Aberdeen Arts Centre has joined forces with Scottish outdoor arts company Surge to offer free street theatre workshops this summer, culminating in a series of exciting performances at the Tall Ships.
The sessions – for ages 12-17 and 18+ – will provide participants the chance to try something new this July, with organisers welcoming anyone interested in getting involved, whether experienced performers or complete newcomers to performing.
Participants will explore movement, improvisation and creative expression in high-energy workshops designed to inspire laughter and get them thinking about the world in new ways. The interactive performances will see the groups engaging with the public at the Tall Ships celebrations.
Those interested in signing up can do so at https://www.aberdeenartscentre.com/creative-learning/street-theatre-workshops-with-surge.
Leah Christie, creative facilitator at Aberdeen Arts Centre, is an experienced street theatre practitioner, having trained at the renowned Street Performing Arts Summer Academy (SPASA) in Tárrega, Catalonia.
She said: “I’ve been fortunate to work with Surge on two fantastic community street theatre projects in Moray, once in 2020 and again last summer.
“The project is an absolute joy and a pleasure to be a part of, because of the happiness it sparks in both participants and the audience alike. I wholeheartedly encourage anyone who’s thinking about getting involved – please, do it! It’s a truly unique and unforgettable experience.”
The workshops will run from July 17-18, with the 12-17s’ performance on Saturday, July 19 and the 18+s’ performance on Sunday, July 20 during the Tall Ships celebrations.
Aberdeen Arts Centre will collaborate with leading street theatre company Surge on workshops and performances for the Tall Ships this July.
Programming and creative director Eve Nicol said: “It’s a real thrill to be bringing Surge to Aberdeen this summer. Their reputation as pioneers in street theatre not only in Scotland but internationally is well deserved, and I am so excited to share their insights and skills with the talent we have here in the city.
“For the last year, we’ve been exploring street theatre with our youth theatre team, Castlegate Theatre Company, so it’s fantastic to be building on that work to provide more opportunities for connection and play with the people of Aberdeen and the north east.
We’re delighted to be bringing together experienced practitioners with local talent to create something truly special to celebrate the Tall Ships’ arrival.
“There are only 10 spaces per session though – so sign up quick to avoid missing out!”
Surge’s Kirsten Kearney added: “Surge is delighted to be working with Aberdeen Arts Centre to bring community-based street theatre to the Tall Ships in July. Working together with the participants will create a unique performance as well as develop skills for those new to physical theatre and help people to connect with others in a fun and, frankly, silly way! Surge collaborates with communities all over Scotland to bring inclusive, supportive workshops and create performances that have to be seen to be believed. It’s an ideal introduction to the arts. Street theatre is for everyone!"
Aberdeen Arts Centre is an independent arts venue and registered charity in the heart of Aberdeen. For over 60 years, it has played a crucial role in the north east’s vibrant arts scene through its programme of performances, Creative Learning Programme for children and adults, and an Artist Development Programme to support local professional creatives.
In May 2025, the centre launched the Save Aberdeen Arts Centre campaign – a three-year fundraising drive to raise £660,000 to secure its future. Its first milestone is to raise £180,000 by July 2. Individuals and corporate sponsors can find out more – and donate – at https://www.aberdeenartscentre.com/save-aberdeen-arts-centre.
The venue encompasses a 350-seater auditorium; café bar; flexible spaces for performances, events, exhibitions and meetings; and the Children’s Theatre, opened by Catherine Hollingworth in the 1950s as a pioneering youth theatre (the first of its kind in the UK) and now used as a vital resource for professional artist development.
For more information, visit www.aberdeenartscentre.com or follow Aberdeen Arts Centre on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube at @AberdeenArtsCentre.