3-hour intensive, hands-on programs covering several disciplines.
Instant Opera with Gourmet Results
Artist: Roger Ames, composer and arts educator
In this intense three-hour workshop, participants will experience the process of creating an opera: building collaborative trust, expanding out–of-the-box thinking, finding a focus, exploring characters, creating libretto, composing, designing, revising and refining, and finally sharing the outcome, (yes – performing). You will write songs, learn approaches that help develop lyrical structure, dramatic arc and character depth. Based on some elements of the Music!Words!Opera! Program of OPERA America, this workshop will be a hands-on, no-holds-barred barrel of fun and learning for all people who love operas and musicals and always wondered how anyone could be crazy enough to make one. Since opera is such a shared art form, all (administrators and artists of every kind) are invited to attend. Additional assistance for this session provided by Paula Fowler, Leigh Holman, Cherity Koepke, Deb Morrow and Rita Sommers.”
HIP HOP: The Basics
Artist: Will Power, playwright and spoken word artist
During this introductory workshop led by award-winning theatre artist Will Power, you will be encouraged to get in touch with the rhythms of your body while you explore the dramatic portrayal of various characters. You’ll learn to identify characters’ body rhythms, voices and spirits and how to bring these personas to the stage. Participants will also become attuned to sounds and learn how to use these as the basis for developing a character. The basics of theatre and storytelling techniques will be explored, including using rhyme as the basis for dramatic scene and incorporating body poppin’ and other forms of movement into the physicality of a character. *This Session will also repeat on Friday June 13 from 3:15-6pm
Playwriting (Mini) Boot Camp
Artist: Paula Vogel, playwright
Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel knows you have an idea for a play, lurking somewhere in the back of your mind. What’s more, she knows how to help you get that play on paper. This workshop is a golden opportunity to start getting that idea out of your mind, whether you consider yourself an artist, an administrator, a board member, or an arts enthusiast – in any discipline. Bring your ideas and your open mind – you’ll be amazed at what you leave with!
A Pilobolus Field Guide: The Natural History of Collaborative Dance-making
Artists: Adam Battelstein, co-creative director, Pilobolus; Matt Kent, co-creative director, Pilobolus
The Pilobolus Institute, the educational arm of Pilobolus, offers this choreographic workshop based on Pilobolus' unique collaborative method. The Pilobolus Method is, more than anything else, an approach to creative thinking. By shearing away preconceptions of what a dance should be and by eliciting from others through movement those things that are unique to them, the Pilobolus Method awakens our sense of what is beautiful and possible. The workshop is designed for non-dancers of all ages as well as serious dance students and professionals. Please dress in loose-fitting clothing appropriate for dance movement. You will be asked to remove your shoes and socks. Offered twice (Thursday and Friday). Each session is limited to 30.
Turning Sound Into Music
Artist: Sxip Shirey, composer
Music is organized sound. If you can make a sound in anyway, you can make music. Theater and circus composer, Sxip Shirey will guide participants in learning to hear, play with and manipulate everyday sounds into tools for energizing theater, dance, film and composition.
African Rhythms and Rituals with Baba Chuck Davis
Artist: Dr. Charles "Chuck" Davis, founder and artistic director, African American Dance Ensemble and DanceAfrica
You’ve been mesmerized by it before, now come try it for yourself! Bring a twin-sized, flat sheet to join him in making your own traditional wrappa and masour (headpiece). Feel the rhythm and pulse of live drummers with djembes and congas and try some traditional African dancing. This workshop is excellent for people of all ages and genders.
Conducting Workshop
Conducting a choir, an opera, or a musical theatre performance is an art—whether you are a conductor by training, by trade, or sometimes by default, there’s a wonderful opportunity to shape the music. Join this art-making session and experience the art and joy of conducting—whether it’s your first time conducting or just the first time today, you’ll be inspired and energized by this exploration of gesture, technique, sound, creativity and passion that are part of successfully leading people on a musical journey.
Re-Imagining Creativity and Collaboration
Artists: Paul Dresher, composer, Paul Dresher Ensemble; Rinde Eckert , playwright, performer, director
Explore how interacting with a collaborator across artistic disciplines inspires exciting new work.