Here you’ll find details on areas of study, tuition, instructors…everything you need to know.
So read up and sign up!
Join us in Halifax July 23 – August 12, 2011
Dynamic training in physical and ensemble theatre.
Irondale’s long tradition of ensemble theatre and improvisation comes together with the work of the physical theatre. The collision of amazing ways of making theatre. A wonderful environment for learning and creation.
The Irondale School of Ensemble Theatre is offering this workshop for emerging and established professional actors, dancers, and other performance artists who want to engage in creating and performing.
This 3-week intensive will focus on the actor creator. Daily training will involve performance classes, Pilates, yoga, conditioning, acrobatics, dance, tai chi, ensemble singing and mask building. The mask building workshop is on in the first week with two time options, one in the evening so that students taking the full workshop can also do mask building.
This work will be intense and very physical. Full of enthusiasm, inspiration, hope and love for the theatre.
So come.
Be engaged mind and body in this dynamic theatre.
902 429-1370
Faculty
Stephen Cross: Artistic Director, Performance, Acrobatics and Conditioning
Andrea Leigh-Smith: Pilates and Dance
YaoSun Tong: Tai Chi
TBA : Yoga
Andrea Ritchie: Mask Building
| Tuition | with subsidy* |
*A 20% subsidy is available to Nova Scotia residents and to students currently enrolled in acting programs at Dalhousie University, Acadia University or Syracuse University. |
|
| Full 3-Week Workshop | $ 1200 | $ 960 | |
| Week One | $ 450 | $ 360 | |
| Mask Building | $ 250 | $ 200 |
Mission Statement
The Irondale School of Ensemble Theatre began in the summer of 2004. It exists to advocate for the art of ensemble theatre, to train actors to be able to carry on the traditions of ensemble theatre, to engage in a dynamic involvement with the international ensemble theatre movement and to work to establish educational collaborations with other practitioners of ensemble theatre.
Fields of study for performer creators include collective creation, group writing and devising, the history of ensemble theatre, and community arts practice.
Areas of Instruction
Pilates
STOTT PILATES is a contemporary approach to the original exercise method pioneered by the late Joseph Pilates. Co-founders Moira and Lindsay G. Merrithew, along with a team of physical therapists, sports medicine and fitness professionals, have spent more than a decade refining the STOTT PILATES method of exercise and equipment. This resulted in the inclusion of modern principles of exercise science and spinal rehabilitation, making it one of the safest and effective methods available. This clear and detailed approach forms the basis for STOTT PILATES training and certification programs. It’s used by rehab and prenatal clients, athletes, celebrities and everyone in between. The principles of Stott Pilates and some of the essential exercises will be taught.
Yoga
Yoga promotes a state of physical and mental well being, emphasizing breath, relaxed movement and steadiness of mind. Through the practice of the yogic system of Asanas or ‘steady pose’, you will focus on increasing the flexibility of the spine and rejuvenating the nervous system. Gentle stretching, twisting and bending movements bring flexibility to other joints and muscles of the body too. Yoga is excellent warm up and preparation for the physical movement and mental concentration required of actors in the physical theatre.
Conditioning/Cardio
A regimen of conditioning and strengthening exercises. The work includes an abs series, strength training, cardiovascular drills and stretching. This daily training is designed to build, strength, range of motion and stamina.
Acting/Performance
Work will focus on availability and awareness, first of the body and then of the body in response to the stimulation of the environment. Work will then move to a study of neutrality and the proposal of character, and of the mask in performance. This work finds its roots in the work and traditions of Jacques Lecoq, Carlo Mazzone-Clementi, and Viola Spolin, among others.
Acrobatics
A study of the body in motion. Our work will include basic tumbling, solo and group acrobatics. Acrobatic training teaches flexibility, balance, strength, muscle control, discipline and concentration. We will focus on fundamental skills including bridges, handstands, rolls, cartwheels and round offs.
Dance
Work will focus on movement skills, including vocabulary, rhythm, dynamics, size, speed, facings, focus and direction of travel. Classes will involve basic movement technique and vocabulary developed primarily through the discipline of jazz dance. Travelling drills and movement combinations with varied music choices will be used for expression and interpretation. These are vital components to the needs of the actor.
Mask Building
Students will create a paper mâché half mask of their own. Through the process they will learn the essential techniques for mask building; from creating an initial plaster mould of the face, to sculpting your character in clay, to paper mâché and finishing of the mask. They will leave the class with a plaster positive of their own face for future mask building, and one finished half mask. In addition to the class times, the mask studio area will be available to students to work independently on their mask.
Accommodations
If you’re coming toHalifaxto train with us, there are lots of housing options. Area universities have reasonable rates in their residences for the summer months, many student sublets and shared housing options. Write or call to talk about the possibilities and we’ll help you sort out the best option for you.
Tuition Subsidies
A subsidy of 20% is available toNova Scotiaresidents and to students currently enrolled in acting programs at DalhousieUniversity, AcadiaUniversity or Syracuse University. To request a subsidy, please mention your school and/or place of residence in your cover letter.
To Apply
Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled.
Space is limited, so apply early.
Send us your resume along with a cover letter and a reference to:
irondale@irondale.ca With your application be sure to include the following information:
- Name
- Address
- Phone
- Your reference (including position, & contact info)
- Will you be applying for tuition subsidy?
- Will you need to find housing inHalifaxfor the workshop?
Once you are offered a position, a $400 deposit will be required to confirm your place. Full payment is due on or before the first day of class. All fees are to be paid in Canadian funds.
Questions? We’d love to hear from you.
Reach us at (902)429-1370 or irondale@irondale.ca
