Physicality, Movement, & Using Space

Improv and comedy are often seen as essentially verbal arts. I disagree! We will explore using our bodies to engage the space of the theatre, so that we can break out of “talking head” improv. We will explore how to use the whole stage to create dynamic action, using crosses, the margins, upstage and downstage, tableaus and stage picture for theatrical effect, so that we don’t feel trapped in the center. We will talk about status relationships and how to claim (or concede) space as active choices for character and conflict. This class, although physical in nature, will not exclude people with limited mobility, or who use adaptive devices such as wheelchairs. We will explore the powerful potential for ALL abilities of movement, and we acknowledge both the power of stillness and the right for everyone to participate. [Side note for producers and schools: as an instructor, I plan to foster a safe learning space by directly and actively affirming each participant’s right to take space on stage and to speak their truth, and by inviting them to do so with vigor. I will use my experience teaching Personal Boundaries workshops to affirm each participant’s right to establish their own boundaries and to proactively claim space. Understanding status relationships is key to empowering performers to create and maintain safe spaces for themselves. I will address this directly in the material. Also, the workshop is doable at a length of 1.5 hours, or up to 3 hours. It is modular and customizable.]