The Cockpit

From live cameras to immersive sound, creative technology is shaping some of the most exciting work in contemporary theatre. But it can just as easily overcomplicate a piece or pull focus from what matters most: the live experience. So how do we use these tools in service of the drama?

This one-day course looks at how to integrate technology in a way that enhances storytelling, rather than obscuring it.

CREATIVE TECHNOLOGIES IN THEATRE

6 September

In the auditorium

Across the day, we will:

Explore a range of creative technologies currently used in theatre, from the familiar to the unexpected.

Break down the process of developing creative technical ideas: from initial concept through rehearsal to performance.

Look at how to scale ideas to different budgets, including low-cost and DIY approaches.

Get hands-on with tools such as immersive audio, haptics, video, simple electro-mechanics, and AI

This course is designed for directors, designers, and theatre-makers who are curious about integrating technology into their work. The focus is not on mastering equipment, but on understanding how to think with it: how to choose the right tools, collaborate effectively, and realise ambitious ideas with clarity and control. You do not need advanced technical knowledge to participate.

https://www.thecockpit.org.uk/class/creative_technologies_in_theatre

We've added a new workshop to our Theatre Maker programme. A one-day workshop that helps you prioritise what needs doing tech-wise with limited time and resources.

TECH UNDER PRESSURE

1 August

For theatre technicians and self-producing writers, performers, directors, and designers; anyone who works on Fringe-scale projects when there is little time, money or resources, and who wants to learn more of the basics of lighting design, sound design, video design and stage management.

This is a unique combination of technical training and meditative techniques, helping you to remain calm within the pressurised environment of technical theatre and create the best work that you can within those limits. There will be hands-on work with The Cockpit's technical systems where you will get to create lighting, sound and video designs on the fly, and even scenarios where you have to diagnose mysterious tech issues quickly. Overall, it's a fun and ironically low-pressure introduction to tech, with as much emphasis on mindfulness as on good cable coiling.

https://www.thecockpit.org.uk/class/tech_under_pressure

We've a 'choose your own outcome' comedy coming here as part of The Camden Fringe!

I'M A PHILOSOPHER! WHY THE F*** AM I HERE?

13 - 15 August

An interactive, lip-sync, musical comedy pastiche of reality TV!

What would happen if a reality game show were populated, not by the normal motley collection of D-List celebrities, but by a group of the world’s greatest thinkers?

Will Jean-Jacques Rousseau really enjoy being in the state of nature?
Can Ayn Rand thrive in a libertarian paradise?
Is there anything that Peter Singer can eat?
Will anybody speak to Jordan Peterson?

There are political disagreements, moral debates, music, dancing and lots of comedy - but the best thing is that you, the audience, decide what happens.

Produced by Make My Show Productions as part of The Camden Fringe



https://www.thecockpit.org.uk/show/im_a_philosopher_why_the_f_am_i_here

This brilliant show is back with us for another Camden Fringe!

IMPROMPTU SHAKESPEARE

12 - 14 August

Hold onto your doublets, ruffs and trunk hose. The Bard is back! With story and verse improvised in the moment, enjoy a riotous new Shakespeare play every time – performed by Impromptu Shakespeare’s whip-smart cast.

Packed with priceless wit, lyrical smarts, romance, and a dash of double-crossing, this leading ensemble does the Bard proud with a brand new hit every time, inspired by audience suggestions.

https://www.thecockpit.org.uk/show/impromptu_shakespeare