Creative Commissions

As part of Digital Dukes, we’ve commissioned talented artists and theatre-makers to create resources and activities that you can enjoy and get involved in during lockdown.

We hope they spark your creativity!

Elspeth Dale, Company Director from Three Left Feet presents her Trio of Tales for you and your little ones to enjoy at home. Presented as a Creative Commission as part of Digital Dukes, Elspeth puts her own innovative spin on classic tales we all know and love, offering entertainment for your children as well as the chance to get creative and work together to create your own shadow puppet shows. 

Once you have watched the trio of tales, make sure to access the puppetry packs below to get started on creating your own shadow puppets.

> Tortoise & Hare Puppetry Pack | For Younger Children

> Three Little Pigs | For Older Children

Have some fun and spark your imagination with this Character Creation Workshop from Lancaster-based artist, writer and designer, Holly Kent,

Full of tips for inspiration, design and bringing your character to life, it's ideal for teenagers who are interested in writing stories - whether that's in comics or animation, or for written pieces of fiction!

'Take a Space' and make it your own with this fun, inclusive dance video, created by Helen Gould and LPM Dance especially for The Dukes!

38 dancers found a space, chose a word and danced it out - we think rather brilliantly!

We'd love for you to try it for yourselves at home: find a pocket of space and word that sparks inspiration and dance away.

You can even share them with us by tagging us and LPM on Facebook or emailing them to tom@dukeslancaster.org

Carnforth based photographer Ginny Koppenhol shares her top tips in photography challenge 'Eat, Sleep, Create, Repeat'. This project will run over six weeks, where each week there will be a new video from Ginny with a challenge to take part in and learn from, designed to be done at home.

It’s for any level of photographer with any kit, including those using smartphones. Whether you're a budding photographer or just want to learn something new, these videos are fun way to keep creative. 

You can share your photos under the Facebook post for each challenge video, tag us on Twitter or Instagram or email your photos to tom@dukeslancaster.org.

Stay In and Boogie is a fun, accessible and inclusive dance workshop from the wonderful Lisa Simpson (of Lisa Simpson Inclusive Dance Ltd.) and Helen Gould (La Petite Mort Theatre), commissioned especially for The Dukes.

Follow Lisa, Helen and their team of dancers as they show you a creative movement game that's free for you to interpret to suit your needs and space!

Whether you're looking for a creative activity to suit any additional-needs or disabilities, something for the whole family to get involved with, or just simply a fun thing to do, Stay In and Boogie is perfect to try out.

Lisa Simpson is an innovative choreographer, workshop leader & company director with quadriplegia cerebral palsy. Non-verbal, Lisa communicates her artistic vision and workshop instructions through a trained translator. Find out more about Lisa Simpson Inclusive Dance Ltd. 

Helen Gould is a dance artist, movement specialist and co-director of LPM Dance. She has worked with Lisa as a translator and help facilitate workshops. She has also helped facilitate The Dukes' Bring Me Laughter dementia arts project. Find out more about LPM Dance.

This spook-tacular Ghost Story writing workshop for young, aspiring writers was created especially for The Dukes by the brilliant Adam Z. Robinson.

Adam's created and performed in a trio of gothic delights at The Dukes, including The Book of Darkness and Light, Shivers and 2019's A Christmas Carol, so he's a bit of an expert when it comes to writing something scary and atmospheric.

Perfect for young writers 8+, or anyone wanting to keep creative at home, check out the video and give it a go!

Actress and musician, Helen Longworth (Ladies That Bus, The Dukes’ Cinderella) has created spectacular spy spoof Piefall for you to have fun acting out at home.

With a license to thrill, this is a great way to develop your acting and singing skills and perfect for families and households to enjoy together.

If there are fewer of you than there are characters, why not switch it up, perfect the art of the quick costume change (or snappy editing) and play more than one character each? You can even involve your friends and family on video chat.

Share your videos with us by emailing tom@dukeslancaster.org or tagging us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and using the hashtag #DigitalDukes

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD PIEFALL