A.I.R - Artist In Residence
(For Theatre Makers, Ensembles & Adventurers)
For over forty years, the Kneehigh Barns in Cornwall were the beating heart of Kneehigh Theatre - a place where ideas were tested, risks were taken, and more than 75 productions were born. Today, the Barns open their doors to new generations of makers, offering a rare combination of creative freedom, natural beauty, and hands-on hosting.
What We Offer
A residency at the Kneehigh Barns is more than hiring a rehearsal space. It’s an immersive, supported environment designed to help companies develop new work, reconnect as an ensemble, or simply step away from the noise
You’ll have exclusive use of:
- Indoor and outdoor rehearsal space
- A fully stocked costume and prop library
- A music room with instruments
- A workshop and making materials for experienced makers
- A welcoming kitchen at the centre of the Barns
You’ll be hosted by people who know how to support the creative process; from orienting you to the site, unlocking the costume stores to helping move large items and making sure the kettle is always ready.
AIR aims to fill the world with artists by welding the scrawny limbs of culture back together in a space where nothing is measured. It is the nemesis of evaluation reports.
Is this for me? What can we do?
These residencies have been tried and tested by artists, performers, writers, directors, dramatists, theatre companies, filmmakers, dancers, musicians, puppeteers, solo acts and suppressed anarchists.
You can book from 3 to 31 days, depending on your needs.
Companies can use the Barns for:
New Work development
Ensemble Retreats
Rehearsal Periods
Creative R&D
Team building & Reconnection
We can also help facilitate sharing's of your work in progress with local communities - an informal, joyful tradition of the Barns.
Where are the Kneehigh Barns?
Set above Vault Beach in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Gorran Haven, Cornwall, the Barns offer space to breathe, think, and imagine. This is the spiritual home of Kneehigh, a place built on generosity, mischief and artistic courage. Despite feeling wonderfully remote, the Barns is accessible by car and train (Trains from London Paddington to St Austell 4 hrs or 5-6 hr drive).
Cost & Next Steps
Rates are flexible and tailored to your circumstances and your fee supports The Barns Lamledra CIC. To discuss your project or book a residency, contact:
Mike & Sarah
kneehighbarns@gmail.com
