The Common Players

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About Common Players

The Common Players was formed in 1989, seeking to inspire communities, through theatre and participatory work, to develop their own creative aspirations.

HISTORY

The Common Players were set up in 1989 as a charity and a limited company. The original aim, which remains true today, was to provide theatre productions and activities for rural communities of the South West, particularly for people with limited access to see and take part in professional theatre.

The intention was to tell stories that involved audiences on different levels so that there was something for everyone to enjoy. In true Strolling Player style, the company walked from village to village, camping overnight before moving on in the morning.

WHAT DOES THE COMMON PLAYERS DO?

The company may have expanded over the years, but our philosophy remains the same; to create exciting, relevant and original theatre. The companies' current portfolio of productions and activities are exciting and eclectic, and include work with schools, youth groups, national parks and numerous other local agencies.

The Common Players produces at least two shows each year, touring to village halls, community centres, schools and town halls.

For families to enjoy together

The summer and now autumn outdoor tour has always been at the heart of what The Common Players does. Demand from local promoters for these shows are high and audiences delight in the "every year something unique" nature of the work. This year we brought the adventures of plucky Pip the Apple in The Big Squeeze, contrasting with the mystery and beauty of Exmoor in Tracks and Traces - all enjoyed equally by people aged 2 to 96!

For Young People

We have intrinsic partnerships with local school and youth groups in the area, and truly believe that Art and theatre can help young people to learn and express themselves, whilst having lots of fun! In 2005 we ran Bloody Ambition - a "Macbeth" primary school project in partnership with Devon Arts In Schools Initiative. Both our Apples of the South West and Tracks and Traces projects have involved productions in and around schools with lots of creative input from the next generation of stars! We will continue this aspect of our work and plan exciting new ventures involving ‘play' and art in the future.

Environmental Work

We devise and deliver environmental performance projects for specific locations. Inspired by a desire to help people make real connections with the world about them.

These events range from collaborations with The National Trust with whom we created Keep Off The Path, to a commission from the National Youth Arts Festival to create an environmental performance in the North Devon seaside town of Ilfracombe.

Other Work

As well as the productions we also run courses and workshops, seeking to create the right workshop for the right group rather than having a one size fits all approach.

We run workshops with regional amateur groups, developed by request they usually take place over four or so regular evenings and can explore subjects such as clowning, improvisation and movement, devising a show, and interpreting texts. We can also arrange technical workshops to help groups learn how to best use their newly acquired equipment.

We also run specific residential workshops (mainly for young people) varying from 1-3 weeks where we teach skills often leading to a production/ presentation. These sometimes have a European perspective.

These activities can be created either through a group of Common Players performing, or with company members working with youth or community groups who then present their own response.

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About Common Players

The Common Players was formed in 1989, seeking to inspire communities, through theatre and participatory work, to develop their own creative aspirations.

Current Projects

Tracks & Traces

A Story of Exmoor - tells the story of the landscape, people and animals of Exmoor via a comic romp through five decades of local history.
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