Ambitious Performers 2026 - Exeter - Spring Term 2

About

AMBITIOUS PERFORMERS is an acting group for anyone who:

-identifies as neurodiverse
-is aged 16+ (young adults and adults)
-wants to develop their performance skills
-wants to get in front of an audience!

The group is run by Four of Swords and hosted by Positive Light Projects on Sidwell Street. This term there will be FIVE SESSIONS on CONSECUTIVE MONDAYS from Monday 12th January.

WHEN?
Mondays 4:30pm-6:30pm
from 23rd February to 30th March (inclusive)
6 sessions in total

WHERE?
Positive Light Projects, Sidwell Street, Exeter

This is the latest term of an ongoing programme and we are hoping to recruit new participants. This term we will be working on our alternative panto, to be performed at The Cygnet Theatre in December.

I came here to study and learn about theatre. However, I did not expect to learn so much about myself, too.
Participant Feedback

Its great to be able to be who you want to be.
Participant Feedback

INTRODUCING OUR TUTORS

This project is being led by Phil Kingslan John and Bea Savill.

Phil taught English, Drama and Media at secondary schools for eight years before leaving the school system in search of something more esoteric! In 2012 he founded Four of Swords with his friend Sarah; they have been creating visceral, vibrant and immersive theatre, film and education projects ever since. He also designs and delivers course content for Creative Connections, a regular drama group for Learning Disabled school leavers run by Exeter Northcott and the Pelican Project. In 2022, Phil co-created Madame Thespias Deliciously Diverse Cabaret, an open mic night for all, especially designed to platform the work of neurodiverse and under-represented performers.

Bea Savill is a beautifully generous and insightful performer who trained at Exmouth College and on the Exeter Northcott Kickstart Programme. She is also a fabulous singer and musician. Bea's professional credits include 'The A Game' and 'How Did I Get Here' with Exeter Northcott's Kickstart Company, 'Feeling Lonely at Parties' with Pursued by a Dragon and assistant director and performer in 'Footprints', a collaboration between Exeter Northcott and Exeter University. She has appeared in a bunch of Four of Swords shows, most notably as Antigone in OEDIPUS and shadow puppeting to the max in THE TALE OF TRISTA "HEB SKOVAM".

Over the course of the AMBITIOUS PERFORMERS programme, participants will also meet and work with a selection of theatre makers from Four of Swords' stable of collaborators. Previous guest tutors:

-Sarah White, co-founder of Four of Swords, actor and creative producer extraordinaire
-Donald Craigie, physical theatre practitioner, dancer, puppeteer and mask worker
-Adam in the Hat, singer and vocal impressario
-Mark Cassidy, actor and storyteller