Circomedia and Theatre Bristol are working in partnership to stage WHAT NEXT...?  a week-long programme of development events for professional performers which includes ‘play time’ slots during which artists from a mix of disciplines will be free to toy with ideas for new creative work.

The programme will run from Monday 19 September to Sunday 25 September at Circomedia’s central Bristol base at St Paul’s Church, Portland Square, BS2 8SJ, and in a tent in the square’s garden.

A key element of WHAT NEXT...?  will be its one-to-one master-classes and small group workshops with aerialist Roman Viktorovich (swinging trapeze); Matilda Leyser & Phelim McDermott of the Improbable  theatre company (physical theatre & text ) and the internationally-respected clown teacher, Gerry Flanagan (physical theatre, comedy & clowning).

In addition, from Wednesday 21st to Friday 23rd, the church will be transformed into a professional play-space, where performers , directors, devisers  and choreographers from different backgrounds - including acting, cabaret, circus, dance and live art - will be able to share their creative ideas with others, and call on willing ‘bodies’ to give physical shape to inspiration.

Mike Martins of Theatre Bristol says:  “The WHAT NEXT...? programme begins to answer the need circus-theatre professionals often express for more opportunities to hone, expand and refresh the skills and thought processes which make the performing arts so exciting and inspirational.  It is about enabling artists to discover new techniques, liberate their ideas, work with new people and explore the scope for different collaborations.”

Circomedia’s chief executive, Jan Winter, adds: “We want to keep the play sessions open and open-minded so there won’t be a formal selection process. It will help to know in advance, though, about the ideas which are out there, and about the professional backgrounds of would-be participants so that we can make sure we get the right mix of people at each session, and assess the demand for more sessions of this type.”

Expressions of interest from performers who would like to take part in the professional play sessions are being invited now.  They should be made by sending a brief bio, plus a brief outline of any ideas for exploration, to Kate Webb, the Circomedia-trained circus-theatre tutor and director who will be the sessions’ co-ordinator - either by e-mailing Kate at katew@circomedia.com or by writing to WHAT NEXT...?, Circomedia, St Paul’s Church, Portland Square, Bristol, BS12 8SJ.

There will be a limit of 15 participants at each ‘play-time’ and a £5 pay-on-the-day  fee.

Bookings are also open now for the  one-to-one trapeze master-classes with Roman Viktorovich; the 2-day workshop with Matilda Leyser and Phelim McDermott, and Gerry Flanagan’s three-day course.  For timetables and bookings, see www.circomedia.com or calling 0117 947 7288.

Public aspects of WHAT NEXT...? include two cabaret nights hosted by The Invisible Circus; a visit by Sugar Beast Circus, presenting the multi-art-form show MILKWOOD RODEO and an excerpt from the sci-fi work the company is developing with the Brighton-based digital lab, Blast Theory;  master clown Kevin Brooking in a family-friendly tea-time show and a day of family circus workshops.

More details of all Circomedia events and courses are available from  www.circomedia.com. Show tickets can also be booked via the box office at Colston Hall, Bristol, BS1 5AR, 0117 922 3686.