Hunter Heartbeat Courses
A unique opportunity to learn the skills and techniques of the Hunter Heartbeat Method, with creator Kelly Hunter MBE. A learning opportunity with direct engagement for performers, teachers, theatre practitioners, parents and therapists.
The Hunter Heartbeat Method is a series of sensory drama games, which allow autistic people to share how it feels to be alive and celebrate their identity. Dr Kelly Hunter MBE has created this award-winning methodology for and with autistic people across the world, over the last twenty-five years. 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 poetic exploration of the loving eye and seeing mind; allowing everyone involved to express how it feels to be alive. The games form the basis of Flute Theatre’s specialised productions for autistic people and those displaced by war.
Autism-friendly Shakespeare performance in Ohio, 2025
“The workshop was an embodiment of serious play, generosity of spirit and community"
Angelina | Ohio State University Columbus Ohio (April, 2025)
The course is aimed at performers, students, theatre practitioners, parents and therapists.
Our week-long course will offer;
• An introduction to the methodology of the Hunter Heartbeat games through the hands-on practice of playing and experiencing them for yourself.
• An opportunity to play the games with autistic people.
• An opportunity to expand your skillset with a unique set of techniques and exercises for your further use applicable for performers, teachers, theatre practitioners, parents or therapists.
• A kinaesthetic understanding of how Shakespeare’s plays can be adapted for audiences unable to access traditional theatre experiences, including relaxed performances.
• An empowering week of theatre, play and community experience.
• An opportunity to join the Flute Family, making connections that may continue beyond the course.
Kelly Hunter MBE creator of Flute Theatre and the Hunter Heartbeat techinque.
Denver, Colorado (US)
Northglenn Recreation Center, Parsons Theatre, 1 E Mem Pkwy, Northglenn, CO 80233, United States.
20th and 21st May 2025 10.00am-6.00pm
$275 fee ($250 early bird offer)
Barcelona (Spain)
Escuela Especial Montserrat Montera, Camí Santa Quitèria, s/n, 08400 Granollers, Barcelona, Spain
2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th June everyday 10.30am- 4.30pm
€350 fee. (20% discount for students of Institut del Teatre Barcelona )
(course given in English and Catalan)
London (UK)
Riverside Studios, 101 Queen Caroline St, London W6 9BN
4th, 5th, 6th, 7th 8th and 9th August 2025.
Option of joining as a volunteer for Flutes performances week 11th-15th August 2025 - £500 fee (£475 early bird offer)
To express your interest please send enquiries to kelly@flutetheatre.co.uk.
Previous Courses
Bulgaria
New Bulgarian University
India
Christ University
Japan
Waseda University
Mexico
Otros Territiorios Artes Escénicas Inclusivas 2024
Romania
Teatrul Gong, Sibiu 2018, 2019
Spain
Escuela Especial Montserrat Montera, Barcelona 2018
Sweden
Riksteatern Stockholm 2019
Big Wind Theatre Company 2019 and 2024
UK
Actors Centre London
BADA Balliol College Oxford
Chichester Festival Theatre
Drama Centre London
Globe Theatre
International summer programme, University of Cambridge
Orange Tree Theatre
Royal Shakespeare Company
Shakespeare Institute
Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
USA
Ohio State University 2011-2016
UCLA 2016
University of Notre Dame 2017
Cincinnati Ensemble Theatre 2018 and 2023
Heart of America Shakespeare Festival Kansas 2018
Inclusivity takes on a palpable, profoundly moving meaning, once you have seen Flute at work"
Paul Miller, Director
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“Flute Theatre is the only place my child feels accepted” Parent.
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