Rehearsing a new play, developing a devised piece, and producing anything in front of an audience requires teamwork, quick thinking, a generosity of spirit, and solid problem-solving skills. In short: it requires collaboration. This new lab will break down the traditional barriers between actor/director/writer and challenge you to become a better collaborator in the room. Working in pairs, small groups, and as a full company over seven weeks, you’ll be given a sequence of challenging, time-sensitive, and out of the box assignments, honing skills of cooperation, imagination, and storytelling. After devising several pieces over the course of the summer, the class will culminate in a celebratory public presentation of your work.
Energetic and ambitious theater artists of all disciplines are encouraged to participate. Please be prepared to work quickly on your feet and dedicate time outside of class each week to continue the collaborative work.
Week 1: Begin the process by working in pairs as joint writers/actors/directors, generating a piece based on a timed writing exercise
Week 2: After reworking these pieces based on notes and suggestions from John prior to class, present and refine your work as a group.
Week 3: Devise a piece as a quartet based on visual storytelling.
Week 4: Adjust and reimage these pieces once again. You’ll then begin working on your next assignment with the full company of artists to be performed site-specifically.
Week 5: Create a piece with as a larger company of eight, and perform these pieces site-specifically between weeks 5 and 6.
Week 6: A discussion of the collaborative experience thus far, including process, leadership, imagination, and inspiration, followed by a full production meeting in preparation for a performance of your chosen works at Jimmy’s No 43.
Week 7: A public performance of the selected devised pieces will be held at Jimmy’s No. 43 in the East Village.
REGISTRATION AND SCHEDULE
This class is not currently being offered. Please check back next semester!
For all students, an interview is required for registration.
Book Your Interview Appointment
SCHEDULE
Sundays from 6:00pm – 9:00pm
LOCATION
All classes take place at Primary Stages Studios at 307 West 38th Street in New York City. Get directions here.
PRICING
Returning Students: $400
New Students: $460
Learn about our Payment Plans.
FOR MORE INFO
Learn more about How It Works. For more information, please call 212.840.9705 or email espa@primarystages.org.