From online summer camps to dementia dancing sessions, Attic Theatre Company work with leading theatre artists to inspire creativity across the borough. Enabling the local community to participate in performing arts is central to the Attic mission, their passion for engaging new audiences being at the heart of every project.
Since 1994, Attic Theatre Company have been making theatre for and with the people of Merton. Not bound by its office above Mitcham Library, they describe themselves as an arts centre without walls, and aim to make theatre that is world class and reaches the widest possible audience through touring to both traditional theatre and shared spaces.
Staying in for a Song
What: Free singing sessions open to anyone aged 55 and over.
When: Wednesdays, 2:00 – 3:00pm
Attic Theatre Company’s Going for a Song sessions have gone online in response to the pandemic. These weekly sessions are aimed at older people at risk of isolation as they age. People are brought together, exercise their voices, learn new songs, practise some old favourites and make new friends.
Led by our skilled Musical Director, Christopher Killerby, each session begins with chatting and checking in, bringing the community closer. The Attic Theatre Company’s usually live sessions in Wimbledon and Mitcham have been running for over ten years, and are the ‘highlight of the week’ for many members. Singing has proven health benefits which can help with anxiety and depression, lung capacity, memory, and heart health.
Sign up to find out why people often come away feeling happier and healthier, with a song stuck in their head and a spring in their step!
You can also catch up with previous online workshops and sing along whenever you wish by visiting the Attic YouTube channel and subscribing to the Staying In For A Song Playlist.
Dancing Group
What: free dancing lessons for anyone aged 55 and over
When: Wednesdays, 11:30 – 12:30pm
Covering a range of styles and genres – from disco to musical theatre – join Attic Theatre Company’s weekly dancing group online to make some moves from your living room and discover your inner dancer.
Led by professional dance artist, Natasha Khamjani, these friendly workshops are a fun and energising way to exercise for anyone who enjoys music, moving, and having fun.
Classes begin with a physical warmup to get you ready to learn a new choreography, which you’ll master as the weeks go by. You’ll build flexibility, stamina, and strength, and, as one dancer recently said, ‘you’ll feel 25 again’!
Attic Theatre’s live dance sessions usually run at the same time in Mitcham, so if you’re looking to start a new hobby you can continue after lockdown, this is the one.
Leap! Online – Summer Creative Arts Camp
What: Free online summer camp for 9-14 year olds across Merton
When: Throughout the Summer holidays (see exact dates below) on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 10am – 12pm
Attic Theatre Company have years of experience running creative summer camps for local young people, and, this year, they won’t let social distancing stop them from doing what they do best.
Through a series of creative workshops on Zoom led by professional theatre makers, there will be opportunities for the young people of Merton to be inventive, make friends, and have fun. Accompanied by a private Instagram group to keep everybody safe online, Attic will also be setting creative challenges for everyone to keep busy and use their imagination at home.
Camp 1 begins Monday 27th July, and ends Friday 7th August
Camp 2 begins Monday 10th August, and ends Friday 21st August
Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, so please only sign up for one camp to allow as many people as possible to take part.
Dementia Dance
Since lockdown, Attic have been working in partnership with the Merton Dementia Hub to create dance videos for people living with dementia and their friends, family, and carers. This has been a difficult time for everyone, but especially people with dementia as routines have been disrupted and health conditions have left many shielding.
Created by dementia dance specialist, Annie Pownall, videos can be enjoyed from home at any time to help keep everyone moving and active. With a new one each week, you’ll dance to some classic songs and try different styles of dance, from the waltz to the cha cha cha! Subscribe to the Dementia Dance playlist to join in.
You might also enjoy getting involved in the Polka Theatre’s online classes.
