Workshops

Beyond the Mask is designed to give actors a fun and exciting approach to character development. Using traditional Commedia masks the participant will learn how to unlock bold original characters on their own. Participants will understand how emotion can be displayed through physicality, how action speaks louder than words and how to use this technique in any performance. Step into the mask, step into someone new and leave with a character that’s ready to leap off the stage.

(All levels) TH:Re7.1.I., TH:Pr4.1.I., TH:Pr5.1.I..a.

Behind every smooth-running show is a stage manager turning chaos into magic. Stage management is all about communication and  organization. Through interactive activities and creative problem solving, this workshop will give you some hands-on tools to use in your theatre to keep you and your director "sane" from the audition to performance and all along the way. Students will understand the many tasks of a stage manager and go home with the tools to make it happen. (All levels) TH:Cr2-II., TH:Re9.1.II.b.

This workshop is a hands-on creative workshop where participants in teams will transform paper (or plastic) bags into bold imaginative costumes and bring unique characters to life. Exploring movement, expression and storytelling the teams will create a short story about the character and the costume using frozen tableaus. (All levels) TH:Pr4.1.I., TH:Cr1.1.8.c, TH:Cr3.1.III.c

Step into the world of Rasa Boxes and discover how to channel authentic emotions into your performance. Through games, improv and guided exercises, you’ll explore nine core Rasa (“emotional flavors”) and learn to shift between them with confidence.  This training offers performers a concrete physical tool to access, express, and manage their feelings/emotions within the context of performance.  Using Sanskrit words, breath, and drawing or writing, this introduction will give participants an opportunity to physically express key emotions. (High School/Adult) TH:Cr1.1.8.,TH:Pr5.1.8.

For those already introduced to Rasa boxes, push your acting to the next level by pairing text with powerful emotion and reaction.  Move through the Rasas, mastering rapid emotional shifts, bold physical choices and honest reactions. Actors should be prepared to use a line of text from a current show, monologue or scene they are working on. This workshop can also be done as a Master class using current productions in rehearsal. (High School/Intermediate/Adult level)  TH:Cr3.1.I., TH:Pr5.1.I.

Have some fun and enjoy this improv workshop!  Using random props and costume pieces participants will explore how everyday objects can become the spark for fully realized characters transforming them into powerful extensions of personality, emotions and stories. Working in small groups participants will create short scenes discovering how the simplest object can create characters and relationships and tell a big story. (All levels) TH:Pr4.1.I., TH:Cr3.1.III.c

Being in the moment is one of the most difficult things for us to do.  It is hard to stay focused and keep our minds off of everything going on in our day.  Students will learn that creating strong given circumstances will help them be "in the moment".  We will use the 5 w's to create short improvisational scenes and learn how to use this technique in our work. (All levels) TH:Pr4.1.I.b

Do you get writers block when asked to write a monologue?  This workshop is a short introduction to using an interview process to create monologues.  Using a common topic students will interview one another and create a short character monologue based on their partner's interview. (High School/Intermediate/Adult level) TH:Cr3.1.III.,TH:Cr1.1.II.