book online
Open Rehearsal - Moon on a Rainbow Shawl Company warm-up
Time: 12.30pm - 1.30pm
Have you ever wondered how actors prepare for a performance? Drop in on the members of the Moon on a Rainbow Shawl company, as they warm up before the show, and find out. Suitable for families and children aged 11+ Book online
Costume Design Workshop
Time: 3pm - 5pm
Use rolls of brown paper, sellotape, scissors and glue - along with lots of imagination - to create a fabulous costume. This practical hands-on workshop, suitable for all ages, will introduce you to the world of costume and design at the National Theatre. No experience necessary. Suitable for families and children aged 6+ Book online
Sunday 10 June
Drop-in workshop
Time: 12pm - 4pm
Discover what goes on behind the scenes. Join the NT props team to make some bunting and a very British banquet fit for a Queen. Using just foam rubber, polystyrene and a few dabs of paint, create an appetising pork pie or a ripe piece of fruit to take pride of place on our banqueting table. Suitable for all the family.
