ABOUT US
MAKE THEATRE
MAKE CHANGE
WE BELIEVE that society has some big questions that need exploring. And the only way to tackle those questions is by coming together, as a group, as a community, as a collective. Tear apart the issues and rebuild something better together so we can all share in the benefit.
WE BELIEVE that theatre really can bring people together. And once together, the collective act of creation can influence and affect the world in positive and meaningful ways.
WE BELIEVE that in order to truly make positive change in society it requires a collective effort. That groups of people need to band together to have their voices heard; to be visible; to impact the world. It needs time, discussion, thought and action. A sort of working party, if you like.
WE BELIEVE that theatre has the power to make positive change. That might be a small change in you as a result of taking part in one of our participatory projects. It might be because you have experienced something in one of our productions that makes you view the world differently. It might be that you change our outlook on society. It might be about feeling more connected to the place where you live. Or maybe from the people you meet.
YOU MIGHT BE:
An artist with a passion for making change.
Someone who wants to improve things but has never done theatre before.
A creative person looking for an outlet.
YOU MIGHT BE ALL OF THOSE THINGS.
JOIN US AND MAKE A POSITIVE CHANGE.
TOGETHER
WE ARE...
WE AIM TO BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER AND DEOMCCRATISE THEATRE
WE AIM TO CHANNEL COLLECTIVE CREATIVE ENERGY
WE AIM TO SHARE EXCELLENT CREATIVE ACTS THAT RESONATE WITH PEOPLE
WE AIM TO MAKE PRODUCTIONS THAT CHALLENGE, CRITICISE AND CELEBRATE SOCIETY
WE AIM TOCREATIVELY RESPOND TO EVERYONE'S WORLD
HOW DOES THE WORKING PARTY....WELL....WORK?
OUR PRODUCTIONS are a fusion of deep-rooted community work, exciting creative acts and a willingness to involve any or as many people as possible
EVERYTHING WE DO is co-created. For us that means that everyone has a say and a chance to influence the end result.
WE IDENTIFY what to explore by consulting, consulting, consulting.
OPENESS, WHOLE-HEARTEDNESS AND AUTHENTICITY are our yardsticks
OUR STORY
Alexander and Matthew met working on PLATFORM at The Old Vic Tunnels in Waterloo, London in 2010. Alexander directed the piece and Matthew had a lead role. This epic story of London life, involving hundreds of community participants, young and old, changed the way Matthew viewed theatre and its possibilities.
From that point on, over a plethora of pub tables, they debated the state of modern theatre until they were left with no choice but to to start a company that could do for the public, and the theatre industry as a whole, what Alexander's show had done for Matthew - change his mind and broaden his perceptions.
And so, in late 2013, TWP was born to make productions that created new communities out of disparate groups of people; out of artists, audiences and participants. Creating new theatre to build new communities out of anyone who wants to be included.
THE TEAM
Co-Founder and Artistic Director - Alexander Ferris
alexander@theworkingpartyuk.org
Alexander has directed and assisted on productions at some of the most prominent theatres in the UK including Theatre Royal Plymouth, Sheffield Theatres, Theatre503, Sherman Cymru, Tricycle Theatre and the Arcola. He has established creative learning programmes at the Criterion Theatre, Cardiff Mind,
The Riverfront and Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds. He is a former Director of Old Vic New Voices where he produced over 20 projects including creating The Old Vic Community Company. For The Old Vic he directed RISE, AGES, HOUSED, PLATFORM, DANNY’S DEAL and the award-winning EPIDEMIC. He is currently Director of Creative Engagement at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds and is committed to finding new ways to present authentic stories with the community at the centre.
Co-Founder and Senior Producer - Matthew Schmolle
Matthew has produced all The Working Party's projects so far. He also runs Matthew Schmolle Productions, an independent production company supported by the StageOne Bursary. He is a member of The Old Vic 12 and a Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts.
He has produced work at The Old Vic, Northern Stage, Liverpool Everyman, Oldham Coliseum, York Theatre Royal, The Finborough, The Vaults, Edinburgh Festival, The Park, The Pleasance, The Guildhall, Hackney Showroom and in public spaces around London. He has produced with companies including ice&fire, The Big House, Buckland, Teatro Vivo, The Spectators Guild, Only Connect and Emergency Exit Arts. He consults for performing arts charity Open Door People and theatre company Not Too Tame.
He holds a degree in Law and MA in theatre. All of Matthew's work, community based or professional , has social impact at its core.