Workshops for creatives
Want to explore your creativity? Do you need a great activity for a cultural space? Are you a crafty person who wants to take it to the next level? Are a pro? I have years of experience teaching professional courses, and my workshops can be adjusted for all levels and ages.
LARP weapons
Do you also wish you could build the weapon you imagine for your character, but aren’t sure how to do it? I can teach you all the techniques you need to becoming a foam smith for you and your friends!
We will build knives, swords or shields out of sturdy and safe materials like EVA foam and foam clay, wood, PVC, reinforce and paint them to look like your wildest imagination. We will cut, sand, sculpt, glue, prime and paint our creations. I will provide all the tools and basic materials to get you started on your own maker journey!
Duration: 2 days of 5 hours (can be adjusted)
Price: Depends on the number of people and location. Reach out and let’s talk about the possibilities!
Place: Barcelona and Denmark
EVA foam masks
Have you seen all the cool builds online, but don’t really know how to get started? Come to my two day workshop and you will learn all the techniques to go on to being a super builder in no time!
We will build masks out of EVA foam and foam clay, and paint them to look like your wildest imagination. We will cut, sand, sculpt, glue, prime and paint our creations. I will provide all the tools and materials to get you started on your own maker journey!
Duration: 2 days of 6 hours (can be adjusted)
Price: Depends on the number of people and location. Reach out and let’s talk about the possibilities!
Place: Denmark
Patterning techniques (pro)
At the Danish National School of Performing arts, I teach a yearly course on how to pattern for construction with various soft foams, such as plastazote, EVA foam and upholstery foams.
The students are taught the principles and theory behind an organic, complex pattern, and put it into practical use when patterning an object which they then assemble. They are also given an animal pattern to assemble, and learn how to modify the surfaces and make impressive, durable finishes using the appropriate glues, paints, mesh etc.
Having learned the techniques from award winning British puppet makers Nick Barnes, Caroline Bowman and Jimmy Grimes, I’ve used it for years to make props, puppets and weapons, and I thoroughly enjoy passing on the method.
I am available to teach this course to you!
Duration: 5 days of 6 - 7 hours
Price: Depends on number of people and location. Reach out and let’s talk about the possibilities!
Place: Barcelona and Denmark
Worbla wand making
Have a fun day at this crafty workshop where you will build your very own magic wand! I will guide you through building a wand that will express your true magic self, and you will learn a lot about materials like thermoplastics (worbla), primer and painting, and how to make all kinds of fabulous details.
You can even choose to bring a tiny thing that we can incorporate into the core of your magic wand to make it even more powerful for you; like a piece of fabric from your childhood teddybear, a hair from your beloved pet or a small piece of paper with empowering words. Just use the power of your imagination, and take home the wand of your dreams!
Are you a pro? We trim the magic and deep dive into the world of thermoplastics together!
Materials and tools are provided.
Duration: 4 hours on the wings of magic
Price: Depends on number of people and location. Reach out and let’s talk about the possibilities!
Place: Barcelona and Denmark
Sustainable prop making
As a crafter, sustainability must always be affecting us in the choices we make. In this workshop you will get a hands on introduction to a range of sustainable materials and methods, which can replace some of the prop maker’s usual go-to-materials while still meeting the demands of durability and expression.
We will make some inspiring builds out of biodegradable “styrofoam”, cardboard, paper clay, professional grade papier mache and more. Materials and tools will be available for you at the workshop.
Duration: 2 days of 6 hours (can be adjusted)
Price: Depends on the number of people and location. Reach out and let’s talk about the possibilities!
Place: Barcelona and Denmark
Collaging with old books
Enjoy focus and calm by collaging with the paper from old books and magazines. The best part is that anyone can participate, young and old! It’s a great activity for families and friends alike.
The old paper can be painted in different colours, cut into beautiful or scary shapes. You can make postcards, notebook-covers or even mobiles for a personal decoration in your home - only your imagination sets the limits.
Every workshop has a theme, and you will be guided through tips and tricks of collage making, there will be templates for beginners, and a basket full of creativity for the pros.
Materials will be available for you at the workshop.
Duration: 3 hours that fly by
Price: Depends on the number of people and location. Reach out and let’s talk about the possibilities!
Place: Barcelona and Denmark
Fundamental prop materials
Every year I teach the new students at The Danish National School of Performing Arts a course in the fundamental materials and techniques to prop making. This course can be made available for you too!
We cover sculpting in EPS XPS and EVA foam. We work with worbla, WED clay, foam clay, and finally basic silicone mould making is taught.
My focus in this course is to give the students broad knowledge of materials, tools and techniques, through simpler, short projects, where they get both theory and hands on experience, and real time feedback on their work.
Duration: 3 days of 6 - 7 hours
Price: Depends on number of people and location. Reach out and let’s talk about the possibilities!
Place: Barcelona and Denmark
Painting and weathering
Let’s explore the many techniques of painting for theatre. Working with non-toxic paints, you will learn how to create texture, depth and life with brushes, sponges, rolls and more. We will age, weather and guild, and create rust, oxydation and wooden surfaces.
Duration: 2 days of 5 hours (can be adjusted)
Price: Depends on the number of people and location. Reach out and let’s talk about the possibilities!
Place: Barcelona and Denmark
Want something else …?
Reach out to me, and we will arrange a workshop to suit your needs, level of experience and age group. Can’t wait to hear your ideas!
“Anna Dyrby created an amazingly safe space, in which she gave me the responsibility of working independently, guiding when needed. That gave my self confidence a huge boost. She manages to share her vast experience in a way that makes you dare to invest yourself in the work. Her excitement about her craft is infectious, and I give her my warmest recommendations.”
— Anders Astrup, BA Stage Craft, former intern“Anna is a walking encyclopedia of materials, who’s keen to share her knowledge. She brings good spirits, patience and engagement, which give the best conditions for learning. I have learnt a lot, and was happy to have her as a mentor during my time as a student, and as intern host at the Royal Opera. You’d have to look far and wide for a more awesome prop maker.”
— Amalie Westh, BA Stage Craft, former student and intern
Internships and mentoring
As interim head of BA in Stage Craft at the Danish National School of performing arts in 2024, I was responsible for the professional development of all the students taking this degree.
For years before this, I took interns on board for productions at The Royal Danish Theatre, where students got hands on experience with the prop maker and prop master profession. I take pride in allowing interns to independently test their skills, while taking time to teach them as much as I can during the production.