Whew! We finally made it to Day four! By this time, we are exhausted and inspired and can’t wait to learn more today!
Our day started with a session called: Devised theater: Tectonic Theater Project.
This session explored movement work that forced us to explore the potential of all the elements of the stage to create a theatrical narrative. This method was used to create “The Laramie Project: Movement work which is highly collaborative and creative. Theoretically it can be used to create new works as well as re-imagine new texts. I have never thought myself to be an out of the box thinker or even claim to think abstractly so this is a huge learning stretch for me. Very valuable.
Here is how it works:
Start in a circle. Each person tells a moment in theater they will never forget. Then the production team reads the script together.
The team should explore movement work together. They should explore all elements of the stage (both on stage and around the room.) When they find an object they start with “I begin” Then proceed to act around that object to show the audience a unique way of looking at that piece. They end with: “I end.”
This exercise can be repeated using gestures and then group movements that now start. “We Begin.” and end with “We end.”
There should be discover time in which anything in the space is analyzed. Architecture (which is anything that can’t be moved) is discovered for what it does. What is the poetry of the piece? Does it move or make noise?
The same can be done with props and or costumes.
Then, the group names the moments so they can remember.
Important note:
Work to create intention that leads to the narrative you are creating.
Take away:
It is what happens not why we feel.
Next came one of my favorite sessions. (Not that I intend to need the direction, but it is good to have it to give those who are pursuing such dreams!)
Path to Broadway:
Our guest artists were:
Etai Benson (The Band’s Visit)
Will Burton (Ambrose in Hello Dolly!)
Aurelia Williams (Once On This Island)
They were each so personable and shared from their hearts the good fortune and hard work that got them to where they are in their careers-not to mention how wonderful each of their solo performances were that we got to enjoy!
Take away:
Go to a college that has a showcase in their senior year program.
Two shows today!
My Fair Lady 
By far the most perfect production I have ever seen. Breathtaking beautiful costumes, sets and vocals.
I really can’t say enough about the set. It was a house that rotated and even retracted to hide behind the scrim when it wasn’t needed….Hmmm. maybe it was the stage I really loved! 
I will not spoil it, but I was completely disappointed in the last two moments of the play. Message me if you want to talk more about that!
If you are in New York–it’s a must see!
The Band’s Visit 
Loved it!
I was completely captivated by this unique story about a band that mistakenly ends up in the wrong city and has to stay there overnight. Strangers house and entertain the band members even letting them stay in their own homes. The band members unknowingly change the lives of all who come in contact with them.
The band plays on stage and the music is unique, haunting, and beautiful.
There is a reason this musical won so many Tony’s. It is worth every dollar you spend and definitely the high light of my trip!
And just like that my trip came to an end. Why did I choose to go to this intensive week again? I feel that it is so valuable to me personally as an artist/director/manager/writer.
It it refreshing to spend time away and get to see a host of new shows. It is educational to hear from professionals of how and why they design. And it is encouraging to hear that I have some of the same problems other theaters have.
I love having this dream of theater–may we constantly bring joy to others.
What about you? What have you learned lately? Please share this blog and feel free to ask questions or comment!
Until next time!
From the Wings 