Workshops
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Slap Stick : concentrates on accidental humour. Ever hear of the Three Stooges or Laurel and Hardy? This workshop it's all about that.The students learn the skills of punching, kicking, slapping, rolling and falls and apply it in scene work. The scene work will be primarily work with obsession, which leads to Lazzi work from Commedia Dell Arte. This workshop can be adapted to various time lengths.
Physical Theatre for the Actor: a essential tool for the actor, an actor will learn breath, movement technique and motifs combined with joy, imagination and energy to train your body to support all acting choices.
Character Movement for the Actor: The core of this workshop for the actor is to learn how to have body focus and to train the actor to sustain a physical character. You will learn as the actor Isolation Work to control body movements, Neutral Mask exercises for body focus, how sustain body movement with vocals, emotional work and text. All exercises are taken from elements of Mime, Clown ,Commedia Dell'Arte and Bouffon.
Mime Technique: The actor/pupil needs to be totally aware of their body (energy and focus) in order to be able to go to a movement or gesture. The actor through mime technique will discover what muscles will support them, learn body balance, isolations and precise movement. The actor/pupil will learn the world of illusion and not rely on props and text.
Understanding Rhythm and Timing for the Actor: The actor/pupil will learn how to find the beats and rhythm through movement and text , then in turn how to play those beats. We will also explore timing through clown , Commedia Dell' Arte and other physical theatre styles.
Understanding Comedy, Rhythm and Timing for the Actor (Part 2): The actor/pupil will learn about Comedy how to accept spontaneity, learn communication and acceptance of letting the unknown happen. The actor also will learn how to find the beats and rhythm through movement and text , then in turn how to play those beats. We will also explore timing through Clown , Commedia Dell' Arte and other physical theatre styles.
Physical Comedy: The actor/ pupil will learn how to manipulate their body through physical theatre techniques derived from Jacque Le Coq and other physical theatre masters ,also Le Jeu, Slap Stick, Clown, Boufffon and Commedia dell' Arte exercises and Stage Combat to produce comic effect.s a form of comedy focused on manipulation of the body for a humorous effect. It can include slapstick, clowning, mime, physical stunts, or making funny faces
Acrobatics's: explore areas for the actor/pupil in trust and awareness (muscle in motion). Even if the actor/pupil is not acrobatically inclined, they will learn to find that they can go beyond what they thought possible (self assurance).
Movement: is essential to the actor/pupil for total body control and economy of energy.The actor needs to learn to isolate and control (physical spontaneity as well) one self. An actor/pupil with physical movement training will be able to support any character choice.The body will learn instinctively to go into any form or gesture that the actors needs. A well trained body will support the actor/pupil, not only physically,but verbally as well.
Improvisation: will offer the actor/pupil the necessary background to support the work of mask, Commedia Dell Arte, clown and buffoon. They will learn to discover the voyage of the creative process to the final presentation. I will also offer the actor/pupil my training in Second City Improv, which gives a great base for comic timing, building scenes, always saying yes and team work.
Neutral Mask: offers the actor/pupil to concentrate on their body and to not to rely on facial acting. The actor trains to portray emotion through their bodies.
Ensemble work: is essential to an actor/pupil. My philosophy is that you are a team on stage.;no actor is above any other. The actor/pupil needs to learn to be able to listen and be aware of everyone on stage; also the actor/pupil learns trust that your follow actors/performers will be able to support you (a unit leading back to Greek Chorus).
Baal Mask: focus's for the actor/pupil to use the mask on different points on the body,to be a new creature;then the mask comes alive.The actor/pupil learns how to move where the mask looks,plus what physically the mask demands of them; in a sense living up to the mask.
Character Mask: leads to the actor/pupil to explore family, chorus work and portraying a story.The actor learns to portray emotion without voice.More advanced version of Neutral Mask.
Commedia Dell' Arte: this is one of my favorites. The actor/pupil will learn improvisational skills (Lazzi's) and comic timing. The actor/pupil will also work with obsession and passion for support work. The actor/pupil will learn all the stock characters and then incorporate mask work. Slapstick will also be introduced. Commedia Dell' Arte training benefits any actor/pupil; for example the study of Shakespeare, which his comedies are based in Commedia Dell' Arte.
Commedia Dell' Arte/ Focus on Movement , Foot and Stance Work of Commedia Dell' Arte Characters:
The actor/pupil will learn stock characters physical movement in relation to ballet positions from shifting of stances to hopping, weight and physical focus.
Bouffon: The actor/pupil learns the grotesque.The actor learns parody through Le Jeu (play) exercises which then leads into the Buffoon work itself.Bouffon are from another planet or the swamps (the outcast, the unwanted ), they love the fact they are deformed . They are highly intelligent and are happy to see the audience.
Clown: Through discovery of play (Le Jeu), you will discover the first steps towards finding your clown. Through play you find the pleasure it engenders and the imaginary world it unveils. The clown form is free self-consciousness, can be eccentric or peculiar, and finds play in everything.
Clown can express unmanageable, uncontrollable joy and loves to be on stage.Learn the basics of playing the clown and slapstick mechanics.
Improvisation for Business People: Using fun and focus exercises from improvisation can help professionals build key skills that can be of real benefit in the workplace. Improvisation tools can help you improve your confidence, timing and public speaking ability. Learn to be more comfortable with body language and how to use body movement to improve presentations. These skills are also helpful in building rapport with others and learning how to react to the unexpected in work situations.