Coronavirus: Kiln's Indhu Rubasingham and Susie McKenna to give free online masterclasses

London’s Kiln Theatre is launching online masterclasses with artistic director Indhu Rubasingham and associate director Susie McKenna as part of a creative programme for people in lockdown.

Kiln Insight will also include artist development opportunities for residents of north London.

Rubasingham will host a free directing masterclass, via Zoom, on April 23, in which she will share insights into her directing process and running a theatre, as well as taking part in a Q&A.

Meanwhile, McKenna’s masterclass will take place on April 30, focusing on her experience of performing in and staging musical theatre, also with a Q&A.

Both sessions will be made available as a recording after the event.

In addition, the Kiln Insight programme will enable north London residents to take part in artist development sessions run by the theatre’s new work associate Tom Wright, alongside other artists connected with the theatre.

Selected participants will take part in four sessions, delivered over Zoom.

Announcing the plans, Rubasingham said she was determined that the theatre stay in touch with its communities while its building is closed.

She said: "At a time like this, it is important to find out ways to connect and share in this period of isolation and distance. How do we continue to be creative and innovative? Our workshop programme gives a range of opportunities for people to get involved in, wherever they are and whatever their experience. Susie and I will lead large webinars talking about our practice and approach to directing different types of theatre, with an opportunity for viewers to ask questions.

"I am also thrilled to announce that our new work associate Tom Wright will lead a four-week programme of workshops for emerging artists from north-west London, which will hopefully bear fruit and encourage more people on our doorstep to express themselves and to get writing."

Kiln’s creative engagement work is also continuing online during lockdown.