Course Description: Embark on a journey to embody characters with authenticity and presence onstage through the art of natural movement and gesture. You'll explore the fundamentals of physical expression and learn how to walk, stand, and move with purpose while acting for the stage. Whether you're a seasoned performer looking to refine your stage presence or a newcomer eager to develop your physicality as an actor, this workshop will provide you with a strong foundation in physical expression and movement techniques.

Overview of Workshop Material: Physicality in Theatre, Body Awareness and Alignment, Walking With Purpose, Standing and Stillness, Gesture and Movement, and Integration into Scene Work and Performance.

IVIE BIO:

Rose Ivie (they/them) has been active in the DFW theatre scene for 15 years. They have Directed and Music Directed 20+ productions in the area, and are a proud private voice teacher and the Vice President of Melpo Theatre Co. You may recognize them from their performances at Plaza Theatre Company as Jack (NEWSIES), Plankton (THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL), Will (BIG FISH), Prince Topher (CINDERELLA), and Sherlock Holmes (BASKERVILLE). They have also appeared as Franz Liebkind (THE PRODUCERS), Prince Herbert/French Taunter (SPAMALOT), Aunt March (LITTLE WOMEN), and Cowardly Lion (WIZARD OF OZ) at the Granbury Opera House. Some of their previous other favorite roles have been Jason (BARE: A POP OPERA) and Tony (WEST SIDE STORY).  

BRYCE BIO:

L Bryce Welborn (they/them) has been active in the educational and community theatre scene for over ten years, with over twelve total years of professional training in dance, acting, and voice. They have previously directed and choreographed over 15 productions in the DFW area, including at the theatre company they Co-founded in 2019, Melpo Theatre Co. You may recognize them from their performances at Plaza Theatre Company as Younger Brother (RAGTIME), Davey (NEWSIES), and Spongebob (THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL), or at the Granbury Opera House as Shellhammer (MIRACLE ON 34TH ST). Some of their other favorite credits have been Peter (BARE: A POP OPERA), Mark Cohen (RENT), William Barfee (THE 25TH...SPELLING BEE), Moritz (SPRING AWAKENING), and Tony (WEST SIDE STORY).

Step in to the world of theatrical directing by learning how to use scene materials to develop your own artistic vision!

We’ll explore the responsibilities of directors, such as script analysis, conceptualization, and how to block a dynamic and interesting scene with actors in a space. We’ll investigate tactics for unlocking your performer’s inner version of the character through directing exercises and blocking techniques.

This course will blend directing theory and dramaturgy with practical applications of scene work to give young directors experience in the basics of directing!

Over two course days, you will conceptualize, direct and perform 1-page scenework. Each director will block scenes using other members of the workshop, and perform them on the end of the final day for each other for critiques and positive feedback to carry into their next directing endeavors.

Feel free to bring in a one page scene with up to three characters in it, but scene work will be provided to work from as well.

Free your creative mind and learn how to control the big picture as a theatre director!

Instructor Bio:

Carver Olson (he/him) has been acting, designing and directing in the educational and community theatre scene in DFW for 7 years. He recently stage managed for University of North Texas’s the Pretty Trap (Go Mean Green!) and performed in their production of the Elephant’s Graveyard as the Ringmaster. He has performed at Artisan in West Side Story and Tuck Everlasting, and designed for several summer camps as well as their production of Godspell. His directing credits through Haltom High School include Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, the Storm in the Barn, and Indecent.