A unique chance to acquire the skills and techniques of the Hunter Heartbeat Method over two full days, with their creator Kelly Hunter MBE.
The course includes the opportunity to practice playing these award winning games with autistic students from CCT Red Kite. This methodology is a series of sensory interactive drama games based on Shakespeare, developed over the last twenty five years for and with autistic people across the world. The games can be adapted for all settings; this workshop has an emphasis on playing with autistic people in performance and workshops. The Hunter Heartbeat games are designed for everyone to play, with a special emphasis for participants who are nonverbal and commonly excluded from other social and artistic activities.
“The most expansive and affirming learning experience I’ve ever had”
Edith, Actor and Director. Barcelona, July 2025
These are games of humanity that need only the human voice and body and another person to play with. They are derived from Shakespeare’s plays, using his poetic exploration of the loving eye and seeing mind; allowing everyone involved to express how it feels to be alive.
Each game offers an opportunity for physical, vocal, and imaginative transformations. Specific targets are embedded within each game: focusing on eye contact, proprioception, spatial awareness, speech and language, the vestibular system, expressing emotions and being known and accepted.
This two day course offers you:
An opportunity to understand, practice and absorb the methodology of the Hunter Heartbeat games through the hands-on practice of playing and experiencing them for yourself.
An opportunity to expand your skillset with a unique set of techniques and exercises for your further use in performance and workshop settings.
A kinaesthetic understanding of how Shakespeare’s plays can be adapted for autistic audiences who are unable to access traditional theatre experiences, including relaxed performances.
The opportunity to practice playing the games with autistic people followed by feedback sessions with Kelly and her team .
An empowering weekend of theatre, play and community experience.
An opportunity to join the international ‘Flute Theatre family’ making connections that may continue beyond the course.
I’ve worked as an actor for over a decade, and this workshop was a revelation. Kelly’s method connects all the most precious parts of theatrical experience and offers them to meet a vital need. I have never done creative work that feels so immediate and meaningful”.
Miranda, Actor. London, August 2025.
Everyone is welcome no matter their ability! Registration includes food for each day. The course will be led by Kelly Hunter MBE with Ben Raanan and Angelina Steshenko.
