Artist Development

At Hocus Pocus Theatre, we believe great creative work begins with supported, curious, and courageous artists. Our Artist Development programme nurtures performers and creative practitioners through world-class training, mentorship, and creative exchange.

We have hosted workshops and residencies with some of the most inspiring teachers in clown and performance, helping artists build skills, confidence, and community across the East of England and beyond.

Keep Breaking the Rhythm — Fraser Hooper

In 2024 Hocus Pocus Theatre hosted a three-day clown course with award-winning clown Fraser Hooper, exploring improvisation, rhythm, and playful comic routines. His joyful and rigorous approach inspired participants to deepen their practice and expand their creative range.

Clown Through Mask — Sue Morrison

In 2023, Hocus Pocus Theatre hosted a two-week residency with Canadian clown teacher Sue Morrison, exploring presence, vulnerability, and authentic connection. This rare international-standard training offered UK-based artists a transformative experience.

Devising Play and Creative Care — Holly Stoppit

In 2019 Facilitator Holly Stoppit led a devising workshop that kickstarted Fun Clinic, blending clown, creativity, and care. Sessions encouraged self-reflection, playful experimentation, and collaborative creation.

Clown and Dark Clown — Peta Lily

In 2018 Peta Lily led an intensive workshop exploring comic and tragic states, helping performers expand their expressive range. This training supported the development of the ensemble Bunch of Clowns, blending playfulness with emotional depth.

Clown and Eccentric Principles — Avner Eisenberg

In 2011, Hocus Pocus Theatre brought legendary clown Avner Eisenberg to Norwich for a masterclass in presence, complicité, and subtle clowning — foundations that continue to influence the company’s ethos and practice today.

Our Commitment

Artist development is central to our work. Through training and international collaboration, we:

  • Strengthen the regional network of clowns and theatre-makers

  • Build bridges between arts, health, and care sectors

  • Champion inclusive, trauma-informed, person-centred practice

Hocus Pocus Theatre continues to be a key player in developing clowning and creative practice across the East of England — fostering artistry, curiosity, and play.

Clown Through Mask — Sue Morrison Residency

In April 2023, Hocus Pocus Theatre hosted world-renowned Canadian clown teacher Sue Morrison for Clown Through Mask — a two-week professional development residency at The Seagull Theatre, in collaboration with Suffolk Artlink.

This rare opportunity deepened the team’s understanding of authentic presence, emotional intelligence and relational play — vital tools for working in sensitive healthcare contexts. The training reinforced our commitment to continuous professional development and to embedding reflective, trauma-informed practice at the heart of everything we do.

Documentary Photos by Bec Austin