Step
One: The creation of a safe atmosphere
The
first production will be a collection of ideas expressed by the actors
during the rehearsal period.
This
production will be loose and comic in nature.
The
elements of theatre introduced will be:
-
movement
-
music
-
free
association
-
basic
audience relationship
The
production will be performed for a small audience filled with contemporaries
and positive acquaintances.
Step
Two: The beginning of trust
The
second production will be based on discussions with the actors about their
lives and situations. Basic "theatre games" and exercises will be
used to give structure to the production.
This
production will be more serious in nature, but still comic.
The
elements of theatre introduced:
-
realistic
improvisation (focused realism)
-
theatre
as a form of self-discovery
-
theatre
as a form of self-expression
-
theatre
as a forum for the reflection of ideas
The
production will be performed for a larger controlled positive audience.
A discussion with the audience after the performance is important.
Step
Three: Creating an ensemble
The
third production will be a play for children. The actors will, for
the first time, work with a script; but will not be restricted by it.
A loose script allowing individual creativity will be used. This
production will be bold and flashy.
More
"theatre games" and exercises will be introduced.
The
elements of theatre introduced:
-
costumes
-
make
up
-
gesture
as language
-
audience
interaction
-
working
with a script
-
basic
touring
-
giving
to the community
This
show is intended to be played to at least two audiences: one of children
and one of the controlled group.
Step
Four: Desire creates discipline
The
fourth production is a workshop of a scene from a major script. Focused
"theatre games" and exercises will be used. Voice training begins.
This
production will be more focused.
The
elements of theatre introduced:
-
voice
-
props
-
rehearsal
discipline
-
the
script as a blue print for a play
-
basic
script analysis
-
compression,
and focus
A
non-safe audience should be used.
Steps
Five and Six: Stepping into the circle (commitment)
The
last production in this sequence is a full scale production of a one-act
play. "Games" and exercises dealing with concentration and energy
are used.
The
elements of theatre introduced:
-
set
-
lights
-
sound
-
house
-
stage
management
-
the
text of silence
-
the
voice as gesture
-
the
show is number one
-
the
actor is prepared
-
the
actor adapts
-
the
active communication triangle
There
should be much fanfare with this production.
A
Note on Inclusion
It
is not necessary for an actor to have started at step one. Working
along side other actors who have more experiences brings new actors up
to speed faster. The rule of the theatre, "no one fails," keeps the
more experienced actors from becoming cliquish and ostracizing new members.
There is a process of natural selection at work however. Sometimes
actors just take themselves out of the mix no matter if they have been
a member of the ensemble from day one or only come to one workshop.
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