Callout: Moving THE HERDS

This summer, something extraordinary is coming to Greater Manchester – and MIF25 want you to be part of it.

MIF25 are 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 MIF25 are inviting you to join them 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 They’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)
• 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.