Contact Improvisation for Theatre Devising
For actors, movers, directors, physical theatre performers and devised theatre practitioners.
How can Contact Improvisation be used in a physical theatre devising process? Learn the fundamentals of Contact Improvisation and test out how to bring this practice into your own devising work. Length: 3 – 6 hours.
A series of contact improvisation exercises leads participants into a space of connection, openness and presence. Progressing into small scene improvisations, our focus shifts to incorporate performance. To complete the workshop, groups use their findings to develop structured scenes. Feedback and reflections are shared so that all participants leave with helpful tools and further avenues to explore in their own devising spaces beyond our workshop.
Imaginal Playground Workshops
The Imaginal Playground: A physical theatre improvisation workshop for actors and non-actors. A journey into improvised play and performance through both verbal and non-verbal expression, weaving together aspects of clowning, movement, contact dance, visualisations and chorus work to create a playground of entertainment and discovery.
Each workshop has a specific theme and can be a half day (3 hours) or full day (6 hours). Participants learn to work in presence as individuals, graduating into pairs, small groups and eventually as a whole group collective.
These workshops are available to hire for performing arts schools, festivals, corporate events and private events. Public workshops are advertised when scheduled.
Lemniscate Dance Journey
Inspired by her work with Sarita Sol and the research of Hope Fitzgerald, Rosalind Parker created this ritualistic moving meditation where participants dance as a group through the shape of the lemniscate (infinity symbol or figure 8), with a shared intention. There is a movement warm-up and group activities to bring all participants into presence and awareness of themselves, their bodies, the space, each other and the lemniscate. Space for reflection and sharing is held at the end.
Open to actors, dancers, and anyone seeking body-soul alignment, the Lemniscate Dance Journey is available to hire for performing arts schools, festivals, and private groups.
Photos by Ellie Kurttz Photography, courtesy of Shapes in Motion
Soundtrack – Epic Journey – by Amaksi
Mandala Drawing Day Workshop
Would you love to create your own beautiful, unique mandala but aren’t sure where to start? In this relaxed, supportive workshop, Rosalind guides you through the basics to help you discover your individual style —no experience needed, just a willingness to explore and enjoy the process!
🖌 All art materials provided
🍰 Suitable for groups of 8 – 12 self-catering participants
📍 Brought directly to your space
⏰ Full day or half day workshops available
🪙Donations basis for those who need support with expenses
Mandala drawing is a vital part of Rosalind’s creative life; a healing and transformative practice discovered at a time when physical movement was not possible. Sharing this meditative practice with others is a source of great joy for her.
More information here: Instagram @rosparkermandalaart
Recent Workshops
CONTACT IMPROVISATION FOR THEATRE DEVISING
SADLER’S WELLS – Shapes in Motion – London, 8th June
A short, rich workshop exploring the fundamentals of Contact Improvisation, leading into themed exercises and applying this practice to creating performance in physical theatre.
Redwood Farm, Somerset – 23rd – 30th June
Lemniscate Dance Journey and Mandala-Making workshops led by Rosalind within a week-long programme of dance, movement, world class teachers and human connection.
Mandala Drawing Day Workshop
May 2025 – Surrey
Pay-What-You-Can: A day devoted to creativity for a group of 8 participants in a leafy setting, open to people of all levels and backgrounds who wanted to learn this healing art practice.
“SHAPES” for SHAPES IN MOTION
SADLER’S WELLS, LONDON- 9th MARCH 2025
Workshop combining Ros Parker’s Contact Improvisation, Maria Da Luz Ghoumrassi’s shape-making, Daniel Chrisostomou’s deep spinal work and Stephen Moynihan’s ensemble creature work.
DOUBLE SKIN/DOUBLE MIND and CONTACT IMPROVISATION
SEPTEMBER 8th – SADLER’S WELLS, LONDON
3-hour workshop combing Kayla McClellen’s Double Skin/Double Mind and Rosalind Parker’s Contact Improvisation for actors.
Spinal Warm-up Exercise
Try this gentle spinal warm-up exercise.
Warming up the spine is crucial when we begin a movement workshop. This loosens up the body as a whole, preparing you for the enjoyment of fluid movement, releasing tension and bringing you into the present moment – ready to play!
Solo Contact Improvisation Exercise
Try this as a solo Contact Improvisation exercise:
The hands or wrists move continuously and must always be in contact with the body or the ground. See where this takes you.
Before coming into contact with dance and movement partners in a workshop, it really helps to connect with your own body, with the ground and with the space around you. This exercise can be a great meditative practice to bring you into presence and awareness.