KWLT‘s Karen Grierson and Obsidian Theatre‘s Philip Akin present,
Bridges 1: Actors/Directors Skills Workshop
Philip Akin, award-winning Artistic Director and General Manager of Toronto’s Obsidian Theatre, is leading this one-day workshop for amateur actors and directors. Having worked with KWLT’s Karen Grierson as a polisher for 2007′s “Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead” and 2011′s “Frankenstein”, Philip recognized an opportunity to help amateur theatre raise its performance bar by sharing with us the same feedback, and developing some of the same skills, as he develops with professional actors and directors. His interest in building bridges between professional and amateur theatre comes at a time when cultural and financial support for big-ticket theatre is waning, but many people still seek live entertainment on smaller, local scales. KWLT and 10BT have an exclusive opportunity to learn from Philip’s considerable experience on stage and screen as both an actor and a director himself.
This workshop will focus on fundamentals of character development for actors and directors, using basics of breathwork, vocalization, and body movement to develop and manipulate character depth and themes. Attendees are advised to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and if you have or can borrow a yoga mat, please bring that as well.
Attendance is limited to 25 people.
Registration closes Monday September 12. Please email Karen at kb.grierson@gmail.com to register.
Workshop fee: $25/person (lunch is not being provided) [Shadowlands cast discount: $15]
Saturday September 17, 9:30am to 5:30pm
Location: UW Campus (exact location TBD)
There may be an informal dinner outing with Philip after the workshop for those who wish to join us.
Please join us for this rare opportunity to learn from a well-respected international acting professional, and help KWLT and TenBareToes raise the calibre of amateur theatre offerings in Waterloo Region.