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.
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.
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!
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?