Callout: Moving THE HERDS | Get Involved | MIF25

About

This summer, something extraordinary is coming to Greater Manchester – and we want you to be part of it.

We’re looking for 100 Greater Manchester residents to join a once-in-a-lifetime training and performance opportunity with THE HERDS – a powerful public art project created by The Walk Productions, the world-class creative team behind Little Amal.

From Monday 30 June to Saturday 5 July we’re inviting you to join us and THE HERDS team in a rare chance to learn new puppetry and performance skills through three days of workshops and rehearsals, before performing in three large-scale public events in Manchester City Centre (3 July), Heywood in Rochdale (4 July) and Pennington Flash near Leigh (5 July).

Across three days of intensive puppet training in the heart of Manchester, you’ll learn to operate stunning life-sized animal puppets in movement and storytelling alongside The Walk Productions’ professional and emerging companies, before taking to the streets to realise three large-scale, public performances that blend performance, activism, and imagination.

You will be part of a global arts project that raises awareness about the climate crisis, as well as expanding your skills in physical performance, working alongside Artistic Director Amir Nizar Zuabi and world-leading puppeteers Ukwanda Puppets & Designs Art Collective and Craig Leo.

Who We’re Looking For

You must be aged 18+ and live in Greater Manchester
You should be available on all dates from Monday 30 June to Saturday 5 July (various times)
We’re looking for people with a passion for performance, with energy, confidence and a willingness to move
You should be comfortable working outdoors, rain or shine!

Good to know

Rehearsals will take place from 10am to 6pm on Monday 30 June, Tuesday 1 and Wednesday 2 July in a Central Manchester location. Refreshments will be provided.
Performances will take place at:
- 6pm in Manchester on Thursday 3 July
- 7pm in Heywood, Rochdale on Friday 4 July
- From 1pm at Pennington Flash near Leigh on Saturday 5 July
You should be fully available on each of these performance days, final timings tbc.
Experience in movement, dance, or physical theatre is helpful, but not essential.
Experience of puppetry is not required.
These are life-sized animal puppets and many are heavy, requiring multiple puppeteers to operate. Rehearsals will involve day-long physical activity and performances are outdoors and last from 1 to 2hrs.
There will be a taster session for those applying to be Puppeteers on Sunday 15 June at a central Manchester location.
You will receive a bursary of £240 to support your involvement between Monday 30 June to Saturday 5 July
The deadline for applications is Sunday 1 June 2025.

Accessibility

We aspire to be inclusive and welcoming to all. You will be working with life-sized animal puppets and many are heavy, requiring a degree of physical stamina and often multiple puppeteers to operate. Rehearsals will involve day-long physical activity and performances are outdoors and last from 1 to 2hrs. If you would like to take part and have access needs or require support to participate, we’d be pleased to explore a bespoke approach with you. There are many ways to be involved, and we’re committed to the inclusion of people with a range of abilities and experiences within the project. Please provide details in your application.

What happens next?

The application form is open from Thursday 8 May to Sunday 1 June.
You will receive an email by Friday 6 June with more details of the taster day, rehearsals and performance. We will host a Taster Day for puppeteers in Manchester on Sunday 15 June.
From Monday 30 June to Saturday 5 July you will take part in this remarkable project!