Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Working on "As I Lay Dying."

My perspective as a spectator is gone for this topic, replaced by my sense of being a performer. Work has started on a stage adaptation of William Faulkner's novel "As I Lay Dying." We will have to turn brilliant poetic explanation and discription into living dramatic action. Somehow. And not that a collection of talent automatically makes for a good or meaningful or engaging production, BUT...it does bring excitement to the beginning of the work. I'm happy at rehearsal to be in the presence of actors with the kind of deep instinctual abilities that our cast has. What will come of it and where we will take it remains to be seen. I'll be in touch.

Monday, September 26, 2011

"Physical Comedy" Workshop

If you are in Tucson during the month of October, I suggest you check out the following workshop. Matt and Angela (the instructors) are wonderful people, you won't find better, and terrific teachers.


For Immediate Release—21 September 2011

TRAINING IN “PHYSICAL COMEDY” TO BE HELD AT THE ROGUE THEATRE
TUCSON— Through the month of October, The Rogue Theatre will sponsor “Physical Comedy: A Beginner’s Intensive,” led by Matt Walley & Angela Horchem, graduates of the Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theatre.

“Physical Comedy: A Beginner’s Intensive” focuses on the realm of the eccentric character and his or her hilarious interactions with the surrounding physical world. Inspiration comes from archetypes: It’s the Trickster, in control and always stepping out of danger. It’s the Fool, always failing miserably and getting up to try again--to the delight of the audience! It’s Bill Irwin, Carol Burnett or the timeless appeal of Lucille Ball, Buster Keaton, and the Looney Tunes. These are just a few names from the vast realm of eccentric character and physical comedy.

The training will begin with character creation and physical principles--such as slips, trips, falls--and move on to explore relationships and status. By the end of the course, all participants will create a unique character using voice, movement, and costume. On October 22, participants will share their collaborative process with their family and friends in an original showing.

Participants should be age 15 or older. The entire four-session course costs $160. For more information about course content, eligibility, or to register, please contact Angela Horchem: theroguetheatretucson@gmail.com.

Matt Walley & Angela Horchem graduated from the Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theatre where they studied Commedia dell’Arte, mask, clown, acrobatics, and movement. They have appeared on stages across the country from New York to Chicago to California. Their flagship production, I Hate ♥, marked their first foray into the realm they call “Cartoon Theatre,” and was met with wide celebration among its initial audiences. In Tucson, they have worked with various companies including The Rogue Theatre, Live Theatre Workshop, Pinnacle Peak Pistoleros, and Stories that Soar! among others. Whether approaching Shakespeare or an original, devised work, they bring a passion for character, love for the physical, and spirit of exploration and discovery.

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WHAT: “Physical Comedy: A Beginner’s Intensive” led by Matt Walley & Angela Horchem
WHO: Participants ages 15 and up; first-come, first-serve basis
WHEN: Saturdays, Oct 01, 08, 15, & 22 from 12-4 PM; Final performance October 22 at 4 PM
WHERE: The Rogue Theatre, 300 E University Blvd, Suite 150
ON-SITE CONTACT: Angela Horchem, 347.870.9834