“Jb’s course was the springboard I needed to take my seed of an idea from a dream to an award-winning solo show. Without his forceful nudges, positive support and playful but practical approach, it would not have happened. I’m very grateful.”  Kate Darach, Moontales. 2014/2015 (and performer 2019 Festival of Solo Theatre)

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So, you’re thinking of doing a one-person show.
You’ve got some ideas, the beginnings of a piece, maybe even a few pages of script together. 
How would it be for you and your nascent show to now be immersed in, and deeply supported by, expert and award-winning guidance, on all of those elements that will draw out the very best in your fledgeling work?

Elements such as:

• Script writing / editing. 

• Performance.

• Stage, light and sound design.

• Costume.

• Marketing and PR.

• And more...

And finally...

• Some real opportunities to perform both snippets of, and the whole of, your completed piece to both invited, and to real, ticket-paying audiences in a London Theatre.

Sounds like a luxury? Sounds like heaven? Sounds too good to be true? 

Nope. It’s real. All of this and more awaits you at the Balkan Producing House Grow Your Own Solo show residential in June this year.

With limited numbers of places available, (to ensure everyone gets excellent personal levels of attention); with special introductory prices for this inaugural and innovative course, on a residential that offers stunningly beautiful and inspiring surroundings, gorgeous and locally grown, organic and cooked in-house food, and with all that a retreat can do to feed your imagination, your creativity, and your mind, we recommend considering early booking. 

Supported by award-winning Something Underground Theatre Co, The Cockpit Theatre, (London), the University of Novi Sad and the Balkan Producing House, this carefully crafted course with bespoke elements, is perhaps unique in offering the breadth and depth of support that any new and aspiring solo show performer could only dream of enjoying as they craft their work. 

 

We’ll even support you in sourcing your costs. 

 

This doesn’t have to be your first piece, and you don’t have to have perfect performance skills, nor even a fully completed script. 

Just ideas, commitment, curiosity, adventurousness, and a willingness to take on board the sound advice of both your co-participants, and of a plethora of expert and award winning professionals. 

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“Jonathan, I cannot thank you enough for unlocking something in 
me that has been laying stagnant for so long. 

Your course has enabled me to write my story with confidence.  Your attention to detail allowed me to focus on the characters and what they wanted to say. I was encouraged to write from the heart, no matter how it would come out and that’s just what I did. Thanks to you, I have now been commissioned not only as an actor but also as a writer. I would recommend this course to anyone who has a story to tell.”  Lorna Gayle 2017 (“Nine Night”)

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“Found this course so helpful, so much fabulous support and input not only from Jonathan but also all the other talented participants. Turned what can be a lonely business into one where I learned much, laughed lots and achieved far more than I hoped. Can’t recommend it enough. If ya thinking about it DO IT!!!” Lianne Campbell, 2016 (“Lessons From Leela”)

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About Jonathan Brown

Jonathan Brown has written, produced and performed 7 one-person shows, written and directed two others, and directed several others. He teaches theatre at Evolution Arts Brighton, and "Create Your Own One Person Show Course" in Brighton and at The Cockpit London since 2012. “The Silent Stream” (written and performed by Jonathan) was Shortlisted: Best New Play New Writing South and was Winner Best Male Performer 2013 Brighton Fringe. “Smoking Ban” won its performer Best Female Performer Brighton Fringe 2014. “Betsy: Wisdom of a Brighton Whore” won its performer a nomination for Best Female Performer Brighton Fringe 2013. 

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About Kalki Aporia 

Kalki Aporia has directed award winning solo-performers, and has written and produced his own projects; from solo work, to larger scale productions with over 120 extras and dozens of volunteers. He is a founding member of the Balkan Producing House. 

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Location

The residency takes place at the Balkan Retreat, home of the Balkan Producing House. 

 

The Balkan Retreat is a permaculture small-holding, located in a tiny village, Bešenovački Prnjavor, immersed in the beautiful natural surroundings of the forested Fruška Gora National Park, in Serbia, a very accessible Central European location. It is 5 minutes walk from the National Park and 15 minutes walk from a gorgeous lake, ideal for swimming. 

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The area is famous for its monasteries (the 17th in our village), magical woodland, protected flora and fauna, a wide variety of wild, edible mushrooms, magnetic fields, fresh water springs, wine, and hiking and biking routes. The area is also famous for being the birthplace of the most Roman Caesars!

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Eco Site

The Balkan Retreat is a permaculture site with free-ranging chickens and Mangulica pigs. Our mission is to recycle, reuse, or repurpose as much waste/old material as we can. We try to learn from nature, rather than fight against it. We try to eat less meat, and when we do, ensure it is ethically sourced. We provide for vegetarian and vegan diets on request.

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During the workshops, you will be provided with homemade, local and seasonal food and quirky but comfortable, shared accommodation. You can find photos and more information about facilities and the location on the Balkan Retreat website.

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How to get here

We can arrange a taxi to collect you (approx €40) from Belgrade (Nikola Tesla) airport (almost double if you pick one up directly outside). Unfortunately, there are no buses or trains going directly from the airport. To come to us by bus from the airport, you will need to get a bus first to Belgrade city bus station, and then pick up another bus to Sremska Mitrovica. In Sremska Mitrovica, there is another local bus to our village, Bešenovački Prnjavor or we can pick you up by car.

 

Alternatively, you can travel to Serbia by public transport. There are good bus connections from Zagreb, Sarajevo and Belgrade to Sremska Mitrovica, where pick-up can be arranged or the local bus to our village. Trains also from Zagreb and Belgrade. We are just 15 minutes off the Zagreb – Belgrade motorway (E70). There is plenty of room for parking.

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How to Book

Please read info pack carefully and email: info@balkan-retreat.com. Once you are selected, we will ask for a 25% deposit to secure your place on the residency. The rest of the amount is due before (or on) the first day.

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