A Creative Development Intensive for Would-Be Troublemakers
Applications are now closed - stay close to the campfire for more news on the next Camp.
In 2024, Counterpilot is throwing open our cabin doors and sharing our process!
Learn the art of trouble, mischief and well-meaning chaos. In this four-part workshop series, key Counterpilot artists will facilitate a first stage creative development process with a crash course on ideation, devising, prototyping and collaboration.
Suitable for any rebellious artist - whether your practice is emerging, or you’re just looking for sideways inspiration. Through this process, we’ll give you a deeper insight into our thinking and our approach to interdisciplinary making. But we’ll also help you find your own idea, and flesh it out into a dynamic performance proposal.
**Please note, in this instance ‘camp’ is just a metaphor. One day we’ll run away and make nonsense in the wilderness, but for now all workshops are well-suited to fully-clothed indoors people with day jobs. Sorry.
WHEN?
Session 1 - Tues 2nd Apr, 6-9pm
Session 2 - Tues 9th Apr, 6-9pm
Session 3 - Tues 16th Apr, 6-9pm
Session 4 - Tues 23rd Apr, 6-9pm
Participating artists may want to continue working on their emergent project between sessions. We suggest putting aside 1-3 hours each week if you would like to pursue optional additional research or ideation as homework.
Where?
All workshops will be hosted at the Norman Park Substation, 97 Wynnum Rd, Norman Park.
HOW?
This program is free, but participants must apply to enrol.
Simple application form is below. Applications close midnight AEST, Sunday 3rd March Friday 8th March.
You do not need to submit a project idea to apply - simply tell us who you are and why you’re keen.
WHO?
Camp Counterpilot explores collaborative process. Small groups of 2-5 may apply together - only one person needs to apply on behalf of the group. Individuals can also apply and expect to be matched with new collaborators in the workshops.
Camp Counterpilot is best suited to artists with some form of practice and a willingness to play with process. Both emerging and established artists are encouraged to apply.
Why?
This series will model the first steps of a creative development process, demonstrating what we would do to find an idea, interrogate it, evolve it, and prepare to execute it. Workshops will include a focus on ideating, devising, prototyping, and collaborating. At the conclusion of this process, participants can expect to have fleshed out an idea into a compelling proposal, ready for further development or for pitching elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this cost money?
In this economy? No. We’re adamant about not causing additional financial strain to artists. There’s not even a booking fee.
Why do I have to apply?
Because it doesn’t cost money and does have a limited capacity, we have to use an application process. Otherwise places will book out immediately and only some of you will turn up (we all know how it goes…)
We also appreciate this opportunity to find out a little bit about you so that we can ensure the program speaks to you. If we are inundated by applications, we’ll have to pick and choose. We’ll endeavour to let you know as soon as possible if this is the case.
Should I apply as a group or as an individual?
You can do either! If you already have some collaborators who want to do the program with you, submit one application as a group of 2-5 artists. The process will be collaborative either way, so if you want to apply as an individual, you can also do that - but we’ll link you up with other collaborators at the workshop.
Should I already have a project in mind?
No. Definitely not. Come fresh! We’ll figure out a starting point together - that’s the most fun part!
What will I get out of this?
If you’re interested in the kind of practice Counterpilot works in, or the niche corner of the arts sector we occupy, this program will give you an insight into the kind of conversations we have about art, and how we tend to begin our particular adventures.
You won’t be making a project for Counterpilot though - your idea will be your own, and the project is something you could very well keep working on (if your collaborators agree). By the end of the program, we expect that you’ll have a fleshed-out performance concept ready to pursue. This may look like a proposal, a pitch, or a plan for what to do next.
Is there a showing at the end?
No. We don’t want you to rush. It takes a long time to make things - this is about starting, not about skipping to the end. This process will emphasise creative development, rather than building or rehearsing. You may end with a proposal, but not a full draft.
What experience do I need? Any prerequisites?
It would be good if you have some kind of practice or experience in the world of the arts. You don’t have to be a particular kind of theatre artist, and you don’t need to have a great deal of experience though. If you’re keen to play with process, and if you’re interested in the kind of things Counterpilot makes, then we’ll probably get along just fine. We’d love to know where you’re coming from though, so we’ve asked some of these questions in the application form.
Do I need to bring anything?
A laptop or tablet is recommended. If you’d prefer to write on something else, bring that too. You don’t have to wear comfortable clothing. We probably won’t play space jump.
Do I need to be an emerging artist?
God… emerging, independent, established, submerging - whatever kind of label you normally get stamped with - we’ll take it. The program doesn’t have to be for new practitioners though. You might have been working as a maker for ages and just want to come have a play. Feel free to do that!
What if I’m an artist but I don’t work usually in theatre?
Great! Sometimes we don’t even like theatre that much. We’re an interdisciplinary bunch and we love to see unlikely combinations of folk work together. We’ve collaborated with scientists, electricians, software developers, sommeliers, acrobats… If you think your skillset could have something to offer a performance context, come on down.
Who will be running these workshops?
Counterpilot’s Director Nathan Sibthorpe will be facilitating the overall process, but core artists Mike Willmett, Christine Felmingham, and creative producer Elizabeth Hunt will all drop into the process to offer some Un-Nathan perspectives throughout.
What gives YOU the right to teach anything?!
Good question. Damn. Well… We’re not saying we’re better than anyone else at this stuff. And we’re not really planning to reveal hidden knowledges you could never have dreamed of. Facilitating a process like this is more a way of creating space for you to bring your own magic. We’ll bring what we know, and how we go about process in our own ways, and hope that helps you somehow. Think of it more like sharing than teaching. We’d love to see less closed doors in our world, you know?
What if I can’t attend all of the classes?
Unfortunately that’s a bit un-ideal. Get in touch if there’s a particular obstacle, but know we’d prefer to take on a group that’s there for the process. Sometimes life gets in the way at the last minute and that’s okay, but if you’re applying we’re expecting it’s because you believe you can commit to the four sessions with us.