Physicals
https://youtu.be/UGqVwtfInw4
Acting Workshops
https://youtu.be/Ec-AfxpMeWI
(Unfortunately some of the end parts of the video's were not recorded due to 'editing' issues (The yoga and Commedia). I would carry out the yoga and commedia workshops again if required. In future workshops I will record live on Youtube)
Review
Today as the first time I had run a workshop of any type. My time in college and performing in class, has given me the confidence to 'play' in the role of a coach. The class were obligating victims and worked very hard. They listened to my instructions and played along with each of the exercises. At each stage I tried to ensure the class was comfortable with the exercises and allowing variation in the movements to suit their needs. As some of the techniques are basic, I gave the class as much time as they wanted on a technique. The aim was to encourage the class to think differently and not force feed methodology. I also tried to emphasise my understanding of the techniques. After each workshop I asked the class questions so I could pick up feedback as the workshop progressed. The class was capable of demonstrating an understanding of the exercises and created unique, improvised performances. These micro performances can grow into scenes or even used to create characters. For example, during the 'Touch Workshop', Matt was able to lock Connor into a grip. They had instantly created characters such as policeman/criminal. During the Status workshop, each performer created individual characters when playing servants during 'The King' exercise. That characters were defined by roles that each performer adopted. They may play characters such as a court jester, a personal slave or a cook.
During 'The King' Exercise, Jess pointed out that the performance had become like 'kids playing in the park'. To me, this was a perfect representation of what in part I was trying to achieve. To bring performers to the pure child like state of play. To go back to those times as a child in primary school, where we played out 'devised' performances in class or in the 'play' ground.
When we enter the nolstalgia zone, we become more open and imaginative, which in turn, convinces the performer their act is real. This in turn, makes the performance naturalistic and more convincing to the audiece.
The commedia workshop would probably be beneficial as a longer section in an alternative workshop, with greater opportunity for the class to do more background research into the style.
I feel the students benefitted from the yoga and relaxation techniques. At least 2 of the students were almost asleep by end of the routine, which shows stress had been alleviated.
The workshops were not flawless, but I believe I could refine my understanding and memory of the techniques. I have picked up a decent understanding, but there were possibly some parts of the techniques and workshops I have overlooked or misinterpreted. However, I feel that what I have shared has provided the class with useful techniques and a different perspective of movement and devising. Due to my enjoyment of the movement and devising this term and how I felt from running the workshop, this is something I would like to more of in future. I would like to get more feedback from the class on the workshops programme and which particular workshops and exercises they liked/disliked.
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