This season we are excited to offer a unique set of classes and workshops for youth and adults. How can we tell stories in unconventional ways through physical movement and embodiment as a foundation? Many of our plays at Shaking the Tree theatre incorporate movement direction and exploration and we are thrilled to offer a learning space to inspire others to push the boundaries, whether you are a new artist, seasoned artist, director, designer, producer, student or lifelong learner.

What to expect?
Our youth classes (ages 8-18) taught by Claire Aldridge and Kai Hynes will focus on different theatre techniques and explore the potential of creating new types of theatrical experiences and characters (be it monster, animal, or otherwise), paying close attention to performance from the inside out.

Introduction and Exploration of the Viewpoints (Ages 13-18)

$135.00

Mondays

4:00 - 5:30pm

October 10th - November 16th

Instructors: Claire Aldrich & Kai Hynes

Imagined by Mary Overlie, then expanded upon by Anne Bogart and Tina Landau of SITI Company, “The 9 Viewpoints of Space and Time” are an ensemble based training and devising technique with the aim of cultivating the embodied actor. Join instructor Claire Aldridge as we explore the nine veiwpoints together. Over the 8 weeks we will introduce the concept of viewpoints, moving through them as an ensemble, and culminating in a final exploration of “compositions” a way of creating work with the viewpoints. Whether this is your first time exploring this technique, have taken a couple classes, or consider yourself well-versed, this class will allow you to dive deeper into your practice, and build tools for creating contemporary theater. 

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Characters in Nature (Ages 11-13)

$135.00

Tuesdays

4:00-5:30

October 11th - November 17th

Instructor: Claire Aldridge

Join instructor Claire Aldridge on an exploration of nature’s elements and animals as a jumping off point for creating character and drama. This practice of embodying nature is inspired by Claire’s training with Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theater, and the idea of the “Transformational Actor”. In this class we will break down and embody the elements of nature, using them to discover new modes of moving through space and time. Followed by intensive - style study of the movement of animals. We will then bring this heightened drama down into a more human and naturalistic sphere as a way of creating characters completely separate form ourselves. This is a highly physical class, ideal for those interested in physical theater, and dance theater, but has application in all theater. All skill levels are encouraged to come explore. 

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Creature Creation (Ages 8-11)

$90.00

Wednesdays

4:00 - 5:30

October 26th - November 16th

Instructor: Kai Hynes

When an actor is tasked with portraying a monster, creature, or otherwise nonhuman “thing,” what is it that makes them appear monstrous? Is it just CGI or makeup? Or is there more to it? Kai Hynes believes that within each of us lies the potential to become larger, freakier, and even gooier than we appear to be – and that you don’t need special FX to do it. Inspired by his own curiosities in the invisible transformations of butoh dance, the instructor will lead students in crafting full-fledged monstrosities in the span of 4 classes from little more than their bodies, voices, and imaginations. Important questions that every monster-maker should contemplate will be discussed, such as: How does my monster move? What does it sound like? And how many arms - if any - does it have? Get ready to discover your own grotesque answers to these questions, and many more!

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Define "Theatre" (Ages 13-18)

$135.00

Saturdays

October 29th, November 5th & 12

11:00am - 2:00pm

Instructor: Kai Hynes

"A man walks across this empty space whilst someone else is watching him, and this is all that is needed for an act of theatre to be engaged.” -Peter Brook, The Empty Space 

Space, time, audience, performer. Kai Hynes is curious about stripping performance down to its essentials. In a world where “theatre” is “dying,” there lies an opportunity and a responsibility for young performers to reimagine staled definitions. But where do we begin? In order to rebuild, we must first completely destroy. Then we must pick through the rubble – curtains, spotlights, even the stage – to see what lies at the core of a theatrical experience. Over the course of 3 sessions, the instructor will facilitate discussions and exercises that seek to broaden expectations of what theatre “is,” and students will collaborate on pieces that are – to them – what theatre “could be.” Is it storytelling? Is it ritual? Is it nothing more than a feeling? 

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We have generous scholarships for anyone who would like to attend at a lower cost. Full scholarships are also available. For more information about scholarships, please contact our Education & Community Programs Director, Kelly Novahom.

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Instructors

Claire Aldridge (she / they)  is a theater artist, dancer, and educator based in Portland Oregon. Credits with Shaking the tree include Short Flix, Caucasian Chalk Circle, Head Hands Feet, and Orpheus and Eurydice. She is also the creator of Anatomy of A Rabbit, which was a recipient of the Regional Arts and Culture Council “Make. Build. Learn.” Grant Award, and is a founding member of the Siren Theater Ensemble; an international collective of women. Claire is a graduate of the Dell’Arte International School for Physical Theater, and is currently studying with the Portland Experimental Theater Ensemble in their ICP program.

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Kai Hynes (he/him) is a theatre artist, teacher, and administrator. Credits with Shaking the Tree include MODELMINORITY, Family, Short Flix, and The Caucasian Chalk Circle. He has also worked with Hand2Mouth Theatre, Orphic Theatre, Milagro Theatre, Imago Theatre, Fuse Theatre Ensemble, and the Livermore Shakespeare Festival. Originally from San Jose, California, he holds a B.A. in Theatre and English from the University of Portland. He is also a recent graduate of Portland Experimental Theatre Ensemble’s Institute for Contemporary Performance. 

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Shaking the Tree class policies 2022

Please visit our covid policy page for detailed information on what we expect from our families, students and patrons, as well as what we are doing to ensure everyone's safety.
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• Cancellations for any class must be made two weeks (14 days) prior to the first day of class to be eligible for a refund. Cancellations made less than two weeks prior to the start of class are not eligible for any refunds.
• Full refunds are given if the class is cancelled by Shaking the Tree. 
• Shaking the Tree classes are drop off only. Please make sure that your child is comfortable being without you for the duration of the class.​
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Please contact us if you have any questions about our classes