Workshop: Resisting the Urge to Perform by Olive Pascha

This session invites participants to explore how to create genuine, unpredictable moments on stage, without over-defining intentions or relying on overly polished delivery. It is rooted in a desire to remain open, curious, and honest in performance. Participants Will Examine How To Let go of the need to control or explain every momentDeepen character connection while allowing for vulnerability and ambiguityEmbrace stillness, silence, and the mundane as vital aspects of live performanceNotice when we’re performing versus simply being present The workshop includes improvised scene work with private character prompts set in everyday contexts and overlooked spaces. Together, we will explore the use of silence and reality as performance, reflecting on the challenges and insights that emerge along the way. It is open to actors, theatre-makers, and students interested in an instinctive, stripped-back approach to performance. It is especially relevant for artists with some experience who are comfortable with improvisation and wish to build on their familiar training by challenging themselves to discover and explore a different way of being on stage. The workshop will take place at three different locations: Higher Drama School of Theatre: Thursday 18th September & Friday 19th September, 6–9 pm, infoTheater of Changes: Wednesday 24th September & Thursday 25th September, 6.30–9.30 pm, info School of Philosophy: Friday 26th September, 10 am–4 pm