Flute theatre workshop taking place in Ohio

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.

Two performers, a woman in blue shorts and grey t-shirt and a man in a red t-shirt and black trousers, reach toward each other mid-movement in an expressive, dynamic pose. They are surrounded by an audience seated on the floor in a circle, closely watching the interactive performance in an intimate, inclusive theatre setting.

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.

—Hunter Heartbeat course in Ohio, 2025

A group of autistic participants, families, and facilitators sitting in a large circle on stage, reaching their arms forward together during an interactive Flute Theatre workshop at the Wexner Center for the Arts.

"I'm a theatre artist, and yoga teacher living in Kent. I've been invited to Goldwyn Secondary School to work with their autistic and excluded students exploring Romeo and Juliet through performance. I heard a little bit about Flute Theatre and their approach to working with young and old people with autism and so not having much experience in this area, was curious to learn more. I participated in their 6 day workshop led by Kelly Hunter and Natasha Hayward with the students of Montserrat School in Barcelona and it was one of the most expansive and affirming learning experiences I’ve ever had. The first day we were immersed in the Hunter Heartbeat Method. Through play and conversation Kelly deepened our understanding of what it means to experience life as someone with (profound) autism and the disorientating nature of living with vestibular and proprioceptive challenges - how connecting with the heartbeat of Shakespeare’s language through word, sound & the animated body, soothes the nervous system and acts as a bridge to profound connection and joy. Then we met the students, and for the remaining 5 days we were thrown in, as a supported member of the company to participate fully guiding and working with different groups each day to perform THE TEMPEST. Kelly, who has developed this method over 25 years led with complete trust. A trust that beckons workshop participants to operate purely from their heart, to keep reaching for connection even when students respond in unexpected ways. A trust in us to find a common language of the soul. By the end of each performance students often times would appear transformed, they would be happy, playful, more affectionate. On one occasion, we finished the show with the students sitting in the actors laps, nestled down, relaxed, everyone breathing together."
– Edith Tankus

Catalan families at Arsènic, Espai de Creació in Granollers, 2025. A joyful group of autistic children, their families, and Flute Theatre facilitators pose together outdoors against a mosaic wall, celebrating an inclusive Shakespeare workshop experience in Catalunya.

"This was the single most impactful and important educational workshop that I have ever experienced as an educator. Every educator should learn the magic of the Hunter Heartbeat Method. Thank you."
– Archer DCPA Denver Colorado

May 2025

Shakespeare and Autism 2025 workshop participants seated in a circle, with one person’s arm around another in a moment of connection and inclusion.

"I am simply blown away by the magic in the room. At the talkback, we discussed autism and employment and I was woken up to my automatic thinking that employment is an ultimate goal...and it's not! Unemployed autistic adults are still equally valuable. I also never considered that theatre is not always a tool for a certain result. "
– Kaylie

Ohio State University Columbus Ohio (May 2025)

—Shakespeare and Autism 2025 workshop participants seated in a circle

Course Details

Inclusive theatre workshop with a diverse group of participants engaging in movement and communication exercises in a bright, open studio space in San Francisco, April 2025.

"This work is life changing! After reading Kelly's book, it was SO important to work with her in person to hear the musicality and rhythm of the work first hand. The games in the book are the favourites of my students. Thank you for being here!"
– Kendle

DCPA Denver Colorado (2025)

—Inclusive theatre workshop with actors in San Francisco, April 2025

A diverse group of performers energetically engage in a live Flute Theatre performance, using expressive gestures and movement on a dimly lit stage. The actors wear casual, comfortable clothing in natural tones, creating an inclusive and accessible environment tailored for autistic individuals. This performance, inspired by Shakespeare and adapted using the Hunter Heartbeat Method, highlights Flute Theatre’s commitment to neurodiverse storytelling. Audience members can be seen watching with interest in the background. Flute Theatre also offers training and courses for actors, educators, applied theatre students, and families to support autism-friendly performance practices.

Support our Theatre

Funding for the arts is currently said to be at a ‘terminal decline’ but we will continue to create our life changing opportunities whatever the challenges. Please help us continue with a one off donation or a monthly subscription. Your donations go directly toward our performances with marginalised people and always will.

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