UNIVERSITY STUDENT COACHING:
BRITTANY THIESSEN
"I just found out that I got accepted into Honours. I wanted to say thank you so much for helping me with my devised piece. That rehearsal we had really helped me a lot with it, so thank you for taking time to help me before you left.
Take care,
Brittany"
ASHLEY HIRT
"Hey Ardyth, hope your doing well. I just wanted to thank you again for all the help with movement and such. Those classes really helped my get some perspective... (get out of your head Ashley). And thanks for some foundation improv tools too.
I'm happy to inform you I got into RADA to study Shakespeare with lots of help from your training.
Many thanks again,
Ashley
P.S. I hope we'll cross paths before you leave, I wanna give you a big hug."
CARLY KOWALSKI
"I got into Humber!! Thank you so much for everything you taught me from physical theatre, dance and improv. I couldn't do it without you."
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Regarding : My performance in " Ernie's Incredible Illucination's
Kent Suss : Manitoba Theatre for Young People Theatre School Director
"You stole the show in "Ernie's Incredible Illucination's". Thanks for such a professional performance. Really funny, really strong. You brought out the best in the other actor's in that scene. You where great!"
David Langlois:
Metaphysical Theatre
"Ardyth is a gifted artist and performer. I say this as I known Ardyth for over 20 years, having been introduced to her in 1987 when she was a student enrolled at Mime Unlimited school of Physical Theatre in Toronto. Through out the challenges, setbacks and triumphs of that program, Ardyth stuck with it, never flagging, always forging ahead, the mark of an artist."
Kim Sprenger: Cabbagetown Players
Regarding my performance in "Aladdin and His Magical Lamp".
"Ardyth/ Window Twankey. Thank you for all that you've done to bring the lovely widow to life-burping, slurping, flapping your way into the audiences hearts this weekend! Great job!"
Jeff Skinner
Owner, The Actors' Training Centre of Manitoba
"Ardyth has provided workshops in physical acting for my school, the Actors' Training Centre of Manitoba. She exemplifies high quality of coaching we insist on providing and is very knowledgeable also her craft and experienced at providing the appropriate coaching based on each individual's learning process."
Regarding : Master Orloff Freakshow Beautifique
Kathrine MacLennan
"I loved your show . After tonight's performance someone suggested vocalization toward the end, but frankly, I thought the silence of the two main characters was extremely powerful, and I don't think its magic should ever be broken. It held me in a fearsome grip - I didn't feel any need for sounds, which, I think, would have broken the spell you so beautifully cast on the audience. Every one of you, Brenda, Chris, and Claire gave an outstanding performance. Congratulations, Ardyth, on well considered direction. I look forward to your intended reincarnation of this brilliant play. Can't get much better!"
Regarding : Merry Adventures of Tyl
Kent Suss : Manitoba Theatre for Young People Theatre School Director
"Thanks for a excellent job you did directing Merry Tyl ! You introduced those kids to a world of physical comedy ,style ,myth and Commedia Dell Arte, they wouldn't have glimpsed without you. Thank you so much! It's a beautiful production-brilliantly staged and utterly charming."
Cheyenne Schroeder : Manitoba Theatre for Young People Musical Director
"You did an amazing job with those kids! Super ambitious and they pulled it off beautifully!"
Samantha Harrison : Manitoba Theatre for Young People Head of Properties
"The show was wonderful. I enjoyed working on it very much. Your class should be very proud of themselves. I was blown away with what you accomplished with them"
Parents of student :
"We loved the show and all of the work put into it, really shows!"
Regarding : Living Arts Circus Camp
Student :
" I had a great time!!"
Regarding : The Case of the Missing Bride
Director Jordan Phillips :
" Thank you so much for your willingness to give up your time and help us out with this fundraiser. We are blessed by your talents, you have made this night memorable."
Regarding : White Chapel Redemption
Facebook quotes from audience
"Great show last night, congrats and enjoy."
"Physically awe inspiring."
" What a great performance. Absolutely loved it! "
"Great laughs. What a great show and so funny."
" Well done everyone! Go see this show! It's a riot!"
Regarding: Okie Dokie
Meet Margaret, a lonely Elvis worshipper living her humdrum existence until her life is turned upside-down by a close encounter of the third kind. An extra-terrestrial baby left at her doorstep. Ardyth Johnson expertly uses clown, physical theatre, and mime to tell this sweet story of bringing up baby, and the truly alien experience that it is. Some technical glitches, but otherwise a funny and cartoony show in this intimate space. Well worth it.
Karl Eckstrand
Often the best humour is the kind where no words are required (Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, etc.). This is where the clowning talents of the actor carry the action, and the humour emerges. This is the case with “Okie Dokie”, a largely non-verbal bit of physical comedy from the talented and enthusiastic Ardyth Johnson. Using only a few words of dialogue, sound cues, and her amazingly adept facial expressions, Ardyth tells the story of a lonely woman inadvertently assigned the task of raising a completely unseen (but nevertheless very present) alien baby. Madcap insanity abounds, and she takes us on a journey which is both frantic and endearing, all without ever leaving the confines of the intimate stage setting. It’s difficult to sustain this sort of thing over an extended period of time, but Ardyth is a seasoned performer with fantastic skills; it’s hard not to become wrapped up in the (deliberately) cartoony adventure. There’s even a surprisingly touching and heartfelt conclusion. Just like its hapless heroine, “Okie Dokie” deserves some love. Go and check it out.
Mike Seccombe
This is a nice break from heavier emotional one person plays. Sort of an amuse-bouche for your psyche. Utilizing physical theatre, clown (no makeup or red nose, so hopefully no Coulrophobia triggers) and well performed mime to tell Margaret’s story of becoming an unwitting mother to a baby alien. There is still plenty of emotion involved, which shows how good Ardyth Johnson is at her craft.
Murray Hunter
The show was charming, funny, frantic, and surprisingly touching!
Debra Jackson.
Regarding : My direction for "Italian American Reconciliation"
Cast members:
"Thanks for all your hard work and sleepless nights. I felt I really grew as an actor.``
"Thank you so much for letting me a part of this amazing play. I`m going to remember this forever.``
Regarding : Weirder Thou Art
Terry Moore UMFM
"In this farce, the weird sisters of Macbeth have kidnapped Shakespeare and force him to act in their play about a Scottish monarch. Their motives for doing this is to show God that they are beginning to understand human emotions so God will make them more human. What transpires on stage is pretty silly stuff. The witches spend most of their time bickering about aspects of acting, going off on wild tangents and cackling away, molesting the bard and lecherously making crude innuendos to the audience members and to one another. Their mannerisms are over the top and their costumes utterly hilarious. Scenes from Macbeth are staged (ludicrously) often with the humorous use of simple props. My favourite scene is when Birnam Woods comes to Macbeth, which was very funny. I found this show consistently amusing and I was entertained by it. the quality of acting was very good with the cast clearly well versed in their parts. They missed a cue or step out of character. The result is a steady paced show which never lags at any point!"
Cowbell
"Bouffon meets Shakespeare in Physically Speaking’s production of Weirder Thou Art, written and directed by Ardyth Johnson, and running at St. Vladimir Theatre for Toronto Fringe.
The three witches from Macbeth--The Virgin (played with a fierce feminist energy by Ronak Singh), The Matron (Stephen Flett in the delightfully bombastic and know-it-all role) and The Crone (deliciously lascivious, courtesy of Anne Shepherd)—kidnap William Shakespeare (hapless and confused, played by Philip Krusto) to force him to write the story their way. And to make a proof of their humanity to God.
And because bouffon is about mockery, filthy, rowdy and overblown shenanigans ensue as the witches come in and out of their rehearsal of Macbeth, with The Matron casting herself as Lady Macbeth while relegating the others to bit parts—that is, until the other two witches revolt.
Lots of LOLs from the entire cast; with some nicely performed bits of Macbeth. Adult language and situations—this is not a show for kids.
Bawdy, silly good times with Macbeth in the wacky fun Weirder Thou Art."
Now Magazine
"A handful of shows at this year’s Fringe reference the Scottish play, but this one gives it a slapstick Three Stooges treatment that is lots of raunchy fun, especially if you know the play well.
It’s the year 1040, and three cauldron-stirring witches are waiting for Macbeth to appear. But they can’t find the guy, so they kidnap a playwright named William Shakespeare to take on the part, and presumably Will will get the inspiration to eventually write the work. (Centuries later? Never mind.) Plot and logic are the least interesting things about the show. Director/writer Ardyth Johnson is more concerned with quick sight gags (in a shadow play scene, Duncan is killed by a penis-shaped dagger to the ass) and groan-worthy puns. Loved the Into The Woods reference for the Birnam Wood sequence.The up-for-anything (pun included) cast gooses the material, especially Upstart Crow veteran Stephen Flett as one of the hags and Philip Krusto as a Monty Pythonesque Bard."
TORONTO FRINGE FESTIVAL SHOWS(Better-than-the-Original) Adaptations of Classics Weirder Thou Art
"Three bouffon women (if you want to call them that) put the weird in the Wyrd sisters. The bouffon search for humanity brings a reluctant William Shakespeare on a journey from a living hell to acceptance."
Regarding : Phoney Baloney Pantalone
Angela Fey
"I took my kids to Phoney Baloney Pantalone at the kid's venue. Funny, fast-paced kid's show- there is never a lull. Geared for kids, excellent example of precision physical comedy and the real deal of Commedia Dell' Arte."
Chris Johnson- University of Manitoba Drama Professor
"Ethan and I really enjoyed your show -- good work everyone. You've made great progress working with Ardyth (regards to Jeremy Rampton) ; not only was the piece funny and energetic, it was classy and elegant as well."
Michelle Palansky - CBC Winnipeg Fringe Review
"Phoney Baloney is the whole package- bright colours, fast paced, over the top characters, singing and dancing, audience participation and repetition of key elements. This is exactly how you do a show for children. Performed in the style of Commedia Dell Arte , they tell a simple tale with wide appeal. The beautiful Isabella is to marry her beloved Englebert. The eve of her wedding, her miserly father Pantalone becomes convinced there is a monster in the closet and the ceremony must be cancelled. The clever Columbina hatches a plan to help Pantalone to master his fears so that everyone can have their happy ending. Especially appreciated was the " slap stick lite" quality of the show. Commedia can get aggressively physical, to great comic effect but the troupe keeps the rough housing silly, playful and child friendly. Pantalone may be filled with Phoney Baloney, but this show is filled with fun."
Regarding : Princess and The Pea
Quote from Audience Member
"We enjoyed the show and thought the actors were doing great. I especially enjoyed Queen Bossy, she did an excellent job."
DANCING:
SERIES 808: AUDIENCE MEMBERS
"Visible focus. Dynamic. Fluid, yet strong. Dominating. Controlled." "Very interesting. It was great how you made the two (Dance and Martial arts) harmonious." "Really strong. Nicely choreographed, blend of dance and karate. Great music choice to show the strong movements."
CHARLIE CHAPLIN
GEORGETOWN FESTIVAL: KIM DUNCANSON
"Ardyth, I can't thank YOU enough for your much appreciated contribution to the success and wonderment of the day.
I will certainly keep you in mind for future events.
You will undoubtedly be invited to perform at Georgetown next year, same weekend, Father's Day weekend.
Thank you again so very much, Kim"
HIGHLAND DANCING
LACEY FISCHER (STUDENT)
"Thank you for an amazing year. I really respect your opinion on everything you have done for me. You helped me accomplish one of my life-long goals. That is to become a teacher. Not only did you help me study and pass the exam, you also gave me opportunities to teach. You also helped me do very well and win many trophies this year."
MARIA, AND CARLY (DANCE STUDENTS)
"Thank you for being such a great teacher. We will miss you"
HEATHER ROSS (PARENT)
"Thank you for making Kate's first year of dance a wonderful experience and having a teaching style that's encouraging and allowed her to love to dance"
KELLY ROGERS (PARENT)
"I guess that speaks well of your teaching, thank you for your work with Sydney." (Regarding how well my students did in there exams)"
HANNAH TATEISHI (STUDENT)
"Thanks for being a fantastic teacher."
GENEVIEVE MUNRO (STUDENT)
"So the bottom line is thanks to you for being my awesome teacher and I hope that I can do it again and again. Half the fun is the pleasure that other people get from it."
FORSYTHIA FESTIVAL: FORSYTHIA FESTIVAL COMMITTEE
"We are happy to report that the festival was attended by a record number of children and adults. Without support from volunteers as you, the festival would not be a success it is! We are looking forward to working with you next year."
HICKADILLY'S
WISCONSIN RENAISSANCE FAIR: KENTON & REBECCA WHITMAN
"Thank you for coming all the way down here to bring smiles and laughs to the Wisconsin Renaissance Fair. You two are hilarious! We hope you enjoyed your time here as much as we've enjoyed you."
PICKERING MARKETS: GULCEHRE ONID PUSHMAN
"I'm glad you had a great time and your performances where great as well. See you in the New Year."
SOUTH EASTERN OHIO RENAISSANCE FAIRE:JOSHUA BROCKWELL
"The Hickadilly's are a fantastic performing duo that work well with the general public and cause chaos and mayhem amongst the attendees of the audience. There was not a dull moment during their performances and several times the crowd broke out in a round of appaulse at the antics of these two wonderful women. They are a pleasure to watch and interact with as they pull the audience into the performance whether they like it or not as that is the sport of spontaneous performances. It was an absolute pleasure seeing them perform at various faires including Baycrafters Village Renaissance Faire in Cambridge Ohio. It would be an absolute honor to watch them perform time and time again."
CANADIAN NATIONAL EXHIBITION: DEANNA MONTONARI AND DANIELLE BOURRE
"We were pleased to have you part of the 2003 CNE. Enjoy the rest of the year. Danielle Bourre: On behalf of the CNE and the Entertainment staff I would like to thank you for your participation and contribution to the success of this year's fair.It was a pleasure to work with you. "2004"
BAYCRAFTERS RENAISSANCE FAYRE: ANDREA WARGO
"Thanks so much for the great job The Hickadillys did at the Baycrafters Renaissance Farye. The Hickadillys were full of energy and really created a spirit at the Farye,especially under difficult rainy/mucky/yucky circumstances on Monday.It was a pleasure to have you with us."
ROYAL MEDIVAL FAIRE: KAREN LUCAS
"Glad you were part of it and that you had a good time. The children certainly enjoyed your fun characters!"
GODERICH BUSKER'S FESTIVAL: RYAN WHALEN
"As Artistic Director of the Goderich Busker Festival I was very pleased with the performances of the Physically Speaking Troupe. Ardyth Johnson and Ginette Mohr presented original and entertaining shows suitable for any audience. Their unique style won our audiences over no matter the circumstances. I extend my thanks to them again."
VIRGINIA RENAISSANCE FAIRE: CORNELIA MILLER RUTHERFORD
"The quick wit and high energy of a Hickadilly performance fit seamlessly in with our faire cast. Their shows involve the entire audience and make them feel part of the overall entertainment experience. We consider The Hickadillys one of the highlights of our 2003 season."
FIRST NIGHT TORONTO: GLENN SERNYK
"I just want to take the opportunity to thank you for your contribution to this year’s Festival. Your duo show with Ginette was one of those loopy, good humored and genuinely funny audience participation shows that family audiences love and that programmers like me hope to find. Our audiences really liked it. As always, your mime walkabout character was very well received. In sum, a very impressive and valued gig."
POTATO PEOPLE
POST GAZETTE DRAMA CRITIC: CHRISTOPHER RAWSON
"My favourite character is the older, red haired girl played by Ardyth Johnson."
ST. ALBERT GAZETTE
"Scoring empathy points with the audience were George and Margaret Beanstalk (Daniel Van Wyk and Ardyth Johnson). Van Wyk played the typical brother to Johnson's book worm sister Margaret. Without uttering a word, the two managed to capture an almost full house in a tit- for-tat game between siblings."
GRAND RAPIDS PRESS: DAVE NICOLETTE
"The performers work smoothly to rhythmic music especially suitable to the stylized movements of cartoon figures. Excellent mime in it's comic presentation makes it seem that full dialogue is being delivered. Ardyth Johnson as Margaret Beanstalk gives comical impressions of sibling rivalry."
JOHNSON DEBUTS OWN SHOW AT FESTIVAL LEISURE/LIFESTYLE: SHAWN COATES
"The performance of Margaret's World marks the first time the talented artist has given a public rendering of one of her own works."
WORKSHOPS
Theatre Incarnate Summer Intensive, Winnipeg,MB.
Student Aileen Audette:
"I've had an incredible week in your workshop! Both Commedia and Boufoon were new to me but I've had so much fun exploring each along the way. Thank you for nurturing the "play" in all of us, getting us out of our "heads" this week. I found it to be incredibly freeing as a performer and of course, I've always enjoy embracing my competitive side!"
Alissa Rose
"I just wanted to say just how much I love the less than 2 days I got to do the workshop with you, so little time but very valuable to me. Very inspirational really."
Daina Leitold
"Thanks again for everything Ardyth!! It was a blast working with you last week. Now I see Boufoon everywhere!"
Regarding Bouffon Workshop 2:
"I want to thank you for everything that you do. You are an inspiration and a pleasure to work with. You buzz with good energy which leaves me smiling whenever I see you."
Aileen Audette
Improv Workshop, Winnipeg, MB.
Organizer: Tim Mark
"I really appreciate your openness, generosity and positive attitude. I am especially impressed with how you never badgered anyone into participating, and then managed to get even the shy ones to join in."
Mime/Improv Workshops, Steinbach, MB.
Organizer: Stephanie Nykiforuk (Steinbach Arts Council)
" I had a couple of parents come to tell me yesterday how much their children enjoyed your class.We love have you back in the near future."
Physical Theatre Workshops
Organizer: Artists in Schools, Manitoba Art's Council
"Ardyth was very enthusiastic and eager to help with any themes or ideas given to her.She had super introductory games to play,which was helpful as physical theatre is brand new to students and staff."
Louise MacDonald (Forrest School, Brandon,MB.)
"Thank you so much and thank you from all of us for working with FMS students during these awkward times (Covid). We hope you enjoyed your stay in Moose Lake. "
David McDougall (Frontier Moskahiken School, Moose Lake, MB.)
"It was an absolute pleasure having you. Blessings as you continue on you travels."
" I like it! It was fun and active!" " AJ was fun and we laughed a lot!" (Students)
Sandra Friesen (Domain School, Domain,MB.)
"Our artist bought a different talent than we had in the past and she was very passioniate about her profession and the students responded well to her energy"
"Thank you to the arts council and Ardyth for a great week with our kids!"
Rachel Klassen (Joseph Terres School, Winnipeg,MB.)
"Thanks so much for sharing your talents with JT. Our kids had an awesome time. Have a wonderful summer!"
L. Robb ( Winnipeg, MB.)
" Students were engaged and all participated. Students enjoyed the acting and took some of them out of their comfort zone."
Rhonda Jones (Winnipeg, MB.)
" The students enjoyed the whole experience!"
Angelina Oliver (Ministick School, God Lake Narrows,MB)
" Your Amazing", "I had a great time and learned so much!",Thanks for making us laugh until we cried.We had so much fun!" "Happy you were in our school !"," I had so much fun with you!", "Thank you for spending the week with us!', "Thanks so much!".
Students from Birtle Collegiate (Birtle ,MB)
Assiniboine School- Physical Theatre Workshops, Winnipeg, MB.
Organizer: Artist in Education, St.James
"The students really enjoyed the experience and were easily able to make connections between what we were doing and the material we had previously learned, as well as some new terms. As the teacher, I really enjoyed participating as well and how it was more of a co teaching experience than just observing. Ardyth is phenomenal with the young students. She was enthusiastic and funny but truly showed how passionate she is about her art. Both the students
and I appreciated the experience. We hope to see her again sometime! "
"Students were engaged and fed off of Ardyth’s enthusiasm. She kept them organized and focused while having fun"
" The students enjoyed every minute of our TIA and loved coming up with creative ways of expressing themselves. The planning session went well and I appreciated that she sent out a lesson plan for us to follow. She was also open to our many ideas. the students had a great time and continue to talk about the activities done.We have used the activities to continue our learning through our fairy tale unit and story telling in French."
"Really enjoyed Ardyth !! She changed up some of the activities with my two groups to give me more ideas to use with future students. Ardyth used some of the French vocabulary that she was familiar with and asked the children and me for help in translating."
Sansome School- Physical Theatre Workshops, Winnipeg, MB.
Organizer: Artist in Education- St. James
"Ardyth took into consideration the outcomes I wanted to achieve with my class and geared the class to those outcomes. The students enjoyed the activities Ardyth planned. The activities worked together to generate an overall understanding how drama can be used to symbolize Canadian symbols and topography."
Theatre Incarnate Mime Workshop
Student Karl Eckstrand:
"Ardyth, I want to thank you once again for your instruction these past few weeks. I may not have been the best student, but I did learn a lot of good stuff which can be used later. Methinks it'll be helpful in my next production. Good luck with the Poor Fools!"
Clifton School- Physical Theatre Workshop, Winnipeg, MB.
Organizer: Prairie Theatre Exchange
"Thanks so much for taking the time to be with usthis week.Students had a great time learning about drama,movement and acting. We love it!"
Panache Workshops in Improv, Commercial and Film Work
Student Omar Benson:
"Thanks Miss Johnson for a great actor's training. Looking forward to next Training!"
Student Cindy Myski
"Great to have met and I had a great time in your class."
Students in Weiler-Simmerberg, Germany. Regarding Slap Stick Workshop:
"Dear Ardyth,
You asked for a feedback to Your workshop. Well, first of all, I expected a slapstick workshop – and I've learned slapstick. So everything is well. Second: The following week we had an act in the hospital – and we did very well. We tried some of the new learned tricks and we were inspired to do new stuff, try new ideas. So it seems You made headway ;o)To go into detail: I liked the isolation exercises, they help me to be more aware of my body. I could have done more, but there was a lot of other important stuff and time was short. So it was all right. I liked the exercise going through emotions, too. And all exercises concerning emotions – being honest, genuine (now I looked it up in a dictionary)…. It was good that those exercises came kind of in between. So none got exhausted too much. In summary I can write that I was positively surprised by a lot of my fellows: They showed up with really funny and genuine stuff that made me laugh and reached my heart.
So: Thank You Ardyth for that wonderful time!
Anke"
- " I had much fun!!! Lot of laughing!!!
- Ardyth, I appreciate highly your appreciation of us, your sorrow for our well-being.
- (I am sorry that I did not write any real notes of your workshop. So I can find only some highlights in my memory.)
- I liked very much your education and suggestion for us to be genuine (= echt, wahr, unverfälscht)!!!
- I liked your critical view of our acts, your questions to us what we could alter on our own and your proposals and hints to what and how we could amend our playing.
- I enjoyed the “truck driver and his hitch hikers”.
- I liked the three persons, one longing for one and running away from the third.
- I liked the scenes that we prepared and played in groups or on our own.
- I liked the separated movement of head – neck – shoulder – waist – hip. (I still do not understand how head – neck could move separately!)
- I liked “loosy – goosy”
- This Clown’s workshop did some benefit to my clowning range. I did not receive special “recipes” (which I did not expect, as clinic clowning is a special thing which you cannot plan as each child needs a different “treatment”), but I feel a bit more sure to act in a good manner.
Dear Ardyth, now I say once more thank you very much indeed.
All the best for you!
Yours Wolfgang"
"Dear Ardyth,
You have good and new ideas for plays and role plays, at first sight some seem to be complicated,
but this is maybe often a problem of the language , when we play, they are suddenly easy!
Best regards,
Claudia Ottnad"
"I enjoyed your workshop the whole 2 days ..... even though I thought before that weekend, I could have saved much time and nerves by not organizing a clown from Canada....booking all these complicated things. But I now I know it was worth doing this!I was enjoying all the exercises quite well, although I'm not a fan of pantomime things: the gondolier with the paddle for example. But all the slapstick, even those with 'violence', I really liked. Maybe just because it was faked violence and not real. It was a little bit like playing stuntman. Stan and Ollie are doing the same....and kids are the perfect audience. Well it depends on the age and on knowing that it is fake. Above all, I was pleased that you did not give us specific-clown ideology, but have allowed any direction. The sport games in between were very refreshing. I even felt it was an advantage that we do not have the same native language. By translating English into German, it was even more concentrated and everyone was forced to listen well. To the length of the lunch break I must say, contrary to my statement at the weekend: they were too short. I was able to relax very well during the workshop and thought almost never of the tragic death of my father in Toronto a few weeks before. This also is an indication of the high quality of your workshop. I also enjoyed the evening conversations with you and some others. With very much sympathy!
So let's say:
See you again!
Maybe in Canada
Maybe in Germany
Cheers
Reinhard"
" Very coherent--the whole workshop. Especially the parts where we had practiced exercises in small groups and short sequences. Then playing "trucker-passenger-hitchhiker". Then Ardyth's type of instruction, loose but also straight, accurate and detailed requirements. Also your consideration of my foot problem -- great. I felt always safe although the exercises were not easy to manage. Especially on Sunday was the "Top of the tops-day" for me even though I became a little tired. Many profits I got from the workshop in improvisation, how I am seen by others, my impact on the others and their impact on me.
Thanks again to you, Ardyth
Greetings Peter"
"I was impressed by getting on the stage with the "boo". This will have sustainability for me, especially cause it took me many takes to find my neutral, genuine position and authenticity.
Furthermore, I did like: fixing imaginary things with the eyes (eg, to be surprised by discovering great subjects)
I did like going from laughter to crying and back, slowly and with big emotions......Group training with the ball and capture it from the opposing party......Body balance - Feel the body by head, neck, chest and hip movements..... stretching our back together with partners.
Also I did like taking over the facial and verbal expressions in the play with the truck driver and the hitchhiker.....Imaginary movements e.g. the paddling trip which transforms to a dancing performance.....also the head pitching on the table and the wall.....bringing different emotions in the only word "blue" and to have a dialogue by using only one word. Very important for me: Everything was slowly , "Lucy Gucy", and to have always 1 path which goes through the whole workshop....All in all I enjoyed this workshop very much and I am sure that some slap-sticks will find their way in my clown role in the children's hospital! Also many thanks to the organizers(eg Reinhard) Well done!
Greetings Anna"
"For me the workshop was totally super! It gave me some new ideas, also I could identify things that are still hard for me, things which can be improved. And it was also really great to have someone from Canada, English was no problem.
It was incredibly good, that you changed your concept for Sunday to get the most out of it for us. This shows your competence!
Difficult for me at the end of the workshop was thinking about a stage number. On one hand I was knocked out and tired--on the other hand the time to prepare was too long for me ... I think I would have preferred to play spontaneously because if nothing occurs to me, no idea....such a long time of preparation sets me more and more under pressure ... but in summery it was really good.
Greetings Petra"
"Hello!
I really enjoyed the workshop! The best and most interesting thing I learned was to use a real feeling which you distend and develope with many ideas to a funny scene. I think that it will be very helpful for me. Also good was the training of take only "small" things but really present them to the watching people. The slapstick was funny, too. At the beginning I found it really difficult because it was a little bit strange to use "fighting" in a funny contest. But now I have a lot of fun with it and I'm glad to have got it to know. The workshop helped me a lot!
Thank you! I haven't got any negative points. :)
Greetings
Judith"
ACTORS TRAINING CENTER OF MANITOBA: JEFF SKINNER
“Ardyth has provided workshops in physical acting for my school, the Actors' Training Centre of Manitoba. She exemplifies the high quality of coaching we insist on providing and is very knowledgeable as to her craft and experienced at providing the appropriate coaching based on each individual's learning process.”
Cheryl Genslotek
"Thanks Ardyth! A great day of improv!"
JOHN TAYLOR HIGH SCHOOL: BARB ENGEL
"Hi Ardyth,
I loved the workshops - you are great! When I said "critique" - I should have said constructive. You got them to think and do - excellent.It was also good for Hope and Ruth, the coaches to hear you. It all good Honey :)
Barb"
TEACHING, ONTARIO SCIENCE CENTERJULIE JONES: REGARDING CLOWN WORKSHOPS
"The smiles and giggles of the participants says it all."
GUY MOREAU
"Thanks Ardyth,You were an added gem to the show. It worked very well. Thanks for doing it.
THREE OAKS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
"Thank you so so so much. I enjoyed every moment of improv, and I am so glad to have had a teacher like you. It was the most fun I've had this year."
"You are very cool, very cool. Peanut butter. I love u."
"Thanks so much for coming to TOSH all year and volunteering your time"
THREE OAKS HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER - EMILY SCHURMAN
"You are an angel. You made my year. You left a legacy. It won't be the same ever."
AMHERST COVE
"Thank you ever so much for visiting our school today. It was an afternoon enjoyed by all."
DEBBIE CAPE: STUDENT
"I really enjoyed the workshop. I really enjoyed the neutral mask exercises. That is something I have not done. Besides that, I know I definitely worked out, as my quads are aching a bit from the "back-to-back" pull-ups we did!"
S.E.E.DBARBARA SANTAMARIA: HEAD DRAMA DEPARTMENT
"She was down to earth."
"She made mime fun."
"It was not at all what I thought mime is suppose to be-much more interesting."
"I never thought that I could do mime-Ardyth gave us simple exercises to do that let me feel a sense of achievement."
"You would be most welcome back at S.E.E.D and I would be happy to recommend you to other Toronto Board Schools."
(TDSB) TORONTO DISTRICT SCHOOLBOARD CHANTEL GIONET, JARVIS COLLEGIATE
"Very good rapport with the students (they liked you a lot)."
"Creative and interesting exercises that involved the whole group."
CATHY BALL, PARKDALE COLLEGIATE
"I felt you did a wonderful job at our school. You showed great adaptability working around inconveniences and taught my students several skills which they have used in subsequent classes. The stage fighting was particularly useful."