Something amazing happened at Amsterdam's famed Muziek Theater. The national home of the ballet and the opera became home to one of the most dazzling dance nights in recent years. The evening was a collaboration between the Muziek Theater's educational department, led by Christine Timmer and various groups from Amsterdam to work together with famed English choreographer Wayne McGregor and compose a show. The groups worked together for a week and produced a beautiful spectacle. The highlight of this and the closing number was Impro Battle, an improvisational group led by Marijn Vissers, Milaino Spalburg and Bram Martens. The group composed of 24 members members of Meidenwerk Younited and Combiwel erupted on stage with energy and grace, wowing the audiences of their two sold out shows.
This is where I can get personal because I had the pleasure of working together with Impro Battle earlier in the season and in my opinion they are the most talented improv group in The Netherlands today. They exemplify what improv should be: playful and fun while having the advantage of truly representing the cosmopolitan face of Amsterdam and The Netherlands. On stage they were almost unrecognizable as they demonstrated such intense focus, finesse and agility and played a very moving performance. Special thanks to all of them for such a wonderful show.
donderdag 29 maart 2012
Kwaliteitsimpuls voor Hatseflats! impro voor en met kinderen
Ooit had Theatersportvereniging Amsterdam (TVA) een kindervoorstelling onder de naam Abracadabra. Een fraai gedecoreerde theatersportvoorstelling waarbij de teams Mayo en Ketchup streden om de eer. Ondanks herhaaldelijke nieuwe impulsen van TVA-leden om Abracadabra nieuwe leven in te blazen, belandden de decors en kostuums op zolder…
Totdat het bij een van de ex-Abracadabra’ers vorige zomer begon te kriebelen. Thom Bruggeman wilde zijn zoon toch zeker kennis laten maken met impro. Al snel wist hij verschillende impro’ers waarmee hij eerder had gespeeld om zich heen te verzamelen onder de naam Hatseflats!
En zo kwam het dat in oktober vorig jaar de eerste voorstelling van Hatseflats! het licht zag. Een drukbezochte show waar het enthousiasme vanaf spatte. Neemt niet weg dat er aan de inhoud en de wijze van spelen nog wel wat te doen was. Want: hoe ga je om met kinderen? Wat zijn de do’s en don’ts in kindertheater? En hoe creëer je rust in de voorstelling en in de zaal? Samen met Marjolein Macrander, regisseur van, en actrice in kindervoorstellingen, werd een vast raamwerk opgezet, waarbinnen de verschillende theatersportvormen konden worden gespeeld.
De voorstellingen van de afgelopen maanden hebben inmiddels aangetoond dat er vergeleken met de eerste keer al een hele stap is gemaakt. En dat blijkt ook wel uit de opkomst: ouders en kinderen komen steeds vaker terug. Dat leidde in maart zelfs tot een uitverkochte voorstelling.
Hoewel met het vaste raamwerk en de tips van Marjolein inmiddels de nodige vorderingen zijn gemaakt, toch willen de spelers van Hatseflats! zich graag verder ontwikkelen. Daarom volgen ze binnenkort opnieuw enkele trainingen van Marjolein Macrander. Deze verdere investering in de kwaliteit van de Hatseflats!-vorderingen wordt mede mogelijk gemaakt met een bijdrage van AllImprov. Zelf zien hoe Hatseflats! vooruitgaat? Bezoek een van de voorstellingen. Op www.wijzijnhatseflats.nl staat alle informatie en kan er worden gereserveerd.
Totdat het bij een van de ex-Abracadabra’ers vorige zomer begon te kriebelen. Thom Bruggeman wilde zijn zoon toch zeker kennis laten maken met impro. Al snel wist hij verschillende impro’ers waarmee hij eerder had gespeeld om zich heen te verzamelen onder de naam Hatseflats!
En zo kwam het dat in oktober vorig jaar de eerste voorstelling van Hatseflats! het licht zag. Een drukbezochte show waar het enthousiasme vanaf spatte. Neemt niet weg dat er aan de inhoud en de wijze van spelen nog wel wat te doen was. Want: hoe ga je om met kinderen? Wat zijn de do’s en don’ts in kindertheater? En hoe creëer je rust in de voorstelling en in de zaal? Samen met Marjolein Macrander, regisseur van, en actrice in kindervoorstellingen, werd een vast raamwerk opgezet, waarbinnen de verschillende theatersportvormen konden worden gespeeld.
De voorstellingen van de afgelopen maanden hebben inmiddels aangetoond dat er vergeleken met de eerste keer al een hele stap is gemaakt. En dat blijkt ook wel uit de opkomst: ouders en kinderen komen steeds vaker terug. Dat leidde in maart zelfs tot een uitverkochte voorstelling.
Hoewel met het vaste raamwerk en de tips van Marjolein inmiddels de nodige vorderingen zijn gemaakt, toch willen de spelers van Hatseflats! zich graag verder ontwikkelen. Daarom volgen ze binnenkort opnieuw enkele trainingen van Marjolein Macrander. Deze verdere investering in de kwaliteit van de Hatseflats!-vorderingen wordt mede mogelijk gemaakt met een bijdrage van AllImprov. Zelf zien hoe Hatseflats! vooruitgaat? Bezoek een van de voorstellingen. Op www.wijzijnhatseflats.nl staat alle informatie en kan er worden gereserveerd.
zaterdag 24 december 2011
Hero's Journey Class
"It was a wonderful workshop!!" - Mariette
maandag 14 november 2011
Playing with Reality in Amsterdam
Myself, along with fellow company members Carolyn McCandlish, Jennifer Kent & Julio Peña, were in town last week to conduct our interactive performance workshops. Our style of performance invites onto the stage a member of the audience to portray the protagonist of an improvised narrative. Utilizing several techniques and concepts, we create a safe space for the participant to make bold choices and fight for their beliefs, all while creating a cohesive story for the viewing audience.
Our level 1 workshop took place over 2 days – Saturday, 29 October, and Sunday, the 30th. We had 6 attendees who worked wonderfully as a team and learned the tools we could share. At the end of the second day, they gave a performance for the public, which was also streamed live for everyone to see. In case you missed it, you can watch the recording here: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/18214885. After only 12 hours of training, they did an exceptional job, and we’re proud of their work.
The level 2 workshop was condensed to a 3-hour session on Wednesday, 2 November. With 2 new attendees and 2 attendees from the level 1 workshop, we were able to impart a handful of skills that we use to understand how the participant wants to play and how to challenge them. All attendees seem to have gained valuable tools from the session.
Our goal for these workshops was to teach some of our skills, and, while the attendees may not dive into the world of interactive performance, they can at least transfer some of them to their work in improvisation and performance. From talking with the attendees afterwards, it sounds like they’re able to do exactly that.
We were also fortunate enough to perform in the second slot of easylaughs’ Friday show at CREA Café. It was a full house, and the workshop attendees came to support us.
We returned home to New York this past weekend with pride in our work and confidence in what we taught. Thank you to All Improv for giving us this opportunity. We hope to return soon!
Shea Elmore
Director
Playing with Reality
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Playing with Reality
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Playing with Reality is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts service organization. Contributions for the purposes of Playing with Reality must be made payable to Fractured Atlas and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
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
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.
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.
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).
– 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).
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