dinsdag 25 oktober 2011

Patti Stiles' Workshop Notes

Thanks for supporting Patti Stiles' workshops in Amsterdam.

I will not need the full allocated support cause the workshop filled up completely.
I'll send a (little) donation request separately by e-mail.

I am now sending you my entry for the blog:


Patti Stiles: she made us look and feel good!

Canadian (now Australian) improv goddess Patti Stiles has been trained by Keith Johnstone and this was obvious in the 2 workshops she taught in Amsterdam. A lot of Keiths motto's have been misinterpreted over the years, and she has set them straight. This may sound very strict, but Patti is a wonderful person, breathing all improv principles and opening up many new possibilities.

The most impactful day was the second one, especially for improv teachers. She showed us how we hover around what is really important: the motto of Make your partner look good. All improv principles like Yes And, being Aware, etc. derive from that basic motto. Which is more than just a t-shirt motto! We talked about the fact that forbidding players to block, stall, whimp, etc. does not make their fear go away. The fear will come back at other levels.

If you truly want to take their fear away, you need them to start focussing on the other player. If you are making your partner look good, you are not in your head with your own fear.

This, and so many other insights, were the result of Patti's workshop. We hope the new values will quickly spread to the Dutch improv society!

Anja Boorsma
Far Fetched Productions

zondag 16 oktober 2011

5-day intensive Clown and Acting Workshop

We're excited to announce a 5-day intensive Clown and Acting Workshop in Amsterdam given by Ira Seidenstein as part of his 2011 European tour. This workshop is sponsored by Allimprov.

Who: Ira Seidenstein, M.A., PhD (Cirque du Soleil, Bell Shakespeare Company, Opera Australia) is an American/Australian director of theatre, circus, clown,and commedia with over 35 years of experience in these fields. He has worked in over 100 theatre productions often combining work as director, playwright, actor, and choreographer. He uses skills of classical acting, dance, mime, singing, and circus and has worked with over 100 directors in Stage and Screen. Internationally he has one of the most varied careers in the world of Clown, having worked in classical theatre, circus, dance, opera, commedia dell’arte. He has taught throughout Australia and internationally in Auckland, Belfast, Berlin, Copenhagen, Helsinki, London, New York, Oslo, Paris, San Francisco and Stockholm. For further information, see www.iraseid.com.

What: Ira has developed the Seidenstein Method known as Quantum Theatre which is a series of anatomical movements designed to assist actors and improvisers (professional, veteran, or novice) to awaken within their own body, intellect, consciousness, and through creative play. In very practical ways, the Seidenstein Method is like the yoga of acting. It is unique and adaptable; it applies to all performances, from slapstick to Shakespeare.

Ira will teach his method during the 5-day intensive workshop. It will include "The Four Articulations" which form the basics of all performance: Body, Space, Time, Time-Space Continuum. The students will discover whole new worlds of creativity, inspiration, and true drama, via the work of their bodies.

When: Sunday 6 November to Thursday 10 November 2011, 10.00am to 4.00pm

Where: Crea Studios, Turfdraagsterpad 17, Amsterdam.

Cost: €300 per person.

Registration: Send an e-mail to peter@easylaughs.nl. Spaces are limited and allocated on a first-in-first-serve basis.

vrijdag 14 oktober 2011

Playing with Reality - This Month in Amsterdam

I feel like this sort of “playing” could be addictive.
– Rosabeth, voluntary participant

Interactive Performance Workshops
Conducted by New York’s Playing with Reality (www.playingwithreality.org)

Led by founder & director, Shea Elmore, Playing with Reality will conduct two 12-hour sequential workshops in
Amsterdam for improvisers and actors alike. Workshops are being offered at a fraction of the regular price.

I have been an improviser for nine years and am struck by the unique depth and meaning created
through this form; it has redefined for me what is possible in improv.
- Amanda Miller, inter-actor

You will learn how to:
* read and respond to a participant’s “type”
* create characters that build instant rapport with participants
* avoid the three most common mistakes of interactive performance

Like acting on a high wire, this work demands of me more energy, focus, and sheer faith than any other
kind of performance.
- Sarah-Doe Osborne, inter-actor

Level 1 Class (Maximum 12 Attendees)
The Level 1 Class is geared towards actors and new improvisers. Participants will learn basic improvisation and
interactive techniques. The focus of our work isn’t necessarily to be funny, so you’ll get plenty experience on
being “boring”. We strive to create full stories, and your storytelling techniques can only grow from here.
Cost: 50 euros
Class Schedule: 29 Oct: 10am-1pm, 2-5pm; 30 Oct: 10am-1pm, 2-5pm
Class Performance, Sunday, 30 Oct: 7-8:30pm
Class & Performance Location: Talia (www.i-talia.net), Prinsenstraat 12, 1015 DC Amsterdam

Level 2 Class (Maximum 12 Attendees)
You succeed in the basic tenets on a consistent basis. You’re ready for some new challenges in the craft. Sign up. You’ll
learn how to work with some of the most challenging participants and turn them into stellar improvisers in a matter
of minutes. You’ll know how to challenge participants without breaking their spirits. You’ll feel the satisfaction of
empowering individuals to achieve their full potential.
Cost: 50 euros
Class Schedule: 31 Oct – 3 Nov: 6-9pm
Class Performance, 4 Nov: 7-8:30pm
Class & Performance Location: Talia (www.i-talia.net), Prinsenstraat 12, 1015 DC Amsterdam

To apply, write to info@playingwithreality.org.
Include a cover letter and CV, and for which level you’re applying.

Playing with Reality invites audience volunteers to play the lead role and co-create the story. Imagine a choose-your-

own-adventure story, created on the spot, which anyone can live. Playing with Reality has held multiple productions
and workshops, including a workshop for easylaughs (www.easylaughs.nl) and a solo inter-actor performance by Shea
Elmore in Amsterdam, The Choices We Make. The upcoming workshops are made possible in part by a grant from All
Improv (www.allimprov.nl).