October 15, 2016

Introduction

We meet and embark on a different kind of journey of learning — both experiential and reflective, a playful exploration. Chekhov's Nine Basic Exercises are part of the fundamental training that makes the physical body finer and more sensitive, enriches the psychology, and begins to give the actor a degree of mastery over his or her instrument.

November 5, 2016

Character Tools

Using imaginary centers, imaginary bodies, and specific exaggerated features, we delve into the differences between actor and character, and develop the ability to step into and out of a full and alive character. Our work with dramatic monologues and ensemble speech pieces begins.

December 3, 2016

Gesture and Psychological Gesture

We explore gesture, the invisible soul movement that colors everything a person says or does. We will work with the archetypal gesture that belongs to each character, and explore how to recognize, choose and create a new and different psychological gesture, for our character or for ourselves.

January 14, 2017

First Deepening Review

During this session we will review all work covered thus far (the Nine Basic Exercises, Character Tools, Gesture and Psychological Gesture), applying it in greater depth to our monologues and ensemble speech pieces.

February 25 & 26, 2017

Clowning

Guest instructor Laura Geilen introduces clowning, a state of playfulness through which we learn, grow, and are strengthened by reconnecting with what makes us most vulnerable. This approach to clowning is not a technique, but a personal exploration of listening and being receptive, essential skills for any creative and imaginative work. We also use this meeting to touch on our dramatic monologues and ensemble speech pieces and how they may be informed by the new clowning work.

Enrollment for the 2016-17 course is now open. To apply, click here.

March 18 & 19, 2017

Improvisation and Ensemble

The artist’s highest aim is free and complete self-expression. Through daring to improvise together, we may discover the inexhaustible well from which all improvisation is drawn, and find a new sense of freedom and inner richness. Ensemble work opens the possibility of sensitive, unselfish creating. Although we will have been touching on this in all our sessions thus far, our work in this realm will take on sharper clarity with a mini-workshop on improvisation with guest instructor David Anderson.

April 8, 2017

Images and Atmospheres

Here we will touch on one of the delicate inner facets of Chekhov’s technique, adding it to the other tools we have already been exploring to bring to our dramatic pieces a new depth and richness.

April 29, 2017

Second Deepening Review

In this session we will draw together our work, making an in-depth review of all the acting tools we have gathered and honed throughout the year (the Nine Basic Exercises, Character Tools, Gesture and Psychological Gesture, Clowning, Images and Atmospheres, as well as the gifts brought by Speech Formation, Spacial Dynamics, ensemble work, and the endless creativity of play). We will ask and explore questions of application of these techniques to all our artistic pieces and to our daily lives.

May 20, 2017

Intensive Rehearsal

Our next-to-last meeting will be dedicated to intensive rehearsal and final preparations for our end-of-year presentation. The day will be dedicated to bringing form and shape and practical detail to the ideals we have been learning.

June 9 & 10, 2017

End-of-Year Presentation

Our end-of-year session begins with a Friday evening rehearsal and culminates with a Saturday afternoon public presentation on the stage of Threefold Auditorium, a unique weaving of individual pieces with ensemble speech and movement. A potluck meal follows, with a review of the year's work.

Dates and presenters are subject to change.

Enrollment for the 2016-17 course is now open. To apply, click here.