An introduction to Alexander Technique with an investigation into mask work.
Movement serves the actor in creating a theatrical world. This workshop is designed to support the performer’s facility with movement, and access a body that is available, expressive, and versatile. We will use two studies, mask and the Alexander Technique to:
Recognize physical imbalance and interference patterns
Access new choices that support a performer’s body and craft
Discover ease, versatility, and capacity
Mask play provides a platform for exploring certain movement fundamentals and the essentials for depicting the imaginative world of the stage. Mask, in particular Jacques Lecoq’s concept of neutral mask, examines the way movement serves the actor and how tension creates character, space, and story. It uses movements to really “come to grips” with how habits interfere with movement and expression.
Alexander Technique is fundamentally the study of habit, choice, and change. As the work on the neutral mask helps us begin to identify habits and patterns, the Alexander Work creates alternatives in our bodies and minds, helping us rediscover ease, capacity, and versatility. By creating more choice and capacity, the Alexander work supports our range, skill, and artistry as performers.
WHO
James Peck taught for over ten years at Dell’arte International school of Physical Theater, teaching Play, the Vocal Body, ensemble devising, mask and physical expression. He has performed, created, directed and produced theater pieces all over the world for over 30 years and was a member of Dell’arte theater Ensemble. He has recently co-founded, OpenArt which is a company committed to reflective change through the arts. Through the Alexander Technique, GamePlay and The Human Givens this company aims to develop personal practice of empowerment as means of somatic and social healing. James also likes cats and is learning to juggle – activities not to be confused. He is a fervent mime and mask-maker and also a keen but amateur walker with goats.
Lyra Butler-Denman is a performer, creator, Alexander Technique teacher, and visual artist exploring the quality of the physical experience of our lives. Her work lives at the intersection of the individual body and the social body, and the fractal interplay of the two. Her research is grounded in relationality, living systems, and liberatory practice. She sees our bodies as the primary way we encounter the world, record our past, and access choice in the present. Her work facilitates discovering our bodies and lives as instruments of artistry. Lyra is a heterosexual, white-identified, cisgender woman with a history of chronic pain and illness and uses the pronouns she/her/hers.
WHEN
Friday, June 9th 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Saturday June 10th 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
2:00 pm – 4:30 pm
6:30 pm – 9:00pm
Sunday June 11th 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
2:00 pm – 4:30 pm
WHERE
The workshop will be held at Dell'Arte International's beautiful mime studio in idyllic Blue Lake, California.
Dell’Arte International
131 H st
Blue lake
CA 95525
COST
Tier A: $200
Choose this option if you have a secure income and have a wealth of resources then choose this tier. The cost goes some way to help create access for others.
Tier B: $125
Choose this option if you have moderate income, but have debt and financial concerns that cause you to think twice about any training.
Tier C: $50
Choose this option if you are under- or unemployed and/or for other reasons (e.g. healthcare, shelter expenses), you have very limited resources.
PLEASE NOTE This workshop is free to all persons of color and local tribal members