While I work out the details of our next production with the theatre, I’d like to announce TenBareToes’ upcoming monthly series of workshops. I have asked a number of the local theatre gurus to design a workshop series for us and they have delivered.
Starting in October, we have Karen Lucas leading an Improv workshop on the 19th at 7pm at the Globe Studios at 141 Whitney Place in Kitchener.
To borrow from Wikipedia, Improvisational theatre (also known as improv) is a form of theatre in which the improvisational actors/ improvisers use improvisational acting techniques to perform spontaneously. Improvisers typically use audience suggestions to guide the performance as they create dialogue, setting, and plot extemporaneously. Improvisational theatre performances tend to be comedic, although some forms are not necessarily intended to be comedic.
Many improvisational actors/ improvisers also work as scripted actors, and “improv” techniques are often taught in standard acting classes. The basic skills of listening, clarity, confidence, and performing instinctively and spontaneously are considered important skills for actors to develop.
Karen has been saying yes to improv for over sixteen years. She performs regularly and teaches workshops with Waterloo’s long running improv troupe Theatre On The Edge. Karen has also run an improv camp for children and designed workshops using improv to promote self discovery. The tools learned in improv are great for the stage and for life!
Following that is Props & Gripping from Adrienne Steer, Property Mistress and Head Grip for our recent production of The Taming of the Shrew on November 16, also at 7pm. I’m waiting on confirmation of the location for this workshop – keep an eye here for details.
Further down the pipe is Set Design with Chris Rovers in January, Character Development for the Actor with Jonathan C. Dietrich and more. Details to follow regarding these and other workshops!
If you are interested in participating in either of these workshops, please contact info@tenbaretoes.com. Spots are limited and will be on a first come-first served basis.
The Globe Studios: View Larger Map
6 Comments
Cost?
Currently, they’ll be free. If there’s ever a cost for any of them, it’ll be to defray cost of materials or rental space and I’ll make sure to make that abundantly clear at the time.
Something I’ve always wondered- does anyone know how the term “grip” came to be used to mean a technician on a theatre production’s running crew for some theatre companies in the area? I’ve never known it to mean anything other than the lighting/rigging people on a film crew, until I came here, where it seems to have this whole other meaning.
Will Karen be posting what she’ll be covering in the workshop closer to the date? I know a lot of teachers struggle to teach drama (and the new Arts Curriculum as a whole) and might be interested in attending the workshop if it will give them some new ideas/activities. Same with the character development workshop. I can let teachers know in my school board about the workshops if it looks like it would be helpful.
Drama workshops for teachers might be something you explore offering Anita. There is money to be made there, teachers will pay at least $30 – $50 for a one day workshop if it’s good. We just received the new Arts curriculum and there is precious little support or resources out there for us to implement it. I would be happy to sit down with your theatre experts to help plan a workshop aimed at elementary educators. We want the help, we just need good people to offer it.
Hi Heather,
I can ask Karen for a more detailed write up, as well as ask Jonathan when he’s ready with his (he’s still gathering his thoughts together on how he’s going to approach this).
I can broach the subject of the workshops for educators. If nothing else, it is an interesting idea.
Thanks!
Roughly late 1800’s, when the stage hands who were gripping the scenery (literally, holding on to it) started getting called “grips”, by virtue of what they were doing. Much like “Lights” is called that because of what they do.
Per the Online Etymology Dictionary