On March 17, 2025, the School of Performance & Cultural Industries (PCI) at the University of Leeds proudly hosted From Text to Performance, an exclusive and enriching workshop that brought together a diverse group of theatre practitioners, students, and passionate creatives. This one-day event offered participants a rare opportunity to step inside the intricate process of theatrical creation, tracing the journey of a script as it transforms into a fully staged production.

At the heart of the workshop was Waterside, a powerful piece of new writing that served as the focal case study for the session. Through this lens, attendees were able to explore every stage of the theatre-making process in depth. From the initial spark of conceptualization and early script development to the director’s vision, actor rehearsals, and the technical demands of staging, the workshop offered a comprehensive overview of the collaborative nature of performance-making.

Led by experienced facilitators and theatre professionals, the day unfolded through a mix of interactive discussions, live demonstrations, and process-led insights. Participants engaged in conversations around interpretation, storytelling, character development, and space dynamics, gaining firsthand knowledge of the decisions and challenges that shape a production from page to performance.

One of the highlights of the workshop was the behind-the-scenes look at how Waterside evolved through its rehearsal stages. Attendees gained insight into the director-performer dynamic, and were invited to ask questions that sparked deeper dialogue about creative choices and production logistics.

For emerging playwrights, aspiring directors, actors, and those passionate about storytelling through theatre, From Text to Performance proved to be an invaluable experience. The event not only offered practical tools and knowledge but also fostered a sense of community and shared curiosity among participants.

As PCI continues to champion creative exploration and collaboration, workshops like this highlight the importance of nurturing new voices and supporting the creative journeys that bring powerful stories to the stage.