Flute theatre workshop taking place in Ohio

Hunter Heartbeat Courses

UPCOMING ONE DAY COURSE

SATURDAY 17TH OCTOBER 2026. GOLDSMITHS UNIVERSITY

10:00-17:00

£180 (20% discount for students)

To register email kelly@flutetheatre.co.uk

"The course is superbly structured with meticulous work and planning from both the Shakespeare and autism sides. It had a profound effect on me creatively, physically and emotionally."

Caroline, London. August 2025

Shakespeare's heartbeat (second edition) book cover

" There is no more effective way to teach social skills, promote inclusion, and awaken the soul than the Hunter Heartbeat method. The program changed my life, and ever since I started teaching it, it has changed the lives of the hundreds of individuals who have experienced the awakening it provides. "
– Ben Raanan, Artistic Director, Phamaly Theatre Denver Colorado

Shakespeare's Heartbeat - Buy Now

—Shakespeare's Heartbeat (Second Edition)

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. Kelly Hunter 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 profoundly autistic people .

"Taking part in this course has led me to using Flute’s methods and practices as the focus for my University dissertation. I am a changed person because I have spent time with the Flute Family".
Lucy Sellars. Student

—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.

"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

Huge thanks to Arts Council England and Bristol Myers Squibb for their invaluable support during Spring 2026.

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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