Ongoing training is an important part of Free Theatre work. In most cases, Free Theatre productions are 'physical theatre' in the sense that the starting point for each actor is not psychology, as in the naturalistic theatre, but the body and voice. Even when working on a comparatively 'static' performance, or no performance at all, the ensemble continues with physical training.

This training varies but usually starts with a generic set of exercises that allow the company to touch base,
develop fitness and physical and vocal ability. In keeping with the principle of collaborative ensemble work, much of the generic training involves exercises to assist the group in finding ways to work together, a physical understanding coming over time and changing depending on current or upcoming projects and the addition of new members into the working group.

The training generally involves physical and vocal exercises to help individual actors leave their baggage behind (or, perhaps, to work with it) and 'find a sense of group'. Working with a set of principles for each exercise allows for structure and, at the same time, the ability to vary and change exercises depending on the mood or focus of the ensemble. The exercises used in generic training have evolved from a diverse range of sources, including the work of Vsevolod Meyerhold, Jerzy Grotowski, Peter Brook, Richard Schechner, Augusto Boal, Eugenio Barba and Suzuki Tadashi. Training also includes yoga based stretching, as well as tumbling and acrobatics.

Often this training will evolve into a more focussed and specific kind of experimentation with form, styles and ideas, as the company approaches a new project and begins to devise. Sometimes a performance will evolve from this experimentation, as it allows the company to explore and to play with different styles and ideas evoked by the subject of exploration. In this way, the actors come to find a way into the work. The director maintains an eye on the evolving work and then comes to structure, shape and rehearse the work in conversation with the actors and designer.