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.

This is a dynamic, hands-on session designed to empower student directors with the tools to define a clear creative vision, communicate effectively while offering objective actionable feedback, and tell compelling stories through staging, blocking, and actor coaching. Participants will learn to identify narrative arcs such as inciting incidents and climaxes, and articulate their artistic voice in order to guide peer actors toward authentic, high-stakes performances. Whether you’re directing for the first time or looking to sharpen your craft, this is your space to experiment, take risks, and find your creative voice. You’ll leave this workshop with a toolbox of techniques to lead your cast with confidence, make bold choices, and tell stories that stick with the audience. Come ready to play, collaborate, and discover what your directorial voice sounds like. TH:Cr3.1.III.b. TH:Pr4.1.I.a. TH:Re7.1.I.a

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.