INTO THE SPACE - what is it about?

PLAY! At our regular sessions young children with their adults are welcomed into the space with song and movement: right away the children lead the way! The song responds to their physical ideas.

There is a micro-performance to watch and listen to; everyone is then invited into the space. Whilst there is lots of opportunity for free play, adults and children together, there are also moments of watching, listening, holding and feeling. Adult involvement is important to help hold those moments. The sessions are always colourful, weaving and turning in unexpected ways as we respond to the direction of play the children take.

Into the Space is about PLAYING  to create THEATRE. Play is integral to creating theatre; and play is important in our lives: fundamental to children's development but, also for EVERYONE. It brings joy and creativity, making us feel good. Playing is creative, spontaneous, flexible and builds confidence. The ambition of INTO THE SPACE is to become an inter-generational Performance Project. At the moment it runs with young children and their parents/carers; and there are plans for students to join the project and use play and physical skills to devise a performance. It will also be opened up to primary children and young people through monthly workshops; and eventually, we hope to invite anyone, whatever their age, to join us.

Into the Space is about connecting with others. And, ensemble theatre is fundamental to the way OBT works with children: everyone is involved and integral. The community created by the participants of Into the Space is that ensemble: connecting with each other in the space is fundamental to the way the play unfolds.

Into the Space thrives on the spontaneous, improvisation of the moment, whilst being based on strong theatre making craft, drawing on physical skills of body, space and time. Also, of weaving stories, responding to meetings and embracing the unexpected. All fundamental to creating Live Performance:

The vision is to create a THEATRE SHOW inspired by the PLAY.

Take a look at pictures of our play from 2021 to 2025, both indoors and outdoors.

Into the Space runs in Hastings and in 2022, with Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells, funded by Kent County Council.

What parents say about Into the Space:

'We have loved the summers in the woods and in the winter look forward to discovering which wacky props she brings along to play with each week.' 

'We love Into the space- it’s our favourite group. Very welcoming, inclusive and unique. I enjoy it as much as little one, and find the creative recycling ethos very refreshing. It doesn't feel pressurised but everyone gets involved and each session is completely different so doesn't feel repetitive like some groups can. The songs are fun and uplifting and the activities spark curiosity and imagination.'

'Becky's groups are real highlights of the week for my kids, they love watching her and she always manages to connect to them in some way, even when they are shy or feeling tired. I have learned so much from how she can create magic out of practically anything, just by understanding what makes kids interested.'

'She is now almost three years old and she loves Becky's Into the Space workshops.'

SPRING & SUMMER 2024

Outside Space: back to the woods and on to the beach

SUMMER INTO AUTUMN SPACE 2023

Our sessions continured through the summer. We enjoyed St Helen's Woods and the tide and weather were with us for our final Monday on the beach.

Into the Space, July 2023, West St Leonards.

Into the MUSIC Space!

at The Play Place, 5 Kings Road, St Leonards-on-Sea

Hosted by Spun Glass Theatre

Monday 26 September, 10am

Free! Book here:

A joyful play session accompanied by cellist Sam Glazer. The live music will follow the play and lead the play, twisting and turning with our young players!

The session will last 45-60 mins and then time to stay, play, chat, have a coffee.

Into the Space for Schools, Colleges & Students

Please look here to find out more about bringing INTO THE SPACE into your school or college setting; and bringing your students out into other spaces.

INTO THE SPACE

Sharing the physical space: more important than ever in this time of Covid and restrictions on being and moving together in shared spaces.

In to the Space: Play & Perform

• Immediate and fun physical sessions. 

• A cross-over of dance, drama, music and art.

• Being together, building confidence, collaborating, sharing.

• Safe & inclusive: welcoming and valuing everyone.

• Developing ideas and nurturing everyone’s contribution.

• We aim to build a movement based performance with the process as important as the performance. 

I would love to open up 'Into the Space' again: it was play at its best, spontaneous and in the shared space. But, we have to re-think, as the way we used the space together with all the materials (boxes, hats, bags . . .) just isn't possible. We need to go into our own Spaces . . . and still be together. I'm talking to one venue/space about the possibility of running sessions (with families in their own 'pods'). And, I'm also keen to explore spaces outside. Working with natural resources can be so much fun. I know the weather can get in the way at this time of year, but if dressed for the occasion (full waterproofs & wellies!) this could be a way of connecting again. Please get in touch and let me know if you would be interested in sessions indoors or out (or both!) And, with interest, I will trial some sessions!

Well wishes to all.

Becky

23 October 2020