VIEWPOINTS: Viewpoints is the exploration of human expression using the elements of time and space. All performance of any kind (dance, singing, acting) happens within the confines of time and space. Anything to do with music automatically addresses time through tempo and duration. Acting often pays close attention to space but can overlook time. Viewpoints explores the concepts of time (tempo, duration, repetition, kinesthetic response), space (architecture, topography, spacial relationships), movement (behavioral gesture, expressive gesture and shape) and voice (pitch, tembre, dynamic) through specific exercises and explorations. For actors, working with Viewpoints will expand your awareness and allow you to tap into expressive freedom in the moment. For non-actors, Viewpoints is a fantastic way to find self expression and to relieve self consciousness so you can play in the world like you did when you were a child. Viewpoints is also a dynamic tool for directors and choreographers to explore and create work off the page in real time. It is a way of engaging in storytelling that is unexpected, abstract and visceral - and this workshop will address how Viewpoints can be used in the rehearsal process of any performance.(A higher class size of 24 is set for this class because group movement is required and it benefits the students to have a larger number.)
ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE - Instructor: Sarah Shephard see www.dublin.ie/websites/abbeyschool/drama-instructors.asp
EXPANDING PHYSICAL AND VOCAL EXPRESSION: This two-day workshop, will explore the voice and body and its connection the inner life of the actor. We will use techniques drawn from Cecily Berry, Roy Hart, Kristen Linklater and Michael Chekov among others. We will practice specific physical conditions (intoxication, slow motion, temperature extremes, body centers, etc.) as well as vocal challenges (the "stage whisper", resonance, articulation, heightened language, etc.) Through guided exploration and devising improvised sequences, we will apply these techniques to practical situations in character. Instructor: Kathleen Warner Yeates see www.dublin.ie/websites/abbeyschool/drama-instructors.asp
The Singing Actor: This one-day workshop, will focus on the acting performance brought to song. It is suitable for beginner singers or experienced singers seeking to develope their acting performance on sung words. Please prepare at least one song and bring the words or sheet music. There will be a keyboard in the room but we will not have an accompanist, so singing will be a capella. We will do some group singing and improvised singing as well as prepared solo pieces. Shower singers welcomed! Instructor: Kathleen Warner Yeates see www.dublin.ie/websites/abbeyschool/drama-instructors.asp