Workshop days and tours of The Bridgewater Hall can be booked for your group at any time during the year.
Use this page to find out more about:
Performance poetry workshops
Singing and songwriting workshops
Percussion workshops
Storytelling workshops
Tours of The Bridgewater Hall
Public tour dates
Group bookings
Performance Poetry Workshops
The Bridgewater Hall’s Writer-in-Residence, North West based performance poet Terry Caffrey provides workshops for groups of any age. Is there a performance poet inside you just waiting to be revealed? In 2-3 hours you’ll play games, laugh, possibly cry, learn about listening and communicating and maybe find your inner poet! Terry has won many prizes and awards for his poetry and his workshops are guaranteed to educate and entertain. Teachers and group leaders can request a specific focus to these workshops, whether to encourage speaking and group work or to tie in with a wider topic.
Singing and Music Workshops
Singing together promotes confidence, team work, concentration skills and is fun. Aimed at groups who are new to singing or have done a little singing before, this workshop will use voice and rhythm games to explore simple musical ideas followed by trying lots of songs and enjoying making music together. Our experienced workshop leaders will introduce your class or group to pitch, timing and techniques for performance, using contemporary songs or linking into your classroom topics. All of our singing tutors also have composition and songwirting experience - why not book a full day, or a couple of sessions, to prepare a new school song or to dazzle your audience with your own new music in the end of term play?
Percussion Workshops
Percussion instruments provide an accessible route into music for all ages. Our tutor, Sophie Hastings, is a professional player on both drumkit and orchestral percussion and has taught and led workshops with groups of all ages. Take your pick from simple rhythm workshops for Early Years and KS 1, more advanced samba and rhumba for KS1-2, or a chance to discover what it's like to be part of an orchestra for older students and adults.
Storytelling workshops
AVAILABLE FROM SUMMER TERM 2012: Bring your KS1-2 class to explore the fabulous story of Prince Ivan and the Firebird, accompanied by Stravinsky's ballet music. Children will be asked to help tell the story using puppets and movement, following directions from the conductor. At the end of the story, younger children can share their own imaginative responses to the Firebird, whilst older groups will be invited to explore how puppetry, music, tone and movement can enhance their own storytelling or presentation skills.
Other music workshops
We work with a strong network of professional musicians and music educators, and can offer music workshops to suit your group. Bring your wider opportunities group to meet a professional player of their instrument, or offer an introduction to simple rhythms and melodies to KS1. Secondary school students can enjoy a workshop tailored to their level and interest, link their session to GCSE or Arts Award, and learn a little more about careers in music and arts management. Many of our tutors have extensive experience in SEN settings and behavioural units, and we would be happy for you to discuss your group's specific needs with us. Sessions are by no means limited to schools, and local amateur ensembles or community groups are more than welcome to get involved.
The further ahead you can book your workshop, the better we are able to tailor it to your group and requirements. Please note that availability of dates will be affected by spaces and artists' commitments.
Tours
While you are here, why not look round the Hall and visit the amazing auditorium, the weird undercroft and the fabulous foyers? Learn how every seat is individually shaped, how the whole building sinks when it is full and why we want you to leave your fingerprints on the brass!
Tours visit all areas of the Hall and can be adapted to suit any age or group, with specific activities related to music, numeracy or science where requested.
Tours usually last about 1 ½ hours, but can be shortened for younger groups or to fit in with workshop visits.
Public tour dates
Book public tours through the What's On pages or call the Box Office on 0161 907 9000.
Public tours cost £5 (£4 concessions)
Click here for a list of upcoming public tour dates
Group Bookings
All our workshops are held at the Hall and are for a maximum group size of 20 people, or one school class. Workshops are usually held on Thursdays, but can occasionally be provided on other days by negotiation. Workshops can be booked as half or full days (sessions approx. 2 hours each), or combined with a tour.
It is possible to book a number of workshops to create a more sustained series or course, for which prices may be able to be reduced.
Prices
Workshops
Half day - £175
Full day - £250
Tours
Public groups - £5 per person
Schools and further education - £50 per group
Full day visit: Half day tour combined with half day workshop - £200
To book a writing workshop, please complete and return the workshop booking form found on the right hand side of this page - we will contact you as soon as possible to confirm the availability of your preferred date/s and to discuss your requirements. Please call or email us directly to enquire about music or singing workshops. If you have any questions, please email us, or call Bryony Bell on 0161 907 9074.
