Irondale’s long tradition of ensemble theatre comes together with the work of the physical theatre. An infusion of dynamic, new energy. A fantastic environment for learning and creation.
The Irondale School of Ensemble Theatre is offering a workshop for emerging and established professional actors and other performers and creators who want to engage with this work.
This summer’s 4 week intensive will focus on the actor/creator. Daily training will involve acting, pilates, yoga, conditioning, acrobatics, dance, and ensemble singing and mask building. The acting focused workshops will include improvisation and mask work.
This workshop will be intense and very physical. Full of enthusiasm, inspiration, hope and love for the theatre.
So come. Be ready to move.
And be engaged mind and body in this dynamic theatre.
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 actors include collective creation, group writing and devising, the history of ensemble theatre, and community arts practice.
July 4th–July 31st 2009.
Monday–Friday 9:30am–5pm, with independent work on weekends.
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
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.
Ensemble Singing
The class explores choral singing, improvisational singing, and soundscapes. The work focuses on listening and the dynamic of sound.
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.
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.
Instructor Bios
Karen Bassett: ensemble singing
Karen is an actor, improviser and playwright. Karen has worked in professional theatre since graduating from Dalhousie University Acting Program in 1994. A full time member of the acclaimed and dynamic Irondale Ensemble Project theatre company for eight years, she explored collective writing of original theatre pieces and delved in to the classics of Ibsen and Brecht, acting in productions of Galileo and An Enemy of the People. She continues to perform and work with Irondale often. She has performed at Halifax’s Neptune Theatre, and starred as Anne in Manitoba Theatre Centre’s fall 2003 run of The Diary of Anne Frank. Karen is also a six-year member of Halifax’s comedy group the Improv Knights. She is known for her quirky comedic sense and quit witted improvisational skill. In 2005, Irondale premiered Karen’s first independent full-length play, Thrive. Bassett is an intensely musical person. Her training in music and singing, and her love of play and improvisation informs all of her work.
Stephen Cross: Director, acting, acrobatics, conditioning
Stephen Cross is the Artistic Director and founder of The Irondale Ensemble Project in Canada. A native of Halifax, he trained at Ryerson before working at Stratford, and then heading to New York City. As an actor, he became a member of the Irondale Ensemble in New York and worked with them as a performer and teacher. He recognized the range, depth, and value of the work, and in June of 1990 he returned to Halifax and founded the Ensemble here in Canada. He has been the Artistic Director since Irondale’s inception. In this role he leads the ongoing development of the acting company, directs the creation of new theatre works and develops educational and outreach projects. He has led the creation of, and directed all of the original theatre works in the ensemble’s repertoire. He holds and MFA from The Dell Arte International School of Physical Theatre. Currently, Stephen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Theatre at The University of Syracuse. He’ll be returning to Halifax this spring to teach at Irondale’s School of Ensemble Theatre and to work with the ensemble on creating new work.
Stewart Legere: Conditioning & Acro
Stewart’s love of music, dance, writing and performing led him to the world of theatre. Stewart began performing musically at an early age; learning piano, guitar and trumpet. He is a graduate of the Dalhousie University Acting Program. Currently Stewart is a member of Irondale, and is also involved in a project with Zuppa Circus. His work with the ensemble has combined his love of theatre with his desire to be involved in community and social development programs. He is an outspoken advocate for tolerance and education, and strives to use his skills as an actor to participate in theatre that is beautiful, provoking and affirming while being an active and contributing member of the community he lives in. Most recently, Stewart has been working with Zuppa Circus Theatre creating the new musical Poor Boy. In March, Stewart was recognized with The Mayor’s Award for Emerging Artist in Theatre.
Andrea Leigh-Smith: pilates, dance
Andrea lives in Syracuse New York where she teaches at SUNY Cortland in the Department of Performing Arts, at Syracuse University and at Le Moyne College. From 1991 until 2004 Andrea was very active in Halifax's dance and theatre community. She was a lecturer in the Theatre Department at Dalhousie University and Acadia University and taught in Neptune's Pre-professional training program. She is also a Stott certified Pilates Instructor. She has choreographed for Neptune Theatre, The Stephenville Festival, Live Art's New Dance Festival, Kinetic Studio, Dalhousie Theatre Department, MOCEAN Dance and her independent show, ZING! POP! ZAP! As co-founder and choreographer with Irondale Ensemble Project she has been an integral to the development of all of the company's original works. She continues to nurture these relationships when home in Halifax for the summers teaching and creating. In the eighties, she worked extensively in New York City on Broadway and Radio City Music Hall. She has also choreographed and performed Off-Broadway, in regional U.S. theatres, and with national touring companies.
Mara Panacci: yoga
Andrea Ritchie: mask building
Andrea is a Nova Scotia born theatre artist. She has been a member of The Irondale Ensemble Project since joining in 1992 when she designed the costumes for the company’s critically acclaimed theatre work, Bouffe. To date, Ritchie has designed the costumes for all of the ensemble’s more than 30 original theatre and dance works. For many of these pieces, she has also designed the set, or the overall production. These works run the gamut in terms of style, time and place. Andrea relishes creating in this artistic home. Some recent highlights with other theatre companies include the design and creation of costumes for sister company Irondale New York’s production of Hamlet which played in off Broadway in NYC, the costume design for the première in of Catherine Banks Governor General Award winning play Bonecage in Halifax.
Master Tong: Tai Chi
Accommodations
If you’re coming to Halifax to 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.
Application Deadline
Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled. Space is limited, so apply early. To be considered for a subsidized position, you must apply by May 31st (postmarked or emailed).
Program Fees
Tuition Fee: $1400
Mask Materials Fee: $60
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.
Tuition Subsidies
Subsidies of up to 20% are available to Nova Scotia residents and to students currently enrolled in acting programs at Dalhousie University, Acadia University or Syracuse University.
Apply Now
Send your resume along with a cover letter and a reference to:
irondale@irondale.ca
or to
Irondale School of Ensemble Theatre Box 31309 Halifax NS B3K 5Y5
With your application, be sure to include the following information:
- Name
- Address
- Phone
- Email
- Your reference (including position, & contact info)
- Will you be applying for tuition subsidy?
- Will you require need to find housing in Halifax for the workshop?
Questions? Reach us at (902)429-1370 or irondale@irondale.ca.
