Presenter Profile
Aaron Wood
Guest Artist, Casper College
Aaron M. Wood is a choreographer, educator, dancer, and mixed-media designer. From 2007-2014, Aaron danced with the world-renowned Repertory Dance Theatre, where he had the pleasure of performing the works of such dance legends as Merce Cunningham, Glen Tetley, Doris Humphrey, Michio Ito, José Limon, Murray Louis, Daniel Nagrin, Yvonne Rainer, Anna Sokolow, Shapiro & Smith, Charles Widman, and Laura Dean. He has had the opportunity to work with such esteemed teachers/choreographers as Tandy Beal, Ellen Bromberg, Della Davidson, William (Bill) Evans, Abby Fiat, Zvi Gotheiner, Susan Hadley, Satu Hummasti, Andrea Miller, and Peter Pucci. He has performed on stages throughout the US and abroad such as The Joyce Theatre (NYC), The Kennedy Center for Performing Arts (Washington, D.C.); The White Wave Dance Festival (NYC); The American Dance Guild's 50th Anniversary (NYC); The International Choreographer's Showcase (Madrid, Spain). As a freelance dancer, Aaron has guested with Ririe Woodbury Dance Company where he enjoyed performing the works of dance innovator Alwin Nikolais. As a choreographer, his works have been seen internationally and nationally with appearances at the 2015 Beijing International Ballet and Choreography Competition and the 2016 Midwest Regional Alternative Dance Festival. Together, with fellow educator Sarah Donohue, he continues to further his choreographic and performance skills in their emerging dance company My Turkey Sandwich.
Aaron's Workshops
Lyrical Jazz
Beginning, Intermediate / Dance
Through explorations of classical and contemporary jazz dance, dancers will be encouraged to experiment with their own unique movement expression. Use of breath, shifting of weight, and changing levels will be explored in this athletically lyrical jazz dance experience.
Musical Theatre Dance
Beginning, Intermediate / Dance
This workshop in musical theatre dance will explore and develop basic comprehension of musical theatre dance styles, technique, and terminology. Students will learn basic musical theatre dance steps to prepare for future auditions. Styles such as Robbins and Fosse will be taught culminating in a fun and exciting dance number. Students will explore performance skills such as style, projection, focus, energy, movement quality and concentration. No experience is required, just come ready to have fun and dance!
ADDY GREEN
Guest Artist, RELATIVITYS CHOOL
ADDY's Workshops
Taking the Mystery out of Auditioning
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre
The student will have a clearer idea on all of the different types of auditions and a achieve a confidence that will propel them into their next audition. Also, learning the many differences between theatre and film acting for auditions.
Alexander Evert
Guest Artist, Fearless Theatre
Alexander Evert is a Denver-based theatre director, writer, producer and actor. He is a co-founder and Artistic Director of Fearless Theatre. His Fearless directing credits include devised works Young Volcanoes and
I Hope We Can Still Be Friends, as well as bold re-imaginings of Julius Caesar and High School Musical. Fearless Theatre was formed in the summer of 2014 with the mission of producing a wide variety of shows designed to stimulate a new generation of audiences, and providing opportunities to a diverse community of artists. Now entering its fourth season, Fearless is bringing a youthful, political energy to shows including Bent, and King Lear.
Alexander's Workshops
Handling Mature Content on Stage and in Rehearsal
Beginning / Acting, Musical Theatre, Tech
Let’s face it, there’s a lot that high school theatre doesn’t touch. Join members of Fearless Theatre as they break down all of the R-rated stuff that happens onstage after you graduate. Finally, a place where you can ask anything and get an honest answer! When is the right time to include mature content in a scene? How do you rehearse intense scene in a safe environment? How do you protect yourself when doing intense work? Bring questions and mature IE’s!
Alexis Black
Guest Artist, Adams State University
Alexis Black is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre at Adams State University, where she teaches acting, directing, theatrical movement and stage combat. As a professional actor, she has worked with regional theaters, international tours, and in numerous shows in NYC. On the small screen you can find her on AMC and The Discovery Channel.
As a fight director she has choreographed in Europe, South Korea, regionally in the US, for the NY Fringe, Off-Off Broadway, Off Broadway, and served as Assistant Choreographer for Fool for Love on Broadway, starring Sam Rockwell and Nina Arianda.
Alexis received her MFA in Performance Pedagogy with an emphasis in movement from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is a certified teacher in the Michael Chekhov Acting Technique, an associate member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers and a member of Actor's Equity Association.
Alexis's Workshops
Stage Combat: Slapstick vs Brutal
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting
Get "slap happy" while you discover the power of dynamic physical choices in acting. After learning unarmed stage combat skills, different tools and motivations will be explored to change the style of the fight from silly to serious, with the same moves! Have fun, and "fight" your way to techniques that will take your character building and acting choices to a new level.
Allison Watrous
Guest Artist, Denver Center for the Performing Arts
Allison's Workshops
Activate Your Spontaneity through Improv
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting
This fast paced workshop will explore the power and fun of spontaneity. Improve your improv, ignite your presence, activate your entire body, tap into your instincts, and drop into the moment. Don’t just play the middle ground- be bold
The Business of Acting
Advanced / Acting, Musical Theatre
Moving from the classroom or studio into the professional world of theatre work is better when having a goal, a plan, and the best resources possible toward success. You may not always get the job, but with this workshop, you’ll get insights on strategies and best-practices to keep you energized and focused to do what you love.
The Story of Your Song
Intermediate, Advanced / Acting, Musical Theatre
Every great song tells an incredible story! This workshop will explore the vital ingredients to activate the lyrics and text of your song. Don’t miss this opportunity to dive into an acting workshop the focuses completely on the power of lyric. Take your song to the next level!
Andrea Kehler
Guest Artist, Broadway Training Intensive
Andrea Kehler is the Producing Artistic Director of Broadway Training Intensive, and the Marketing Director of Broadway Bound Kids in NYC. She began her professional performing career in her teens when she appeared with the National Tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Andrea has been honored to work along-side legendary entertainers including Ann Reinking, Ben Vereen, Terrence Mann, Alix Korey, and Charlotte d’Amboise. Favorite performing credits include Drama Desk Nominated Cut to the Chase (Little Angela), The Gregory Hines Tribute, How to Succeed… (Hedy La Rue), Cinderella (Anastasia), Nunsense (Sr. Robert Ann), Wizard of Oz (Toto puppeteer), Snoopy (Woodstock), and Peter Pan (Tinkerbell). Directing and choreography credits include Broadway Comes To Denver, Seussical, Dear Edwina, All Shook Up, Bye Bye Birdie, and many more. Andrea trains professional voice teachers to coach acting for songs, is a college audition coach, teaches dance and acting in private lessons and classes, and has taught in many universities, theatre programs, dance studios, and public and private schools across the country.
Andrea's Workshops
Acting Your Song: Take It to the Next Level
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Musical Theatre
Performers need more than a just good voice in order to really bring songs to life. Learn how to make movement easy and natural, layer your songs with an array of emotions and intentions that create depth of character, and tell a compelling story. The skills taught in this workshop allow singers to be in-the-moment, confident, and fresh for every audition and performance. Wherever you are, we'll take your performance to the next level. There will be opportunities for some students to be coached! Please bring recorded accompaniment and a copy of your sheet music.
Monologues: Learn How the Tony Award Winners Do It
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting, Musical Theatre
This master class is the foundation of the Broadway Training Intensive’s acting curriculum. The skills taught in this workshop allow actors to be in-the-moment, confident, and fresh for every audition and performance — they learn tried and tested techniques that give them a polished and professional edge. The workshop introduces concepts utilized by Tony Award winning directors and performers, top musical theatre colleges and universities, and NYC acting studios frequented by working professionals to keep themselves fresh eight shows a week. Wherever you are, we'll take you to the next level. There will be opportunities for some students to be coached on a monologue! Please bring a copy of monologue text if available.
Andrea Moon
Guest Artist, University of Northern Colorado
Andrea Moon is an Associate Professor of Theatre and the head of Theatre Studies at the University of Northern Colorado where she teaches movement and dramatic literature. Andrea is a playwright, performer, poet and teacher. Her theatrical work has been produced at theatres and Universities across the country as well as in Italy and China. Most recently her newest full length play was workshopped by the Apprentice Company at the Actor’s Theatre of Louisville. Her written work has been published by Dramatic Publishing and Applause Books. She has an MFA in Playwriting from the University of Texas at Austin and a PhD in Theatre History and Criticism from the University of Colorado Boulder.
Andrea's Workshops
The Dramatic Self
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting
The most honest art is the art that comes from what we know. At the same time we don't want to put only ourselves onstage again and again. This workshop guides the student through molding their own personal experience into art. Students will re-imagine the stories and people of their life into scenes and monologues using short writing exercises that focus on myth and alternative points of view. Bring something to write with and something to write on.
Andre Rodriguez
Guest Artist, Denver Center for the Performing Arts
Andre Rodriguez–Teaching Artist–Andre is a Teaching Artist at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. After receiving his B.A. in Theatre Education at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC), Andre returned to UNC to earn his M.A. in Theatre Education. Past directing credits include Tarzan: The Musical, Peter and the Starcatcher, Just Like Us (chosen for True West Award), RENT (Bobby G. Award for Best Direction), Avenue Q, Eurydice, In The Heights, Almost, Maine, Xanadu, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and The Laramie Project (selected best play and direction by the Greeley Tribune).
Andre's Workshops
Storytelling Through Hand-to-Hand Combat
Beginning / Acting, Dance
Connect safe best-practice approaches to physical storytelling and experience the tenants of hand-to-hand stage combat. Punch, slap, fall, and more! Isolate each move then combine these into a movement sequence with a focus on strong partnership. These moments on stage move each story forward and this class will do just the same for the students involved!
Anne Toewe
Guest Artist, University of Northern Colorado
Dr. ANNE M TOEWE is a Professor of Theatre Arts with her specialty in Costume Design. Dr. Toewe joined the faculty in the School of Theatre Arts and Dance in 2003 where she serves as the Resident Costume Designer and the Head of Design and Technology, as well as the Production Manager for UNC’s Little Theatre of the Rockies in the summers. Since her arrival at UNC Dr. Toewe has enjoyed the opportunity to design costumes for a broad variety of productions, including Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Jekyll and Hyde, Titanic, My Fair Lady, and The Elephant Man, to name a few. In 2009, Dr. Toewe made her directorial debut at UNC with STAD’s production of Eclipsed. Prior to her arrival in Colorado, Dr. Toewe designed and taught in a variety of venues on the east coast, including theatre, opera, film, print, and television. While designing in Miami, FL, Dr. Toewe received a Carbonelle award for Best Costume Design for GableStage’s production of The Dead. Prior to her residence in Florida Dr. Toewe worked as a project manager at the notable Broadway costume build house Parsons-Mears. Dr. Toewe holds her bachelor’s degree in Biology from The College of William and Mary in Virginia, her MFA in Costume Design from Tulane University in New Orleans, and her PhD from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Additionally, in 2014, she published her first book, “Flowers in the Desert”: Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas 1998-2012. She is also a member of United Scenic Artist local #829.
No Workshops Found
Annika Merkel
Guest Artist
Annika is a graduate of UNC's Acting Program and of the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. While living in New York City, she earned her SAG card and sang with some of broadways finest in the Stars of Broadway Chorus for the Drama League. Her return to Denver resulted in her being cast in the Denver Premiere of the musical 'Bonnie and Clyde' as Bonnie Parker herself. She has since been cast in the Regional Premiere of 'The Toxic Avenger' and has fronted cover bands performing at weddings, festivals and corporate events around Colorado. She has also adjudicated for the Bobby G program for the last three years. She has a passion for coaching high school musical theatre and is thrilled to be back with the Thespians!
No Workshops Found
Becca Postma
Guest Artist, Arapahoe Libraries
Becca is a Programming Specialist with Arapahoe Libraries where she leads monthly theater workshops. During her time in the Denver area, she has guest taught with Rocky Mountain Theatre for Kids and the Actors Academy for the Performing Arts in both Denver and Boulder. Graduating from CU Boulder in 2013 with degrees in English, Theatre Performance, and Secondary Education, she taught Drama at Abraham Lincoln High School for three years, and during that time, she was a founding member of the Colorado Alliance of Technical Theatre Educators (CATTE). Over the past two years, she has also worked with the Englewood Drama Program on community productions supporting arts education for the Englewood School District.
Becca's Workshops
Shakespeare Crash Course
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting
Tromping the boards with the Bard can be intimidating. In this crash course, learn basic Shakespearean acting techniques from movement to breaking down the language. We'll have some fun with Shakespearean insults, interpret lines for their modern meanings, and perform a Shakespeare scene with ease! With presenters Becca Postma and Natalie Kuypers from Arapahoe Libraries.
Step Up for Step In Time! Learning Tap Techniques
Beginning, Intermediate / Dance
Come join us for an introduction to some basic tap dance steps! We will talk about DIY alternatives to tap shoes and a bit about how tap can be integrated with Musical Theater and Broadway style dance. Put your stepping to the test by learning a routine for a dance break in the song "Step In Time" from Broadway hit "Mary Poppins." All skill levels welcome.
Beth Osnes
Guest Artist, Unviersity of Colorado Boulder
No Workshops Found
Blake Babbitt
Guest Artist, 383 Productions
Blake is a graduate of Denver School of the Arts and the University of Northern Colorado’s Acting programs. Blake is currently the Associate Director of Recruitment for the New York Film Academy. Additionally, Blake is the founder of 383 Productions, an independent film production company headquartered in Brooklyn, NY. Recent projects include an indie short Sunday 1287 and a feature length documentary I Heart Jenny. Blake also occasionally directs plays. In his New York directorial debut Blake won a ‘best play’ award for his direction of emerging playwright Josh Billig’s Benefit of Friends at the American Globe Theatre. Blake’s Off-Broadway acting credits include Baylis in Blackbird, Berowne from Love’s Labors Lost in the 45th Street Theatre’s annual Shakespeare Festival, and Joe/Syrup in the premiere Dan Savage’s of Seeking Savage Love at the Laurie Beechman Theatre. Blake has also worked closely with Oscar and Tony Award Nominee Murray Schisgal (Tootsie) on a reading of his new play Wallstreet Fandango. Other past theatre credits include roles in Flags, A Servant of Two Masters, Suburbia, Lover’s and Other Strangers, and The Complete Works Of William Shakespeare. TV and Film credits include Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX), Mr. Wiskers (web series), Bottom Feeders (web series), and Passed Over (web series).
Blake's Workshops
Improv and Acting-From Stage to Screen
Intermediate / Acting
Improv and Acting-From Stage to Screen: is a workshop emphasizing acting in theatre, improv, film, television, and commercials. Participants will begin the workshop by being guided through a variety of techniques and exercises aimed at relaxing and concentrating the actor. From there, participants will have the opportunity improv both for the theatre and on-camera. Additionally, participants with be guided through a variety of on-camera exercises and scenes- including given circumstances and close-up exercises. Through the use of a digital camera and television, attendees will have the opportunity to view on-camera performances live. The workshop will also go over the tools of the acting and filmmaking industry necessary to becoming a working actor. The intended audience is for High School and College students who are interested in developing on-camera techniques.
Bosco Simmons
Guest Artist, PivotPoint
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No Workshops Found
Brian Curl
Guest Artist
No Workshops Found
Brian Hapcic
Guest Artist, University of Northern Colorado
Brian Hapcic is a Professor of lighting and sound design at the University of Northern Colorado. He has worked in the entertainment industry for over twenty-five years, with nearly 250 design credits in multiple performance genres. Brian has a BA in English from Ohio University, and an MFA in Design and Technology from the University of Montana. He is a member of USITT and I.A.T.S.E. local #339. In 2004 he was awarded the KCACTF faculty fellowship for meritorious achievement as a professor of lighting design, and in 2015, his scenography for the UNCO production of Medea was selected for presentation at the Prague Quadrennial of Performance Space and Design. His current research interests focus on the use of projected media as light source in performance, as well as the use of projection and sound in performance installations.
Brian's Workshops
Intro to Qlab – How to build a cue stack
Beginning / Tech
An introduction to the software program Q-lab. This workshop will demonstrate the basic functions for building a cue stack of audio and/or video cues for use in live productions.
LED Lighting Integration 101
Beginning / Tech
This is a workshop for Teachers who are looking for ways to integrate LED Lighting Technology into their current lighting infrastructure. We will discuss the basics of legacy lighting systems, resources for identifying information about your home spaces, and how LED technology works and fits into your current systems.
Brian McManus
Guest Artist, Improv YA(Y)
Brian received a BFA in Theater Performance from the University of Colorado. He has studied and performed the art of improvisation for 20 years, including five years in New York with the Upright Citizens Brigade, The People’s Improv Theater, the renowned Armando Diaz and more. He performed locally with Impulse Theater for five years, and as a cast member for several seasons of the Denver Center’s Off-Center show Cult Following. He is currently a cast member of the brand new Denver Comedy Sportz at the Avenue Theater. Brian teaches improv classes for teens and adults at the Denver Center Academy, presents workshops annually at the Colorado High School Thespian Conference and Jeffco Improv Festival and acts as a guest teacher at many schools in the region including Lakewood High School, Smoky Hill High School, Mountain Ridge Middle School, Castle Pines/American Academy, Discovery Canyon, and more.
Brian's Workshops
Improv Boot Camp
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting
Come learn the basics of improv and/or strengthen your foundation. Through a number of short form games and long form structures we will work out the three major tenets of improv - Yes, and..., avoid questions, and don't try to be funny. Be ready to get up and play.
Improv Firestarter
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting
The beginning of any improvised scene is the most crucial part. A strong choice can launch the scene whereas "kinda" offers can be confusing and slow things down too much. Through different exercises and short form improv games. we will try a number of different ways to ignite scenes like with solid characters, dynamic relationships, engaging in the environment and more. Be ready to get up and play.
Keeping it Real with Improv
Intermediate, Advanced / Acting
Sure, part of improv is making silly, zany choices and working with your scene partner to help justify and make sense of The Weird. But portraying real characters that are grounded in reality can often take your scenes to greater heights and result in bigger laughs. Bring your long form skills and come see how real-life characters can take your improv to the next level.
Bud Coleman
Guest Artist, University of Colorado Boulder
Bud's Workshops
Get Your Groove On! Musical Theatre Dance Workshop
Beginning / Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre
No dance experience necessary; come prepared to move, sweat, and have fun. Learn the choreography to a musical number from a Broadway musical!
Carlos Botran
Guest Artist, PivotPoint
I enjoy parasailing and zygodacts.
Carlos's Workshops
Building a site with OceanWP theme
Intermediate / Tech
OceanWP Nulla suscipit turpis urna, vitae tincidunt quam ullamcorper id. Vestibulum scelerisque est non vrius euismod. Quisque porttitor at orci sit amet consectetur. Nullam euismod luctus augue ac commodo. Sed non dui sit amet risus pretium commodo. Duis ultrices nec ex sit amet pharetra. Sed varius ultrices diam, nec imperdiet velit commodo sed. Mauris in tellus ut magna mattis gravida sit amet nec mi. Sed vitae placerat neque. Quisque molestie turpis ipsum, nec bibendum urna mollis et. Donec tempus euismod egestas. Sed sit amet nibh finibus, imperdiet elit ac, dictum diam.
Elementor for Beginners
Beginning / Tech
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GDRP Compliance
Advanced / Tech
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Mail.app for Beginners
Beginning / Tech
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Toolset for Beginners
Beginning / Tech
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Toolset for Experts
Advanced / Tech
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Carmel Alston
Guest Artist
's Workshops
LED – Before you Buy, How to Install
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Tech
The challenge in selecting and buying LED fixtures for your school program can be overwhelming. With this workshop we will go through the features you must have and the ones you can wait for. We will go through installation process, to make sure you do it right the first time. Join us for some practical ins and outs.
Cherity Koepke
Guest Artist, Opera Colorado
Cherity Koepke: Director of the Opera Colorado Young Artist Program
Ms. Koepke was drawn to music at an early age. A lyric soprano, she began singing at the age of 15 and has performed such roles as Eponine and Fantine (Les Misérables), Guinevere (Camelot), Maria (The Sound of Music) and The Baker’s Wife (Into the Woods). In 2004, Ms. Koepke won the prestigious Thespian Tribute award for her performance of Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady. She attended the University of New Mexico, where she earned a double Masters in Vocal Performance and Child Psychology & Behavioral Studies. Ms. Koepke also minored in theater, receiving additional training in directing and improvisation. In 2001, Ms. Koepke began working as a behavior specialist with the Albuquerque Public School System where she incorporated her training in music and theater into her student’s curriculum. She continued to study theatre, becoming a Shakespearian trained actor through the Addison program in Houston, TX. She has performed such roles as Katherine (Taming of the Shrew), Ophelia (Hamlet) and Beatrice (Much Ado About Nothing). In 2002, she joined the Santa Fe Opera as an artist-in-residence where she performed various roles throughout New Mexico including Norma (Norma), Liu (Turandot), Musetta (La bohème) and Gretel (Hänsel und Gretel). In 2006, Ms. Koepke began to focus her career in stage directing. Well-versed in the genres of opera, musicals and theater, Ms. Koepke has directed productions such as The Cunning Little Vixen, Madama Butterfly, A Little Night Music, The Pirates of Penzance, Inherit the Wind, The Tempest and A Lion in Winter.
Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Ms. Koepke joined Opera Colorado in 2007, where she serves as the Director of the Opera Colorado Young Artist Program. In addition to abridging and designing productions for the company’s Opera on Tour program, she has served as stage director for Opera Colorado’s touring productions of Gounod’s Romeo and Juliette, Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel, Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, Bizet’s Carmen and Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love. In 2012, Koepke directed the student matinee production of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. In February of 2015, Koepke directed the world premiere concert reading of Lori Laitman’s The Scarlet Letter and in 2016, Ms. Koepke served as artistic director for the 10th Anniversary Gala of the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. In the summer of 2017, she made her debut with Opera Steamboat as the stage director for Jonathan Dove’s, The Enchanted Pig.
Cherity's Workshops
The Singing Actor
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting, Musical Theatre
Have you ever wanted to audition for a musical but you don’t think you can sing? Some of the best performers aren’t necessarily the best singers. Sometimes it’s the performance that counts. There’s an art to selling a song and you can learn how. Come and learn tips and tricks to help you make the most of your voice and give a great performance. No singing experience is required.
Vocal Boot Camp
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting, Musical Theatre
How do you keep your voice healthy? What are the best ways to warm up? How do you extend your range or keep your voice from cracking? How do you prepare to speak or sing for a performance? These and many other questions will be answered through this interactive workshop. Participants will learn professional technique in everything from breath control to dynamics, singing and speaking with emotion and beyond. No singing experience is required.
Chip Persons
Guest Artist, University of Colorado Boulder
Chip Persons appeared in: Švejk and Andorra with Theatre for a New Audience; Hell: Paradise Found at 59E59; Foodstable at HERE; Cold at Bank Street Theatre; Richard III at La MaMa ETC; and Godard at the Ohio Theatre. Credits elsewhere include: the title roles in Richard II and Richard II, Angelo in Measure for Measure, Dogberry in Much Ado About Nothing, and Bob Ewell in To Kill a Mockingbird at the Colorado Shakespeare Festival; Lee Blessing’s solo play, Chesapeake; Oscar Wilde in Gross Indecency; Richard Rich in A Man for All Seasons at the Arvada Center; the Old Globe Theatre; Lamb’s Players Theatre; Stories On Stage; and Write Out Loud. Chip was an expatriate in Prague during the 1990s and continues to perform there, where credits include: HoME Theatre; Misery Loves Co. (including the Eastern European premiere of Angels in America); Kašpar Theatre; and Theatre on the Balustrade. His screen credits include Law & Order and network commercials. Chip’s on the Advisory Board of Culture Current in Helsinki, the Artistic Ensemble of Boulder Ensemble Theatre Co., and the faculty of the University of Colorado. He holds an MFA from Columbia University and BFA from UC Santa Barbara.
Chip's Workshops
‘Ello Guv’nr! Applying the IPA in Dialect Work
Beginning / Acting
We will work with the International Phonetic Alphabet and use it to learn the beginnings of a Standard British Dialect. Come prepared to have fun!
Chris Cheline
Guest Artist, Douglas County School District
I have been in the video business since 2000. Much of my experience has come from working daily in television news and in school districts as a Photojournalist – telling people's stories through video every day.
I spent 2000 – 2008 working as a Photojournalist in Colorado Springs and then Denver. Every day was a new story. My job was to make it interesting. I took a break from the news business for four years to learn the production side of things. I produced commercials and promotional videos.
My love of storytelling eventually drew me back into the news business at KUSA in Denver. I worked alongside some of the most talented people in the industry. I have won three Emmys, three Edward R. Murrow awards, Colorado Broadcaster's Association awards, and several Nation Press Photographer Association (nationally and regionally) awards through the years.
These days I am telling the stories of the amazing students in the Douglas County School District. It's a perfect fit having three boys with my wife that are or will be in the district.
No Workshops Found
Chris Parr
Guest Artist, St Vrain Theatre Company
Chris Parr, is the Executive Director of the St Vrain Theatre Company. He has worked with dance companies, high school theatre companies, and community theatres all over the state. Helping them with everything from set design and stage management to ticket sales and social media promotion. He is also an accomplished actor and director.
Chris's Workshops
Making Social Media Work For You & Your Show
Beginning, Intermediate / Tech
Workshop participants will learn how to market and publicize their show both in the community and with in their school. As so not to rely on newspapers. How to use FB and other social media to their advantage and how to create unique posters and photos for use within their community both in and out of the school. As well as how to make YouTube work for you and the rules within to show off the show. How to make FB, Instagram, Twitter, Apps and hashtags work for you. The workshop will cover the basics of social media and marketing as well as online ticket sales.
Next Level Marketing
Intermediate, Advanced / Tech
Workshop participants will learn how to take their marketing and publicity of shows from 'Ho Hum' to 'OMG'. You will learn everything from how to use Facebook Live well, how to manage your page and connect it to your Instagram page and make it all work together and get your potential audience member to your online ticket site. As well as how to take your basics posters, programs and headshots to the next level. As well as how to tie it all together so it has one theme and look. Their will also be time at the end to ask questions on how to promote your upcoming show or program as a whole.
Social Media and the Teacher (Teacher Workshop)
Advanced / Tech
TEACHERS & PARENTS ONLY! This workshop is for teachers and parents. Have you wondered how you can do all of the things on social media to promote your show without being 'FB friends' with your students? We will show you tips and tricks at how to make it work. As well as how to promote your show, understand the difference between a profile, page and a group. As well as how to use the dreaded online ticket system that sends shivers up your spine. The workshop will presented and then a large portion of time will be devoted to ask questions and show you how to work with in your districts social media (or lack off) policies.
Theatre In Strange Places (Guerrilla Theatre)
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting, Tech
Workshop participants will learn how to perform and rehearse theatre in odd places. How you can take your show on the road. How you could actually do the show in a coffeeshop, even on a street corner, in an amphitheater, even in a remote corner of your school or in 24 hours. As well as the newest concept of Theatre on the Move. Chris Parr and members of the St Vrain Theatre Company have become experts in the idea of theatre in strange places or GUERRILLA Theatre.
Christopher Blackwell
Guest Artist
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No Workshops Found
Colorado State Thespians
Guest Artist, Educational Theatre Association
Colorado State Thespian Board is excited to offer workshops that advance the students knowledge about the Individual Events Process, and the University Scholarship process. Students will hear from the adjudicators and organizers of these events, and be provided with useful advice to support their participation in the conference experience.
Colorado State's Workshops
Adult Breakfast and Keynote
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre, Tech
Join Colorado State Thespian Board members for an exciting gathering with updates from the field, announcements for the future and a delicious breakfast hosted by Center Plate Catering. As always, Colorado Thespians will have their famous raffle opportunities for the attendees - our way of saying thank you for the work you do daily.
Each year Colorado State Thespians brings in a stimulating guest speaker to encourage the passionate work that each of you are contributing to the field. Make room in your Thescon schedule to attend this event. Special introduction by the president of the Educational Theatre Association, Mrs. Debby Corbin, from Branson, MO.
Perfecting you Individual Event: Musical Theatre
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting, Musical Theatre
Perfecting you Individual Event: Musical Theatre
The adjudicators for this event will present key mistakes that students make in and out of the Musical Theatre Individual Event. Learn from your judges what makes a Superior performance. There is always time to refine your performance, don't miss this opportunity to get tips from the professionals.
Perfecting you Individual Event: Tech Theatre
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Tech
Perfecting you Individual Event: Tech Theatre
The adjudicators for this event will present key mistakes that students make in and out of the Tech Theatre Individual Event. Learn from your judges what makes a Superior performance. There is always time to refine your performance, don't miss this opportunity to get tips from the professionals.
Perfecting your Individual Event: Acting
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting, Musical Theatre
Perfecting you Individual Event: Acting
The adjudicators for this event will present key mistakes that students make in and out of the Acting Individual Event. Learn from your judges what makes a Superior performance. There is always time to refine your performance, don't miss this opportunity to get tips from the professionals.
Senior Thespian Officers – Act up and Move with Purpose.
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre
This workshop will introduce you to what an STO is and how you can be one in the future. The senior STO's will take you through some of their favorite theatre exercises and share with you the ropes of what the high school experience is like. Come join the fun and activities, to learn more about yourself and the role you can play in the future.
Short Film Screening
Intermediate / Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre, Tech
Each Colorado State Thespians receives some outstanding film in the Individual Event Short Film category. This is our opportunity to share the films that were submitted, and share some oral conversations to support the directors and young filmmakers. Observers are welcome to attend, and enjoy the creativity that Colorado's film students have submitted. Your hosts for the session will be Lanny Boyer and Jeremy Goldson.
So you want to be an STO? Information Meeting.
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre, Tech
You have seen them on stage, and you have seen them working conferences - now you think you want to make that big leap and apply? This session will gather together the current STO's to share what the position is like, and what they do during the course of the year. The group will give you hints to the application process, and suggestions on how to make your application stand out. Please note, you do not have to attend this session in order to apply to be an STO.
Tech Challenge
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Tech
Get ready for a fast, furious, and fun Tech Challenge experience! Register online for one of the two sessions taking place on Saturday morning, for the chance to compete in the following events: Ground Plan Tape down, Light Hang and Focus, Props Strike and Set, Knot a Rigging problem, and Costume dresser.
Prizes will be given at the Closing Ceremonies for each event and also for the best time and accuracy overall. Any school can participate in the Technical Challenge, but you can only sign up for one of the two sessions.
Tech Theatre Boot Camp – Lighting 101
Beginning / Tech
Annual theatre technician boot camp for young theatre technicians is slated for the Annual Colorado State Thespian Conference. Tech Boot Camp is a special series of intensive workshops for serious high school theatre techies. This is an opportunity second to none that will provide students with basic training in specific areas of technical theatre. Thescon Tech will repeat every year, with similar content, advancing the skills of theatre technicians. Presenters will showcase updates and new equipment innovations in technology, however the main focus is to provide a systematic technical training for schools to utilize. Industry professionals are scheduled to lead the sessions. Selected for their experience and ability to train others, these professionals bring the very best information, advice and tips and tricks to each session ensuring tech theatre students are all starting with the same skills, knowledge, and safety practices.
Tech Theatre Boot Camp – Lighting 102
Intermediate / Tech
Annual theatre technician boot camp for young theatre technicians is slated for the Annual Colorado State Thespian Conference 2017. Tech Boot Camp is a special series of intensive workshops for serious high school theatre techies. This is an opportunity second to none that will provide students with basic training in specific areas of technical theatre. Thescon Tech will repeat every year, with similar content, advancing the skills of theatre technicians. Presenters will showcase updates and new equipment innovations in technology, however the main focus is to provide a systematic technical training for schools to utilize. Industry professionals are scheduled to lead the sessions. Selected for their experience and ability to train others, these professionals bring the very best information, advice and tips and tricks to each session ensuring tech theatre students are all starting with the same skills, knowledge, and safety practices.
Tech Theatre Boot Camp – Lighting 103
Advanced / Tech
Annual theatre technician boot camp for young theatre technicians is slated for the Annual Colorado State Thespian Conference 2017. Tech Boot Camp is a special series of intensive workshops for serious high school theatre techies. This is an opportunity second to none that will provide students with basic training in specific areas of technical theatre. Thescon Tech will repeat every year, with similar content, advancing the skills of theatre technicians. Presenters will showcase updates and new equipment innovations in technology, however the main focus is to provide a systematic technical training for schools to utilize. Industry professionals are scheduled to lead the sessions. Selected for their experience and ability to train others, these professionals bring the very best information, advice and tips and tricks to each session ensuring tech theatre students are all starting with the same skills, knowledge, and safety practices.
Tech Theatre Boot Camp – Sound 101
Beginning / Tech
Annual theatre technician boot camp for young theatre technicians is slated for the Annual Colorado State Thespian Conference 2017. Tech Boot Camp is a special series of intensive workshops for serious high school theatre techies. This is an opportunity second to none that will provide students with basic training in specific areas of technical theatre. Thescon Tech will repeat every year, with similar content, advancing the skills of theatre technicians. Presenters will showcase updates and new equipment innovations in technology, however the main focus is to provide a systematic technical training for schools to utilize. Industry professionals are scheduled to lead the sessions. Selected for their experience and ability to train others, these professionals bring the very best information, advice and tips and tricks to each session ensuring tech theatre students are all starting with the same skills, knowledge, and safety practices.
Tech Theatre Boot Camp – Sound 102
Intermediate / Tech
Annual theatre technician boot camp for young theatre technicians is slated for the Annual Colorado State Thespian Conference 2017. Tech Boot Camp is a special series of intensive workshops for serious high school theatre techies. This is an opportunity second to none that will provide students with basic training in specific areas of technical theatre. Thescon Tech will repeat every year, with similar content, advancing the skills of theatre technicians. Presenters will showcase updates and new equipment innovations in technology, however the main focus is to provide a systematic technical training for schools to utilize. Industry professionals are scheduled to lead the sessions. Selected for their experience and ability to train others, these professionals bring the very best information, advice and tips and tricks to each session ensuring tech theatre students are all starting with the same skills, knowledge, and safety practices.
Tech Theatre Boot Camp – Sound 103
Advanced / Tech
Annual theatre technician boot camp for young theatre technicians is slated for the Annual Colorado State Thespian Conference 2017. Tech Boot Camp is a special series of intensive workshops for serious high school theatre techies. This is an opportunity second to none that will provide students with basic training in specific areas of technical theatre. Thescon Tech will repeat every year, with similar content, advancing the skills of theatre technicians. Presenters will showcase updates and new equipment innovations in technology, however the main focus is to provide a systematic technical training for schools to utilize. Industry professionals are scheduled to lead the sessions. Selected for their experience and ability to train others, these professionals bring the very best information, advice and tips and tricks to each session ensuring tech theatre students are all starting with the same skills, knowledge, and safety practices.
Theatre Games for Actors
Beginning / Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre, Tech
Nothing beats a great theatre game, which includes fun and a lesson to help support the onstage and offstage presence of theatre professionals. Join us for this exciting workshop lead by the Colorado State Thespian Officers. Learn what it means to be an officer and how you can start planning your leadership role with Colorado State Thespians. Be prepared to move around the room, and create your space in theatre.
Tour: Denver Center for the Performing Arts
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre, Tech
Receive a back stage look into the magic world of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Your guide will be Jill Schwager, as you take a look at the back stage areas of The Stage Theatre and the Space Theatre within the Denver Center Performing Arts Complex. Please arrive early for this tour, lines form outside of the registration room 101. Limited to 25 participants per tour.
University Scholarship Auditions: Q & A
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre, Tech
Scholarship Auditions can be a scary moment for any participating senior, this session will reveal the details of your journey. Students will be able to ask everything they ever wanted to know, before entering into the Audition setting this weekend. Hosted by the Colorado Thespian Audition Coordinator, students will be walked through proper slating and audition etiquette. If you are auditioning, make sure you attend this risk free opportunity to get your questions answered. Remember, there are no stupid questions.
Courtney Kochuba
Guest Artist, Samuel French
Originally from Pittsburgh, Courtney has been part of the New York theatre scene for the past decade. In addition to local and regional acting, she has worked in marketing and development roles at several Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters, including Circle in the Square and Atlantic Theater Company. Joining the Samuel French team in 2013, Courtney serves as the Marketing Manager for Social Media and Community, managing social media engagement (@SamuelFrenchNYC), editing Breaking Character Magazine (breakingcharactermagazine.com), and producing community events. Proud alum of Carnegie Mellon University. Twitter and Instagram: @courtkochuba.
MORE ABOUT SAMUEL FRENCH
Samuel French is the world’s leading publisher and licensor of plays and musicals. The company’s catalog features some of the most acclaimed work ever written for the stage and titles by writers at the forefront of contemporary drama. Samuel French is proud to have served as a leader in theatrical publishing and licensing for over 180 years and is committed to the future by championing for playwrights, innovating the industry, and celebrating all those who make theatre around the world.
Courtney's Workshops
Identity in Theatre: Proposing Relevant Radical Shows at your School
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting, Musical Theatre, Tech
The issues of identity, inclusion and representation onstage are ongoing issues within our theatre community. What is the best way for a high school to approach these topics, while still being appropriate to their audiences? Join Samuel French for a discussion about what topics need to be seen onstage, recommended shows to achieve that goal, marketing tips, and more.
Danial Hiester
Guest Artist, Teaching Artist
Dan Hiester is a professional theatre artist and educator who has been working in Colorado theatre for the past four decades. He worked as a director and casting director at the Denver Center Theatre Company, founded and was the Artistic Director of CityStage Ensemble, is the chief resident director for Shakespeare-in-the-Sangres and L’Alliance & Co, and has worked as a director, actor, writer, producer, and designer at venues all over Colorado and on the East Coast. He has presented and directed over 300 theatre workshops in over 50 venues, is q working teaching artist, and regularly teaches at UCD.
Danial's Workshops
Character Study for Actors
Intermediate / Acting
The workshop will start with a detailed presentation giving insight to a thorough and profound process in developing a character for performance in a production. Students will have the chance to discover and explore a wide range of the theatrical approaches and choices available to them for bringing a character to life and to performance level. This will be followed by an inter-active discussion allowing students to share their experience and ask questions and seek advice for their own work.
Romeo And Juliet — Fate and Feud
Beginning, Intermediate / Acting
This play is one of the best known and most loved in the world and one of the most frequently produced, especially in high schools and colleges. This workshop gives an exciting and entertaining insight to this important work. We will explore the background and context of its writing, the important issues, images, and themes, the amazing story, and the rich and fascinating characters. A must for all who want to know how to read and understand Shakespeare's plays.
Scene Study for Actors
Beginning / Acting
Working from a short scene from the beginning of a complex modern drama (“Biederman and the Firebugs” by Max Frisch), we will explore how to interpret that scene as a basis for the development of an interpretation for the play. We'll further make connections to how this process works for understanding and working with any scene from any play. This workshop is highly inter-active.
Darrell Wagner
Guest Artist, Casper College
Darrell is very excited to return for a second year with the Theater and Dance faculty at Casper College after designing the costumes for summer productions of Godspell, Legally Blonde and Footloose. He has a degree in Costume Design with a minor in vocal performance from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. His work in professional theater has taken him on 20 national tours to 49 states and 6 countries on two continents as Wardrobe Supervisor for the tours of ANNIE, Cats, West Side Story, Rent, The Sound of Music, and Chita Rivera: The Dancer’s Life. He was the Star Dresser for the First National Tour of Jersey Boys (completing 648 performances). Darrell toured as a hair and make-up assistant on the second First National Tour of The Producers for two-and-a-half years. Darrell has been lucky enough to work with Chita Rivera and Ann-Margaret.
He designed the costumes for Jim Olm’s The Magdalene, which ran Off Broadway. Darrell was commissioned to design the costumes at Casper College for the world premiere of Arthur Giron’s St. Francis in Egypt. His work as a costume designer includes Music Man, West Side Story, Godspell, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.
In his “off time,” he climbed Mt Fuji and learned to scuba dive off the coast of Hong Kong. He is blessed with a very patient and understanding family and several special friends that have allowed him to “run away and join the circus” as each opportunity presents itself.
No Workshops Found
David Saphier
Guest Artist, Denver Center for the Performing Arts
David is in his 13th year as a DCPA Education teacher. Before moving to Denver, he interned in education departments at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, and The Coterie Theatre. He was last seen on the stage as Sir Andrew Aguecheek in Twelfth Night for the Denver Victorian Playhouse. This summer, he directed A Twelfth Night for the Teen Performance Program. David received his BA at The Colorado College and his MFA in Theatre for Youth at Arizona State University.
David's Workshops
Character Biography
Beginning, Intermediate / Acting, Tech
Expand your knowledge about your character by combining improvisation, writing and dramaturgy to create a character biography. Take the information you know from the script or the monologue you are working on and use it to write a short biography about your character.
Dee Covington
Guest Artist, Curious Theatre Company
Dee Covington is a founder of Curious Theatre Company, now celebrating its 20th Anniversay Season. As an artist at Curious, Dee serves as an actress, director and the Education Director of the innovative high school/college playwriting program, Curious New Voices. Curious Theatre Company produces regional and world premieres with social and political relevance, illuminating community concerns and providing avenues to insight and deeper discussion. As an artist, Dee brings this goal of mission-driven theatre-making into all aspects of the creative process. Other theatre work includes Artistic Director of Break the Cycle; a touring teen theatre company creating devised work to address community concerns and Artistic Director of Synergy's On The Ball Players; a touring teen theatre company housed in a homeless and runaway youth shelter in Kansas City, MO. Now at Curious Theatre Company Dee is committed to making Curious an artistic home for young artists as they expand their knowledge of the field and develop their own creative voices.
Dee's Workshops
Playwriting Your Revolution
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting
In this playwriting workshop we will provide exercises and opportunities for writers to deepen their creative process and create material that takes risks and sheds light. Ultimately, if it matters deeply to you it will resonate with the world. Together we will explore ways to keep ourselves honest as writers, even if our characters may be slightly deceptive. Bring paper. Come ready to write your own.
Donna Mejia
Guest Artist, University of Colorado Boulder
No Workshops Found
Ed Reggi
Guest Artist, Guest Artist
Ed's Workshops
Decoding Viola Spolin’s Theater Games!
Advanced / Acting
Viola Spolin’s writings and philosophy influenced not only American theatre, television, and film, but the American theatre classroom. But few students and teachers understand how to decode her theatre games. In this workshop, participants will decode the key principles behind Spolin’s theatre games and the critical role the side-coach plays in teaching theatre. Experiencing Yes...And, Give and Take, Emerging Who, and other Spolin theatre games, participants become better acquainted with the most overlooked parts of Spolin’s pedagogy. This workshop is geared for the advanced improv student and/or educator who wants to take a deeper dive into Viola Spolin's theater games.
Improv a Musical
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting, Musical Theatre
Did you know Broadway and Off-Broadway musicals like [title of show], Urinetown, and Forbidden Broadway were all originally generated from improvised short scenes in front of a live audience? Learn the skills and techniques that can allow an ensemble to make up their own musical performance on the fly—a terrific opportunity for singers and non-singers. Excellent opportunity for those students interested in playwriting, composing and/or creating lyrics for new musicals. Gain more confidence for musical auditions!
Improv a Play
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting
A two-person show is one of the most powerful forms of good theatre and television. Perform like Key and Peele or Nichols and May! Learn how to improvise an original two-person play in front of a live audience. Discover the skills and techniques for telling a story without telling jokes or creating punchlines. Stories start and end with powerful and interesting relationships between characters. This workshop will certainly challenge both the novice and master improv actor.
Improv This!
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting
Improv is all about being totally 100% in the moment! In this workshop, we will learn new techniques and new games that will directly help us become more present on stage to our fellow scene partners and improv ensemble. We will learn newly created improv games, quickly and in a way that fosters more energy and urgency. The results will help your improv skills and increase your stage confidence.
Theater Games for the Classroom
Beginning / Acting
Come learn how it all started--Viola Spolin Theater Games! Learn improv games that build an ensemble, explore characters, and investigate invisible locations on stage. We will also explore how we can always adapt and perform existing stories using Spolin's Theater Games. This workshop allows students to stretch their acting muscles using Viola Spolin's Theater Games while they begin to discover the art of storytelling and improvisation.
Elise's Workshops
Casting for Scale Models and Full-Sized Props
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Tech
This workshop will present a variety of ways to duplicate items large and small for theatre productions and scale models, using techniques we’ve employed at Colorado State University as well as working on regional and Broadway and Off-Broadway shows.
Students will leave with (cast copies) of their severed fingers.
Elizabeth Rand
Guest Artist, PRESETT
Beth Rand is a high school theatre Operations and Safety Coach and a Lighting Designer. She recently moved to the area from Seattle and is now based in Westminster. Beth began her technical theatre career at her own high school theatre and has worked in educational and professional technical theatre for over 30 years. Most recently Beth served as a High School Theatre Manager for the past 7 years, and has been designing lights for school plays and musicals for over 20 years. She has also consulted on the construction and/or equipment upgrades of several school theatres. Beth now teaches an online course for Drama teachers on High School Theatre Management, and offers other services to high school theatres through her company PRESETT. Beth’s bachelor’s degree is in Stage Lighting and her master’s degree is in Entertainment Business. She has teaching certification in Theatre Arts and also is available to sub for area Drama teachers. Beth can be contacted through www.PRESETT.org.
Elizabeth's Workshops
CYA (Cover Your Actors-and-techies): Safety Policies and Practics for School Theatres
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Tech
Nobody knows more than a Drama teacher that a high school theatre is one of the most dangerous places in a school that students have access to, and that safety is the most fundamental concern. As such it is important to be able to evidence that you have provided the safest possible environment; complete with policies, procedures, trainings, notices, and documentation. This presentation will address fall protection, counterweight system operations, scene shop safety and other hazards found in school theatres. You will discover what policies and procedures you should have in place in your school theatre - regardless of the size and state of your facility - that safeguard personal safety, protect property, and mitigate liability, and most importantly perhaps prevent what could have been a more serious accident from happening.
Emma Dehner
Guest Artist, St Vrain Theatre Company
Emma Dehner is an accomplished make up artist. She has worked with several companies all over the state but works primarily with the Longmont Theatre Company and the St Vrain Theatre Company. She is elementary teacher in the St Vrain Valley School District. She most recently taught her makeup skills at the Colorado Community Theatre Collation Festival.
No Workshops Found
Estee Dechtman
Guest Artist, International Thespian Officer (EdTA)
Estee Dechtman is an International Thespian Officer and Colorado State Thespian Officer. She is a current member of Troupe #5869 and could not be more excited to be here, in her home town, with the incredible Colorado Thespians! Come find Estee during festival if you have any questions about thespians, leadership, arts advocacy, or Barbra Streisand- she will be happy to talk about all three!
Estee's Workshops
The AdvoCATe in the Hat
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting
Do you want to learn to advocate?
Come on in to find out how!
Don’t know what that is? That’s great!
Its super easy to learn now!
With the help of Doctor Seuss,
Put your advocacy skills to use!
Come join International Thespian Officer Estee Dechtman and learn how to advocate for your schools theatre program!
Gail Gober
Guest Artist, Red Rock Community College
Gail has been in the Denver area for 32 years as a Lighting Designer. Gail have won while being Denver area five Best Lighting Design awards including two Henry Awards. Gail is currently Lighting Design Instructor and Technical Director for The Department of Theatre Arts and Dance at Red Rocks Community College.
No Workshops Found
Gene Flaharty
Guest Artist, Mehron Inc
Gene Flaharty, Makeup Artist/Instructor, has been doing professional makeup for TV, film, print and theater for over 35 years. He enjoys teaching at a local college and doing makeup on celebrities like Martin Short, Dee Wallace Stone and David Ogden Stiers. He has designed over 200 different theater productions. He enjoys makeup education as he does lecture/demonstrations across the country in his full time position as Sales Manager/Makeup artist for Mehron Inc in New York. He has been published with articles "Stretching Your Makeup", "How Safe is Your Makeup" and has contributed to several articles relating to makeup application and safety. He is hired to do makeup, wigs and costumes on regional and national tours
No Workshops Found
Gillian McNally
Guest Artist, University of Northern Colorado
Gillian's Workshops
Shakespeare Alive!
Beginning, Intermediate / Acting
Shakespeare Alive! Shakespeare can be confusing and alienating for many actors, but with some helpful physical, vocal, and text-based activities, the meaning and joy of the words can be unlocked. Come to this session to work with other students to make the text come alive in engaging, fun ways.
Heather Curran
Guest Artist
Heather earned her Master's of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and has served in various roles in public education over 14 years, including bilingual classroom teacher, curriculum specialist, instructional coach, and facilitator. She loves working with students of all ages and is passionate about fostering the love of learning, critical thinking, mindfulness, and fun inside and outside of the classroom.
For the past 6 years, she has been an active member of the Denver improv community, performing at various venues and festivals, teaching adults and children, and coaching both individuals and teams. She recently presented a workshop to high school teachers on using improv in the classroom to foster relationships and productive collaboration, flexible thinking, and risk-taking rooted in a growth mindset.
You can currently see her performing as a founding cast member of the new ComedySportz Denver at the Avenue Theater. Heather is secretary of the GroupMind Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to enrich, educate, and entertain our community through the art of improv.
No Workshops Found
James Olm
Guest Artist, Casper College Dept of Theatre and Dance
James Olm is Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance, and the coordinator of the Musical Theatre program at Casper College in Casper, Wyoming. He has directed numerous dramas and musicals, from professional to high school theatre. He is also a composer/playwright, having written four musicals, with one, The Magdalene, that opened Off-Broadway, with Richard Maltby, Jr. as overseeing director.
James's Workshops
Nailing a Musical Theatre Audition!
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Musical Theatre
Learn one major technique that will make a huge difference on your Musical Theatre audition, and then perform your audition in this workshop, singing it a cappella!
Sweeney Todd – The Importance of a Chorus!
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Musical Theatre
We will learn a chorus number from Sweeney Todd, develop individual characters within that chorus, and then perform it!
Jeffrey Parker
Guest Artist, Metropolitan State University of Denver
Jeffrey Parker is a Certified Teacher of Knight-Thompson Speechwork® and a Certified Associate Teacher of Fitzmaurice Voicework®. An actor, director, vocal coach, and educator of national renown, Jeffrey currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Theatre at MSU Denver, and a Teaching Artist at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. MFA – University of California, Irvine BA – UCLA.
No Workshops Found
Jennifer Johnson-Lowe
Guest Artist, Guest Artist
Jennifer's Workshops
Broadway Dance – All the Moves
Beginning, Intermediate / Dance
Join me in learning fun multi-styled Broadway dance. This workshop will develop skills in dance technique, performance, and musicality. All levels are welcomed. Presented by Jennifer Johnson Lowe, Guest Artist.
Hip Hop “HAMILTON” Style
Beginning, Intermediate / Dance
Picture a group of dancers who can do it all. Place them in an unlikely musical about America’s first treasury secretary, Alexander Hamilton—think city streets pulsing with revolution, battlefields and ballrooms, political intrigue and scandal—and watch them go. In one moment, their hands look almost Fosse-like; in another, they’re soldiers in full battle regalia, all whirling physicality and sharp movements; in still another, they sweep across the floor in formal gowns, the style aptly reminiscent of an 18th-century courtship dance.
This is the world of Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hit Broadway musical, where cabinet meetings are rap battles, bullets are personified through movement and an ensemble of triple threats weaves seamlessly through it all, tracing and shaping our understanding of the action. Learn the moves that make it happen in this workshop. Presented by Jennifer Johnson Lowe
Jenny Stafford
Guest Artist, Guest Artist
Jenny's Workshops
Page to Stage
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting, Tech
In this session, students will fully stage a small piece of theatre. Choosing to be part of a team (actor, costume designer, set designer, lighting designer, musician, director, etc.), students will collaboratively go through the process of staging a show, from first production meeting to opening night.
Playwriting
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Tech
In this interactive workshop, students will explore the basics of plot, character, setting, and dramatic arc in the craft of playwriting, and learn how to use their own lives as source material for a play.
Rock Your Sixteen Bars: The SAVI Technique
Intermediate / Musical Theatre
Most auditions only allow sixteen bars (about 30 seconds!) to show who you are and get the part. In this group class, students will explore a sixteen bar cut through the SAVI technique of putting a musical theatre audition together. Learn how to make an exciting, dynamic, and authentic sixteen bar audition. Jenny was "in the room" for the auditions for Prince of Broadway, Rocky, and Anastasia on Broadway, and can tell you what they're looking for...and what they aren't.
Theatre From Scratch
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting
A devised theatre workshop: In this session, students will collaboratively create a piece of devised theatre. Exploration includes mining source material, using found objects, and breaking barriers. Discover how you, the people around you, and your immediate surroundings have everything you need to create a dynamic piece of theatre.
Writing Musical Theatre
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Musical Theatre
Students will learn the basics of bookwriting, lyric writing, and composition to collaboratively create new musical theatre scenes. Jenny's lyric work has been heard on Broadway, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Dancing with the Stars, to name a few. She holds an MFA in Musical Theatre Writing from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts.
Jesse Manno
Guest Artist, University of Colorado Boulder
No Workshops Found
Jodi Youmans-Jones
Guest Artist, Casper College Dept. of Theatre & Dance
Jodi Youmans-Jones is the Coordinator of the Dance Program and Resident Choreographer for Casper College Department of Theatre and Dance. She graduated from the University of Wyoming with her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Dance, and from the University of Illinois Champaign/Urbana with her Master in Fine Arts with an emphasis in Performance and Choreography. She has performed, choreographed and taught Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Tap, Musical Theatre and African. She was a member of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Company and did many freelance performances with additional companies. Her choreographic credits include theatre productions such as The Tempest, and musical theatre productions such as Oklahoma, Chicago, Peter Pan, West Side Story, Singin' in the Rain, Footloose, Legally Blonde, How To Succeed, and most recently Mary Poppins. Jodi has been awarded the Judith Bailey Scully Award for Teaching Excellence, Who's Who in Collegiate Teaching, and has been nominated for the Rosenthal Teaching Excellence Award at Casper College. Jodi also serves as the institutional coordinator for the National Associaton of Schools of Dance, which granted national accreditation to Casper College in Dance in 2013 under her guidance.
Jodi's Workshops
Move Like Fosse!!
Beginning, Intermediate / Dance
Take a look at Fosse movement, why it moves like it does, but most of all MOVE LIKE A FOSSE DANCER!! This workshop will explore the basics of Fosse Movement and will culminate in learning some original Fosse choreography. This is a high energy, pedal to the metal type of workshop. Everyone is welcome! Come in ready to step high, flick your wrists, and have fun! No experience is required, just a will to MOVE LIKE FOSSE!!
Musical Theatre Dance-Survive!
Beginning, Intermediate / Dance
Come experience Musical Theatre Dance in an active and historical way. You will learn a bit about the history of movement in Musical Theatre while moving through the styles of Broadway. This class will challenge your multi-tasking skills and bring the Musical Theatre Divas out of the shyest performer. Don't miss out on discovering an attitude in dance while singing, acting, learning choreography from hit shows like Hairspray and Footloose. Bring your feet, your voice, your smile, and plan to SURVIVE!
Joe DeMers & Shanua Marble
Guest Artist
Joe DeMers is an international champion Swing Dance instructor from Denver, CO. He has toured the world teaching and performing from South Korea to France, Australia, Canada, Israel and all over the US. He has choreographed for and performed in many theater productions, including SWING! the Musical, In the Heights, and Hairspray. Joe is the 2015 National Dance Teacher of the Year, teaching high school dance in Denver Public Schools as his day job.
Shauna Marble is a world-renowned swing dancer, recently celebrating her 22nd year doing Lindy Hop (2017). Also a world champion dancer, she is also creator of the only existing complete curriculum for Lindy Hop, which she offers for free on the web. Her curriculum is used all around the world for both students and teachers (China, Egypt, Spain, Korea, and more!). Outside of her vast dance experience, she is known for her professionalism, humor, playfulness, musicality, approachability, and especially for her ease at breaking down difficult concepts.
Reach them at http://www.ShaunaAndJoe.com, ShaunaJoeDance@gmail.com, or (303) 931-1246.
Joe DeMers's Workshops
Broadway Dance Ensemble
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Dance
Experience Broadway dance with multiple dance combinations in different styles and techniques. We'll survey popular musicals from An American in Paris to Hamilton to Kinky Boots.
Dancing as Animals – CATS
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Dance
Cats is the fourth longest-running Broadway show. Explore the space of animal pantomime and learn a dance number from Cats the musical!
Old School Hip Hop for the Stage
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Dance
Learn a Hip Hop dance routine to a number from Hamilton! This class will teach Old School Hip Hop moves and Break Dancing. You'll also get a chance to add your own flare to the choreography!
Old School Hip Hop for the Stage
Beginning, Intermediate / Dance
Learn a Hip Hop dance routine to a number from Hamilton! This class will teach Old School Hip Hop moves and Break Dancing. You'll also get a chance to add your own flare to the choreography!
Salsa 101
Beginning / Dance
Let's Salsa! Learn the basics of Salsa, as well as flares and turns. Salsa is danced in musicals, such as In the Heights!
Salsa Dance for Beginners
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Dance
Let's Salsa! Learn the basics of Salsa, as well as flares and turns. Salsa is danced in musicals, such as In the Heights!
Salsa Dance Performance for the Stage
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Dance
Get ready for a fast paced, high energy class! We're going to teaching you a super fun Salsa dance routine that you can take back to your school! Salsa is danced in musicals, such as In the Heights!
Singing and Dancing in Musical Theatre
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Dance, Musical Theatre
This workshop will give students tips for staying in character, singing, and dancing! We'll sing a number from a popular musical and learn a choreography to bring it to life.
Swing Dance 1
Beginning, Intermediate / Dance
One of the most popular classes at ThesCon, learn to dance with high flying energy, rhythm, and fun! Swing Dancing is often choreographed for the stage and includes partner dance moves and tricks.
Swing Dance 2
Beginning, Intermediate / Dance
Presenting different material than Swing Dance 1, learn more moves for high flying energy, rhythm, and fun on the stage! Swing Dancing is often choreographed for the stage and includes partner dance moves and tricks.
Swing Dance Aerials and Tricks
Intermediate, Advanced / Dance
Aerials and tricks are when one partner's feet leave the floor. Choreographers often expect dancers to be able to perform 2-3 aerials in a choreography. We'll learn the Kick in the Pants, Lindy Throw Out, Frankie Flip, the Spit, and Around the Back.
Swing Dance Performance for the Stage
Intermediate, Advanced / Dance
Get ready for a fast paced, high energy class! We're going to teaching you a super fun Swing dance routine that you can take back to your school!
Justin Walvoord
Guest Artist, Denver Center For the Performing Arts Education
JUSTIN WALVOORD is a Teaching artist with the Denver Center for The Performing Arts Education Team. He has worked as a professional actor coast to coast in theatre, television, film, commercials, voice over work and as atmosphere talent. Over the last 35 years Justin has performed with various companies including: DCPA Theatre Company, Curious Theatre, Boulder Ensemble Theatre, Aurora Fox, TheatreWorks (Colorado Springs), Frequent Flyers, Queens Theatre in the Park, Algonquin Theatre, Magic Theatre, Kennedy Center, Baltimore Theater Project, Vermont Stage Company, South Coast Repertory, Smithsonian Institute- Discovery Theatre, Oregon Cabaret Theatre, Artists Repertory Theatre, and Disneyland Resort-CA and more. Television/Film credits: “Law and Order: CI” and Looking for Sunday. Recent directing credits include: The Man of Mode (Denver School of the Arts) He has taught acting, improvisation, movement and physical comedy at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts Education Department, the Professional Performing Arts School (NYC) as well as Denver School of the Arts. He received his BA from California State University, Fullerton and his MFA from the National Theatre Conservatory.
Justin's Workshops
Physical Storytelling – Clowning
Beginning, Intermediate / Acting
Get ready to learn some classic clowning routines in this fast passed Physical storytelling workshop. Students will explore some of the ins and outs of basic clowning through a variety of activities, exercises, routines and small projects. Red noses and large shoes are only a small part of clowning and this workshop will examine the various types of clowns and they’re vast comical opportunities. Get ready to move and create because it's time to invite your own inner clown to come out and play!
Stock Characters of Commedia Dell Arte
Intermediate, Advanced / Acting
Get ready to laugh, cry, fall over and throw tantrums in this fast passed Commedia workshop. Discover the origins of character by delving into Commedia Dell Arte’s Stock Characters. This fast passed physical workshop will have everyone interacting with one another and moving about the space. Improvisation is the base of Commedia and will be our playground.
Kate Schwindt
Guest Artist, Kate Schwindt Photography
I am a professional photographer in Highlands Ranch CO, originally from the Philadelphia area. I have my undergraduate degree in Theatre from Temple University and my masters from the University of Missouri – Kansas City, in Theatre Performance and Directing. I am a mentor to high school students as well. I have been a photographer since 2001, but officially opened my own business, Kate Schwindt Photography (KSP) in 2011.
A good bit of my time is spent donating my photography services for the high schools, and through my interactions with the teachers and students, I began writing this class in order to provide information, tools and resources and hope to the high school students who want to continue performing after high school. I can’t wait to help you Be Seen & Market You!
No Workshops Found
Kathy Morath
Guest Artist, AMDA College & Conservatory of the Performing Arts
Kathy Morath is a Broadway actor, director and educator, specializing in Musical Theatre Performance and Musical Theatre History. She is currently a faculty member at AMDA in New York City. A 25-year veteran of Broadway, off-Broadway and Regional Theatre, Ms. Morath has also directed for the stage and served as Dialogue Coach for PBS-TV’s Peaboy Award winning series, WISHBONE. Ms. Morath also teaches American Musical Theatre abroad, through her company Sing Smart Act Smart, most recently in Los Cabos, Mexico and Buenos Aires, Argentina. A former Peer Reviewer for The National Endowment for the Arts and member of the ASCAP/BMI Workshop and The Dramatist’s Guild, Ms. Morath is a Colorado native and Brown University Graduate
No Workshops Found
Kerry Cripe
Guest Artist, University of Colorado Boulder
Kerry's Workshops
You spin Me Right Round: Turntable Design and Construction
Beginning / Tech
This workshop will discuss different approaches to turntable design and construction including a variety of technical approaches and construction techniques.
Kevin Inouye
Guest Artist, University of Wyoming
Kevin Inouye teaches acting, movement, and stage combat at the University of Wyoming. He is a Certified Teacher with the National Michael Chekhov Association, Certified Teacher/Theatrical Firearms Instructor/Rocky Mountain Regional Rep for the Society of American Fight Directors, and a CO Local SAG-AFTRA member and elected delegate. He hosts the UWYO Stage Combat Workshop every year, has published journal articles, a chapter, and a full book, and is a freelance Actor, Fight Choreographer, Armorer, and more.
Kevin's Workshops
Physical Subtext
Intermediate / Acting
So you have an objective picked... but what would that really look like? What would it feel like? Turn your desires into playable actions and inspiration for powerful performances as we explore Michael Chekhov's most popular tool, the Psychological Gesture. Come ready to move, to play, to sweat, and to be effected/effective!
Stage Combat as Actor Training
Intermediate / Acting
While learning and playing with some basic technique, you'll also be discovering how the physical dialogue of a fight scene can be a great way to hone those universal acting fundamentals. SAFD Certified Teacher and Regional Rep Kevin Inouye will also be able to answer your questions about training and careers in performative violence. Come ready to move!
Kevin Rich
Guest Artist, University of Colorado Boulder
Kevin's Workshops
Hamilton is Shakespeare
Beginning / Acting, Musical Theatre
You'll leave this workshop with a deeper understanding of Shakespeare's history plays through the lens of Lin Manuel Miranda's Hamilton: An American Musical! We'll talk Hamilton, we'll talk Shakespeare (Henry VI pt 1) and make some surprising connections that might help you bring new energy to not-so-new classics.
Kevin Wolfgang
Guest Artist, University of Northern Colorado
Kevin Wolfgang is a professional Lighting and Costume Designer. He is currently the Master Electrician and guest Lighting Designer for the University of Northern Colorado. Previously, Kevin managed the TechStyleLAB, a digital fabrication maker space, for Kent State University. His research includes maker communities, entrepreneurship and digital reproduction methods for historical textiles. He has produced the Fashion/Tech Hackathon, the Stage Technology Hackathon and the Kent State Maker Faire.
No Workshops Found
Kris Johnson
Guest Artist, Red Rocks Community College Theatre Arts
Kris Johnson is the Resident Costume Designer and Instructor for the Red Rocks Community College Theatre Arts Dept; where she spends her days designing, building (and teaching others how to build) garments that have been pulled straight from the realm of imagination.
Kris has been a member of the Denver cosplay community for over 20 years, and when she isn't building for the stage she spends her time creating cosplay costumes for herself and others.
No Workshops Found
Kyle Thomas
Guest Artist, Midland University
Kyle Ross Thomas is currently the Assistant Director of Performing Arts at Midland University. Though originally hailing from Kansas City, he received his BFA in Theatre Direction at Nebraska Wesleyan University. After his degree he relocated to Minneapolis where he worked with organizations such as Young Artists Initiative, Artistry, Tyrol Hills Music, Freshwater Theatre, and Project Success. After relocating to Lincoln, NE, Kyle also works as an accompanist, choreographer, director, and music director.
Kyle's Workshops
“Alexander Hamilton”
Beginning / Musical Theatre
Learn the opening number from "Hamilton." This workshop takes a closer look at how combining rap, vocals, and staging affects musical theatre story telling.
“I Hope I Get It” – A Chorus Line
Beginning, Intermediate / Dance, Musical Theatre
Learn the choreography from the iconic opening number from "A Chorus Line." This workshop provides a fun way to practice not only your dance skills, but also learn about dance call auditions and improve memory techniques.
Singing Sondheim
Intermediate, Advanced / Acting, Musical Theatre
This workshop focuses on the techniques and tools unique to performing works from the man himself, Stephen Sondheim. Presented in a masterclass form, students are encouraged to bring a prepared 32-Bar Sondheim piece to work in front of the group.
Linda Brennan
Guest Artist, The American Academy of Dramatic Arts
Linda is on the faculty of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, (Voice and Speech Department Chair), South Coast Repertory, and Theatricum Botanicum, where she teaches voice, speech and dialects. At The Academy, production coaching includes Anna K, Arcadia, Dancing at Lughnasa, Kentucky Cycle, Major Barbara, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and numerous others. Film and TV credits include American Pie, The Scorpion King, Sonny, That’s Life (CBS), The Hughleys (UPN), For the People (Lifetime). Besides extensive individual coaching, Linda has coached Streetcar Named Desire (South Coast Rep), The Crimson Thread (Pasadena Playhouse), Arms and the Man (A Noise Within), Old Times (El Portal Center for the Arts) and The Nibroc Trilogy (Actor’s Co-Op). Directing credits include Bus Stop, Picnic, Getting Out, and The Philadelphia Story. Linda has an MFA in Acting from Brandeis University, an MA in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, and a PhD from Pacifica Graduate Institute. She has presented at ATHE (The American Theatre in Higher Education) on various topics, including Take the Valley Out of the Girl! and is a voice and speech consultant for Braintracks Audio in Los Angeles. Linda is a member of VASTA (Voice and Speech Trainer’s Association). Her article, T’s and Sympathy: Adventures in the Hollywood Dialect’s Trade appears in the VASTA Journal, “Essays on Voice and Speech”.
Linda's Workshops
And, Action!: Dialects: A Quick Approach
Intermediate / Acting
Think of characters you know and love. There is a good chance a dialect or accent was involved! From “My Fair Lady” to “Harry Potter”, dialect work helps create, shape, and realize our characters. We will address some fundamental rules to get you up and on your feet with dialects quickly, accurately, and joyfully!
Maile Speetjens
Guest Artist, Colorado State University
Maile Speetjens serves as Costume Shop Manager and Costume Designer for the School of Music, Theatre and Dance at Colorado State. She teaches courses in Costume Design, Costume Construction and Makeup Design, and acts as advisor to student Costume and Hair/Makeup Designers.
Originally hailing from Kauai, HI, Maile Speetjens attended Emerson College in Boston, MA where she received a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre and worked as a stitcher in the Emerson Costume Shop. After College, Maile worked as Wardrobe Manager/ Costume Designer for Boston’s Actors Shakespeare Project (The Tempest, Coriolanus, Much Ado About Nothing), and continued as a cutter/draper at Emerson College, working on theatre, dance, and films such as Disney’s The Game Plan.
Maile received her MFA in Costume Design and Technology from the University of Georgia, Athens, where she taught courses in Costume Design and worked as lead draper. While at UGA, Maile’s Design work included The Dance of Hands (UGA), The Life and Times of Tulsa Lovechild and Hidden Man (7 Stages, Atlanta). While studying at UGA, Maile had the opportunity to explore skills such as Patternmaking, Draping, Millinery, Corsetry, Tailoring, various fabric modification techniques, wig styling and life drawing.
Maile has also worked as Costume Designer and educator for Hawaii Children’s Theatre (The Little Mermaid, Once On This Island, Mulan Jr, Rent, 25th Annual…Spelling Bee, Avenue Q).
Maile continues to design locally, including productions at OpenStage Theatre (August Osage County, La Bete, True West) and Bas Bleu (Elephant’s Graveyard). During the summers, Maile serves as the director of KDIA, a Children’s Theatre Camp at CSU that focuses on devised, original pieces of Musical Theatre created 1 week at a time.
Maile is honored to work with such creative, kind, and enthusiastic staff members and students.
You can view Maile’s work at: www.mailespeetjens.com
No Workshops Found
Mark Kaufmann
Guest Artist, Guest Artist
Mark's Workshops
Directing: Putting a Play on its Feet
Intermediate, Advanced / Acting, Tech
A well-told story onstage depends as much upon the physical movement of the piece as the words. Besides the stage directions written by a playwright, the dialogue itself can inform and reveal relevant blocking ideas. We’ll discuss the basics of stage positions, picturization and reading between the lines of a script to make your direction come alive. For students and teachers.
Musical Characters On Their Feet
Beginning / Musical Theatre
The music a character sings gives an actor great clues as to how they should behave. We’ll listen to a variety of songs and discover how to physicalize what the composers have created.
The Director’s Prep
Intermediate / Acting, Tech
You’ve got your play and look forward to day one of rehearsals. But even before auditions, there’s preparation every director should do to get ready to dive in with confidence. We’ll walk through a nuts and bolts checklist, including breaking down the script, scene analysis, creating a good ground plan, developing ideas for staging, and assembling a rehearsal schedule. For students and teachers.
Writing the Musical Libretto
Intermediate, Advanced / Musical Theatre
Great musicals are remembered for their songs. And meaningful songs rise from strong story and characters. From the first note played to the final curtain, the book provides the necessary structure upon which every moment hangs. We’ll discuss structure, how characters are developed through songs, and thematic motifs that pull shows together. For writers, composers and lyricists.
Mary Ann Kehler
Guest Artist, Broadway Training Intensive
Mary Ann Kehler is a best-selling author whose work on training performing artists was featured in Success Mastery with Jack Canfield. Mary Ann successfully trains singers ranging from working professionals to those other teachers have labeled “tone deaf.” Her students include musical theatre professionals, pop recording artists, lead singers for rock and R&B bands, classical choral soloists, music educators, voice teachers, worship leaders, and singer/songwriters. She is a college audition coach whose students are in top colleges and conservatories all over the country, and is co-author of a book on auditioning for college programs. She is a musical theatre director with 65 shows to her credit and is Executive Producer of Broadway Training Intensive. Mary Ann is serving a three-year term as President of International Voice Teachers of Mix and is a mentor for other teachers in that organization. Her studio is in the Denver Technological Center; she teaches worldwide via internet and has presented at four international voice conferences recently, in Austria, Poland and the U.S. She is happy to be traveling the world to train singers and teachers.
No Workshops Found
Matthew Polis
Guest Artist, Fairview
Matthew Polis, recently returned to Boulder after 20 years in New York City. He is the founder of boutique sound house, SoundSpace with the newest location in Bouder CO, and has been sound designing and mixing films for nearly 20 years. His combined story driven approach to sound design and technical mastery in the mix room has earned him respect amongst his peers in the indie film world with over 150 credits. Matthew's works include Appropriate Behavior (Sundance, BAM), Growing Up Coy (ITVS, Denver Film Festival), I Believe in Unicorns (SXSW), Peter and Vandy (Sundance) David Blaine: Beautiful Struggle & What is Magic, Evolution of a Criminal (SXSW, Full Frame, ITVS), Liyana (LA Film Festival), ACORN (TriBeCa) Food Chains (Berlin), Talihina Sky: The Story of Kings of Leon, Seymour: An Introduction (Telluride, Toronto, NYFF). And he is the head of post audio for TED Conferences.
Matthew also served as an adjunct professor at his alma mater, NYU Tisch School Of The Arts for post audio and mixing.
Matthew's Workshops
Sound Design for Film
Beginning, Intermediate / Tech
We will take a deep dive into the impact of sound design for film. Both technical and creative perspectives will be covered through a combination of lecture, demonstrations and Q/A. No technical experience is required.
Melanie Aksamit
Guest Artist, Make-up Artist
Melanie's Workshops
Creating Special FX Makeup and Props with Latex
Intermediate, Advanced / Tech
Students will learn how to achieve old age characters, zombies, wounds, prop making and more for film, television and theater using the very inexpensive and accessible material liquid latex. They will also learn a brief history of the use of latex in famous creatures and monsters on screen.
Michael Bowerman
Guest Artist, Up with People
Michael Bowerman is the Music Director for Up with People, the international education program that has a focus on performing arts. He traveled as a participant in the program right after high school and now has the honor to be one of the primary songwriters, producers and music instructors for the program. Up with People tours internationally with a diverse cast of young adults from all over the world. Up with People has performed at a record 4 Super Bowl halftimes, at multiple Olympic Games, and this past summer, they performed alongside Andrea Bocelli in Italy. Later this year, Up with People will again perform for the Pope at the Vatican.
Michael is also involved in local Denver theatre. He is a Henry Award nominee for Musical Direction and has directed, music directed and performed for many different companies throughout the Denver metro area.
Michael's Workshops
“Don’t sing the song . . . tell a story”
Beginning, Intermediate / Musical Theatre
There is a fine line between singing the correct lyrics and notes and actually telling the story that the song sometimes hides behind its melody. This workshop helps the singer analyze a character thru-line, how to sift through all of a songs notes and lyrics to find the "core" of what it's trying to say. Presented by Michael Bowerman
Michael Di Bianco
Guest Artist, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS
Michael Di Bianco is the Education and Outreach Coordinator at Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, one of the nation's leading industry-based HIV/AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations. We fund the social service work of The Actors Fund and award grants to AIDS service organizations nationwide. With your help, what we do together makes a difference.
Michael's Workshops
Create The Change – Broadway Cares
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre
Are you an artist who wants to change the world? Are you interested in using your passion for performing to change people’s lives? Then we need YOU in our theatre community! Come explore how your talents can impact those in need across the street and across the world! Join Michael Di Bianco from Broadway Cares to sing, move, laugh, inspire and CREATE THE CHANGE we want to see in our world. Bring an open mind, a generous heart, and clothes you can move in!
Michael Gunst
Guest Artist, Gunstwork Puppet Mask Theatre
Michael Gunst
Michael is an actor, director, creator of theatre, and mask-maker He tours his award winning show Four Wishes adapted from Gluskabe and the Four Wishes by, Joseph Bruchac both locally and nationally. Locally Michael has performed at the Germinal Stage, Nomad Theater, Denver Civic Theater, with Band of Toughs an (Associate Member), Theatre 13, DragonFly Productions, Now or Never Theatre and with Colorado Shakespeare Festival’s “Living Shakespeare” art in education program, and through Think 360 Arts. Michael has been a member of Faustwork Mask Theatre, touring “The Mask Messenger” throughout North America. He has performed with the International Pantomime Company of New England in Mexico and toured with the Pocket Mime Theater Company. For 8 years Michael co-created 6 new movement theater shows with the collective Studebaker Movement Theatre of Boston. They toured, taught and performed both internationally and nationally across North America and in Scotland, England, Switzerland, Germany, and the Czech Republic. Michael has a MFA in Acting from Brandeis University’s Professional Actor Training Program, and has performed in New York City in Off & Off Off Broadway, regionally at the Asolo Theatre, FL, Castle Hill Festival, MA, and with Circus Flora, MO. For booking of Workshops, Residencies or Four Wishes please visit: www.gunstwork.com
Michael's Workshops
Mask Movement Theatre
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting
This workshop revolves around theater, mask, mime, character development, theater/movement improvisation and the creation of short sketches.
Mask Movement Theatre for Teachers
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting
This workshop is participatory and teaches the fundamentals of Mask work. The goal of the workshop is to nurture a cognizance of the value of movement in mask .
Michael Hartzog
Guest Artist, Filmmaker
Michael's Workshops
Film Lighting: Go natural, practical, or totally fabricated
Beginning, Intermediate / Tech
So you shot a film. Acting was great, camera was great, audio was amazing, but the lighting... Well... We should talk.
Sometimes lighting seems like a necessary "evil" you have to contend with. Many small film crews would rather not have to deal with it; "Just open the iris and let's go!" The funny thing is, it doesn't have to take long, it doesn't have to be complicated, and it doesn't have to be expensive. BUT, like every other aspect of your film, IT IS IMPORTANT. For many filmmakers, lighting becomes a major signature.
In this workshop we'll explore the wonderful world of cinematic lighting. We'll go through big budgets, small budgets, lighting terms, techniques, crew titles... We'll go through tips on lighting quickly for small budgets and little time, as well as bigger budgets with more time. My hope is to give you the tools you need to confidently light, stylize and create a look for your film.
Michael J. Duran
Guest Artist, BDT Stage
Michael J.'s Workshops
Musical Theatre: Singing and Acting your Song
Intermediate, Advanced / Musical Theatre
Connecting with your material as a musical theatre artist and translating it into a strong, believable interpretation can be a great challenge. Learn from one of our region’s finest musical theatre directors how to approach your song material, be it for an audition or actually within a show itself. Learn ways to utilize lyrics as well as the dynamics of the score to find the key to performing your piece in an authentic way! Volunteers will be taken to workshop their songs in front of the class.
Michael Pearl
Guest Artist, Guest Artist
Dr. Michael Pearl (Presenter). Doc recently retired from the Cherry Creek School District, having taught theatre and directed plays at Smoky Hill High School and Grandview High School. He is a recipient of Cherry Creek Teacher of the Year, Colorado Theatre Educator of the Year, and Colorado Thespian Hall of Fame Honors. Now “Doc” practices what he taught! Acting credits include “Mort” What’s Wrong with This Picture?, “Norman,” On Golden Pond, Vintage Theatre; “Hugo,” God’s Man in Texas, Aurora Fox; “Scrooge,” A Christmas Twist, Firehouse Theater; and “Rev. Hooker,” Dearly Departed, Spotlight Theatre. He has also performed with Littleton Town Hall Arts Center, and Miner’s Alley Playhouse. Doc narrates audio books for Brook Forest Voices. He is represented by Maximum Talent. Look for him as Mr. Furtado at http://en.springtelecomgroup.com/
Michael's Workshops
Effective Acting: Affecting Others
Intermediate / Acting, Musical Theatre
The most satisfying performances make the audience believe your characters and empathize with them. You’ve seen those magical performances, and envied those actors. The truth is, you can make the magic happen, too. Through a combination of observations, activities, and exercises, Dr. Pearl guides you to a discovery of keys that unlock the mysteries of effective acting, the kind that welcomes and involves an audience. Presented by Dr. Mike Pearl
It’s All in the Timing
Intermediate / Acting
Timing is everything, we’re told. But what is dramatic timing in performance? How does it work? Can you manipulate timing to alter an effect? With activities and exercises, Dr. Pearl shows you a technique that tantalizes an audience with anticipation and intensifies your performance. Presented by Dr. Mike Pearl.
Mike Rock
Guest Artist
Biography
Mike Rock is an actor & improviser based in Los Angeles. TV credits include Black-ish, The Goldbergs, Modern Family, After Lately, The Mentalist, Monk, Conan O'Brien & many commercials. Voice of NFL Replay and Chelsea Lately on E! He improvises full-length plays on stage with Impro L.A: Shakespeare, Chekhov, Jane Austen, Dorothy Parker, Nancy Drew, George S. Kauffman & TV's The Twilight Zone. He served as president of the national ComedySportz improv chain. Co-created, produced & performed sketch comedy in NYC, L.A. Montreal, Edinburgh, Aspen, Austin and on MTV, VH-1 & Comedy Central. He has been performing & teaching improv at ITS / EdTA & high school theater festivals since before your parents met. Find him online @itsmikerock
No Workshops Found
Mitch Samu
Guest Artist, Guest Artist
Mitch's Workshops
Auditiong for the REAL World not some theory you hear about
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting, Musical Theatre
Auditioning for the Real World
Intermediate –
Acting/Musical Theatre
I give a REAL world look at what it is like to audition for top professional Broadway Shows in NY. I tell the Students and the Teachers what it is REALLY like. I discuss audition prep and what they should be expecting at a real audition. I answer all questions from my perspective. Presented by Mitch Samu
BLIND AUDITIONS. What is everyone so afraid of? Let the talent SPEAK AND SING for itself.
Beginning, Advanced / Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre
We have prejudices. You may not like me saying that and it's true. I have been doing blind auditions for years and they are wonderfully freeing. Casting people have got to start thinking outside the box and allowing the talent to speak and sing for itself. And Yes I have answers to the questions Directors and Choreographers ask all the time about Blind Auditions. Presented by Mitch Samu
Musical Directing- Better and realistic for your Talent (Teacher Workshop)
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Musical Theatre
Mitch has directed well over 300 productions in his career including National Tours and Broadway Acts. Let Mitch share with you some ideas to get the most out of your students and out of your productions.
Tell the Story, really simple. Actors and Singers – just stop!
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting, Musical Theatre
The basic concepts of Musical Theater and Acting practice are really quite simple. Just tell the story. It is just that simple. Yet so many performers and teachers are not telling the story. This is a great workshop for both students and teachers, wanting to accomplish the goals of theatrical training in telling your story.
This is NOT the workshop where I teach you a dance or how to put on Make Up for film
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre
This is the workshop where I tell you the truth about making a living in the show business and what you can expect from the point of view of a professional Music Director director, Writer, Composer and Producer. This might not be the most fun workshop AND this is the one that can change the way you look at the future of you in our business. You want fun and craziness, THIS IS NOT THE WORKSHOP TO COME TO. You wanna walk out changed, this is the one for you. Presented by Mitch Samu
You Only Live Once STOP FOOLING AROUND – MITCH SAMU
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting, Musical Theatre
You've heard the Mitch Talks. Some of you have seen me live. You may ask what the heck does this have to do with theater or musical theater? EVERYTHING! It has to do with changing the way you look at your life. I promise you will be changed at the end of this workshop. Presented by Mitch Samu
Monte Black
Guest Artist, University of Northern Colorado
Mr. Black carries with him an array of choreographic and directing credits ranging from the musical theatre stage to the concert dance arena. While at UNC, he has choreographed 42nd Street, West Side Story, Brigadoon and Carousel for the Musical Theatre Department and directed and choreographed Footloose: The Musical. He has also choreographed The Music Man, Chicago, Joseph…Dreamcoat, Fiddler on the Roof, Damn Yankees, Annie, and AIDA for the Little Theatre of the Rockies; as well as Directed and Choreographed The Full Monty and SWING! for their summer season. Mr. Black also is the director/choreographer of an annual fall dance/theatre production based on the holidays of Dia de los Muertos and Halloween entitled Miranda's Nightmare. He has also choreographed numerous pieces for the annual CPVA Gala and for main stage dance concerts. His latest works include a full-length modern ballet entitled Dierdre of the Sorrows, based off of Irish mythology, and a one act Dance Theatre project set to the music of the Airborne Toxic Event entitled Punks: A Love Story. His interests in jazz, modern, dance technology, collaborations with other artists and his vast performance history make him a vital and inspiring artist and teacher.
No Workshops Found
Nadine Bridges
Guest Artist, The LGBTQ Center – Rainbow Alley
Nadine Bridges has dedicated herself to working with and advocating for under-served youth and marginalized communities for the past 19 years. She is passionate about empowerment, social justice, and inclusiveness work. Previously, she worked as a youth and family engagement manager/clinical case manager for Denver Urban Scholars. Nadine volunteered in Nicaragua with the Peace Corps in the youth development sector; started her own mentor program during her undergraduate years at the College of Charleston; and taught Spanish at a charter school in Charleston, South Carolina. Currently, Nadine works as an adjunct professor at the Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver. Nadine earned her BS in Biology from the College of Charleston and her Master of Social Work from the University of Denver along with a Certificate for Social Work with Latinos/as.
“I am honored to become a part of The Center,” Nadine said. “My passion is, and always will be, to understand youth, diversity, the world we live in, and how these factors affect each and every one of us. I am impressed by the support that Rainbow Alley has offered LGBTQ youth and look forward to forming and collaborating with new community partners; building capacity; as well as advocating for and working with the youth we serve.”
Nadine's Workshops
LGBTQ Resources and Connections
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre, Tech
Nadine Bridges, Director of Rainbow Alley at The LGBTQ Center in Denver, will share resources that are available to youth in Colorado. This session will be an informal discussion which will support LGBTQ youth where you are at. Straight friends are welcome to attend to support and learn with their LGBTQ neighbors. No questions will be turned down, and support for what you are living with on a daily basis will be the focus of this workshop. “Love is love, is love, is love.” - Lin-Manuel Miranda
Natalie Kuypers
Guest Artist, Arapahoe Libraries
Natalie is a Programming Specialist with Arapahoe Libraries where she leads monthly theater workshops. Natalie graduated from the University of Nebraska Kearney with her degree in Theater with an emphasis in performance. She has performed in several productions, some of her favorite roles include Becca in Rabbit Hole, Janet in Rocky Horror, and Gloria in Boeing Boeing. She also has a love of improvisational comedy and has performed in various improv shows throughout the Denver area.
No Workshops Found
Nate Jones
Guest Artist, Douglas County School District
Nate Jones is a Community Relations Specialist for the Douglas County School District. Before arriving in Douglas County in 2015, he spent nine years as a public affairs specialist and combat documentarian for the U.S. Army, covering the story of soldiers in Germany, Iraq, and the Pentagon through television and radio. He is the proud father of 3 amazing kids, 3 crazy dogs, and 2 mischievous cats.
Nate's Workshops
Gathering Sound for Television and Film Production
Beginning, Intermediate / Tech
In this workshop, you will learn the importance of audio, best practices for collecting sound in the field, and how to edit sound into your film or video.
Neil Truglio
Guest Artist, Modest Arts / Denver Film Society
Neil Truglio has been an artist and educator in the Denver community for over 20 years. His work has been seen on stages all over Denver, including the Bellco Theatre, Acoma Center, University of Colorado-Denver, Community College of Denver, and RedLine Community Art Center as well as in film festivals around the world, including the Dallas International Film Festival and the American Film Festival in Poland. After teaching at both the university and high school levels, Neil created the arts organization Modest Arts to enhance the theatre and film training of young artists in Denver. He is currently the Education Director for the Denver Film Society, acting instructor with the Young Filmmakers Workshops, and a member of the adjunct faculty at the Colorado Film School.
Neil's Workshops
Hollywood 101 and the Art of Screen Acting
Intermediate / Acting
In this workshop students will get the download on what it takes to make it in Hollywood. Students will learn the basics of auditioning, preparing to shoot, and performing for the camera. Workshop attendees will get advice and lessons to help grow them as screen performers and get them prepared for the industry as a whole. Presented by Neil Truglio.
Patrick Elkins-Zeglarski
Guest Artist, Denver Center for the Performing Arts
Mr. Elkins-Zeglarski’s theatre teaching credits include Central Washington University, University of Northern Iowa, University of Queensland, and community colleges in California, Arizona, Maryland and Iowa. Directing credits include theatre company and university productions. Acting credits include performance and training with diverse theatre practitioners. Patrick currently works nationally as a freelance dramaturg and is on the DCPA Education staff as Curriculum Manager. Patrick bridges his interests in theatre and education as national faculty for Lesley University’s School of Education.
No Workshops Found
Paul Belden
Guest Artist, Guest Artist
Paul has performed professionally for children since 1978. Beginning with the Storytellers resident company of the Denver Children's Museum, he went on with his Children's Theater/Elementary Education degree to become one of the founders and owners of KIDSKITS, Inc. This renowned local theatrical company included a performing troupe of 6-16 year olds, a conservatory, talent agency, and summer camp in the Rocky Mountains. Paul currently owns Dornob Presents, LLC, which promotes his work as a children’s entertainer and teacher. For the past couple of years, “Mr. Paul” has performed over 300 of his Story PlayTime show for young children in the Timbuk Toys stores in Denver. Mime, puppetry, magic, juggling, songs, stories and amazing balloon critters.
Paul's Workshops
Mime and Illusion
Beginning / Acting
What do sleight of hand, puppetry, prat-falls and Fushigi balls have in common? …the skills of a mime. In this workshop, participants will be introduced to (and practice) basic techniques such as muscle isolations, freezing, balance, misdirection, and making the invisible seen – all with the purpose of creating illusion. Presented by Paul Belden
Peter Bernstein
Guest Artist, Guest Artist
Mr. Bernstein is pleased to be a return guest artist at the Colorado State Thespian Conference. Mr. Bernstein is a graduate of the National Theatre Conservatory at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts and was a member of the Society of American Fight Directors. Some of his favorite roles include Morris in Blood Knot. He studied theatre at Webster University. He continues to work as a guest artist and fight choreographer with high schools in the metro area.
Peter's Workshops
Hand to Hand Stage Combat
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting
In this session, participants will work on the basics of realistic hand to hand combat including slaps, punches, kicks, hair pulling and wall slamming. Learn how to create basic fight combinations and finish by choreographing your own mini fight scene with a partner. Instructor stresses safety and trust in this session, and special attention is paid to who is in control of the struggle in any scene.
Peter Davison
Guest Artist, Think 360 Arts
Peter Davison was raised in Santa Monica, California. His boyhood idols were Alexander Calder and Batman. He began his professional career at age 16, as a juggling street performer in Los Angeles. Peter is the 1982 National Juggling Champion, and a founder of the trio Airjazz which toured the world during the 1980’s with a unique mix of juggling, dance and theater. As a member of the trio Airjazz, he appeared on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, and at prestigious live venues such as the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival and the New Zealand International Festival of the Arts. Since the 1990’s, Peter has performed primarily solo, performing on stages throughout the United States and Europe, and on TV shows on the CBS, BBC and Fox networks, including the variety special Harry Anderson – The Tricks of His Trade. Peter has been presented by the Carmel/California Performing Arts Festival, Utah State Arts Tour, Cincinnati Playhouse, Seattle’s Moisture Festival, 5-3-1 Festival of New Juggling and Object Theatre in Helsinki, Finland, Boulder International Fringe Festival, and the Chicago Contemporary Circus Festival, among others. Peter’s multi-disciplinary movement art has earned him numerous awards including the 1997 Arts Innovation Award from the Colorado Federation of the Arts, 1997 Colorado Arts Council Fellowship, and his ballet-with-objects Cirque D’Amour won the 2009 Ballet Builders Award from New Choreographers on Pointe in New York City. For further information visit www.poetofmotion.com.
Peter's Workshops
Physical Theater
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting, Dance
Explore the purely physical aspect of acting through group improvisations, mime illusions, and work with actual objects. This workshop will add to your "toolbox" of skills and will be loads of fun!
Price Johnston
Guest Artist, Colorado State University
Price Johnston – Lighting and Projection Designer. Over 300 productions include: World Premiere of Lavender Lizards Lilac Landmines: Layla’s Dream by Ntozake Shange (14th Street Playhouse – Atlanta, GA),Two Rooms (Trilogy Theatre – Off-Broadway – New York, NY), Arena Theatre Productions Guys & Dolls (UK Tour – 2000), Shapiro and Smith’s Never Enough (Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts – Washington DC), A Midsummer Nights Dream (Moscow Cosmos Theatre/St. Petersburg Music Hall – Russia), Janis Brenner’s Dance Company’s Lost/Found/Lost (Isadora Duncan International Dance Festival – Kransnoyarsk, Russia), Chicago Jeff Award Winning Production of 1776 (Chopin Theatre – Chicago), Passiones (Athenaeum Theatre – Chicago, IL), 2015 Drama Desk Award Nominee: Best Projections – Donogoo (The Mint Theatre – Off-Broadway – New York, NY) and The Pee-Wee Herman Show on Broadway (Stephen Sondheim Theatre – Broadway – New York, NY). Price is Chair of Colorado State University Theatre.
Price's Workshops
From Gore to Gandalf to Nightclubs: Hands-On Projection Design
Beginning, Intermediate / Tech
Learn projection mapping and video show control as your session creates a projection design set to music. The session will put you the student, “in charge” as you program, animate and map video content for a uniquely immersive experience into the world of projection design.
Price Johnston is Director of Theatre at Colorado State University, where he teaches lighting, sound, and projection design. Price has designed over 200+ productions Nationally and Internationally, including the 2015 Drama Desk Nominated: Donogoo (The Mint Theatre - New York, NY), 1776 (Chopin Theatre – Chicago) and the Pee Wee Herman Show on Broadway (Stephen Sondheim Theatre - New York, NY).
Jason Banks is the Instructor of Lighting, Projection, and Design for Theatre & Dance at the University of Wyoming. Jason has served as lighting director for festival headliners such as Candlebox, Boys II Men, and Smashmouth, and has served as designer for Interlochen Center for the Arts, the Colorado Shakespeare Festival.
Rachel Taylor
Guest Artist, Denver Center for the Performing Arts
Rachel's Workshops
Audition Anatomy
Intermediate, Advanced / Acting, Musical Theatre
Perfect every last little detail of that important audition from entrance to exit! Everyone knows how important finding the right material is, but did you know that your slate, your transitions between pieces and your energy and attitude as you leave the room are also crucial elements in landing that call back? We will dissect the process of successful auditioning and put it all back together to create a polished and unforgettable package!
Rebecca Rich Joy
Guest Artist, University of Northern Colorado
Rebecca is an Assistant Professor-Acting Specialist in the School of Theatre Arts and Dance at The University of Northern Colorado. She moved to Colorado from Philadelphia, PA (just this year!); in Philadelphia, she taught college acting, musical theatre, voice and movement, speech and dialect performance courses for the past eight years. In addition to course teaching, Rebecca directed college level production musicals, cabarets and special performances, worked as a dialect/voice coach and in casting. She gives private Michael Chekhov Technique workshops for groups and individuals, and coaches students privately for auditions. Prior to joining academia, Rebecca called New York City home for almost 15 years and enjoyed an extensive performance career, crossing the country in a National Tour of Guys and Dolls, originating roles in Off-Broadway musicals, such as Zombie Prom (original CD cast recording), and appearing in numerous productions for LORT/regional stages all around the country. She has worked with leading industry professionals, including: Stephen Colbert, Amy Sedaris and Bob Balaban (on the Comedy Central-TV Show “Strangers with Candy”), with Kristen Chenoweth and Mary-Mitchell Campbell in a live concert event, the workshop of Zombie Prom, and through ASTEP.org, and with scads more phenomenal creative artists. Recently, she played The Countess De Lage in EgoPo's The Women in Philadelphia. Rebecca has been a member of AEA since 1995, and an active member of MICHA-The Michael Chekhov Association since 2012; she currently serves as MICHA’s Production Manager for International Workshops and Membership Liaison.
Rebecca's Workshops
Chekhov Acting Technique – Imagination and The Three Centers
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre
Our psychology and bodies are intertwined. The Michael Chekhov Technique is a psycho-physical technique that engages both the body and the mind in developing character through imagination and movement. The 3 Centers - thinking, feeling and willing- can be imaginatively engaged to inform and develop character choices. The workshop is open to any level of experience, from young student to seasoned educator. Participants need only a willingness to play. Any short bit of memorized text (from any monologue, or a poem, or almost any few sentences+) is helpful in applying the technique. Bare feet, socks or soft-soled shoes and clothing that gives one the ability to move are preferred (but not required).
Chekhov Acting Technique – Imagination and Three Sister Sensations
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre
Our psychology and bodies are intertwined. The Michael Chekhov Technique is a psycho-physical technique that engages both the body and the mind in developing character through imagination and movement. The 3 Sister Sensations-Falling, Floating and Balancing -is one of the last defined tools developed by Michael Chekhov. These sensations engage your entire psychology and physical being, and can be imaginatively engaged to inform and develop acting, character and directing choices. The workshop is open to any level of experience, from young student to seasoned educator. Participants need only a willingness to play. Any short bit of memorized text (from any monologue, or a poem, or almost any few sentences+) is helpful in applying the technique. Bare feet, socks or soft-soled shoes and clothing that gives one the ability to move are preferred (but not required).
Richard Burk
Guest Artist, Casper College Department of Theatre and Dance
Richard Burk, Workshop Presenter- Richard is the Coordinator of the Department of Theatre degree at Casper College in Casper, Wyoming. He holds degrees from the University of Illinois (M.F.A. in Acting) and Simpson College (B.A. in Theatre Arts), Richard directed the Off-Broadway production of The Magdalene by James Olm and Shad Olsen which opened at the Theatre at St. Clements on 46th St. in New York. He is a member of the “Master Acting Teacher Program” at the Actors Center in New York City. Richard has worked extensively with Robert Cohen, Slava Dolgachev, and Arthur Lessac, focusing on truth in acting.
Richard's Workshops
Act With Power and Presence!
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting
Act with Power and Presence! – Don’t be trapped by passive choices! Students will explore “power-release” exercises to open full voice and body expressiveness; then, using short bits of text transform the inner life of the character into outer decisive action. This workshop is appropriate for all levels of experience. Teachers are invited to participate.
Did You See What I Said?
Beginning, Intermediate / Acting
Mime. Pantomime. Acting without words. Call it what you will, it's darned fun! The art of engaging the observers imagination so that they create in their minds what your body suggests on stage is incredibly satisfying. Students will learn to be specific in their attention, in the isolation of body parts to create illusions that have been part of the physical lexicon for centuries, and capitalized on most recently by performers Marcel Marceau, and Claude Kipnis. This will serve any actor or teacher who is interested in performing at any level, including children's theatre. Teachers are invited to play along!
Royce Roeswood
Guest Artist
ROYCE ROESWOOD's past stage credits include Hir (Miner's Alley); The Flick, Soul in Turmoil (Curious Theatre); Buried Child, boom (Edge Theater); Indiscretions (
No Workshops Found
Ruben Van Kempen
Guest Artist, Free Lance Presenter
Ruben Van Kempen is a Seattle-based freelance director and the recent director of theatre at Roosevelt High School, Seattle where he taught and directed for 38 years. He is proud of his many students who have gone on to work professionally on Broadway (Tony winner Memphis); in London, Europe, and Japan; and in the opera, music, film and television industries. His directing work has been seen at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Gates Performing Arts Center in Hawaii, The Village Theatre, Seattle Civic Light Opera, the Thespian Festival at the University of Nebraska, University of Evansville, Western Washington University, Seattle Pacific University, Intiman Theatre/Seattle Children’s Museum, the International Thespian Festival in the Leid Theatre, Nebraska, as well as in several industrial shows.
Ruben received the 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award from the College of Fine and Performing Arts at Western Washing University. He was inducted into the Educational Theatre Association National Hall of Fame in September 2012, is a 2011 inductee into WA State Thespians and a 2008 inductee into the WIAA Hall of Fame. He received the 2007 Gregory A. Falls Sustained Achievement Award, which honors an individual who has devoted time, energy and talent to Seattle’s theatre community over the course of their career, influencing theatre locally and beyond. He was also honored with the first annual Ruben Van Kempen Arts Educator from the Intiman Theatre, The 5th Avenue Theatre Educator of the Year 2013. He was named a recipient of the Christa McAuliffe 2000 teaching award, and in 2013 received the Phi Beta Kappa Pathfinder Award.
Ruben's Workshops
Orange is the New Black – Devising
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting
Devising with Color
Bring character and story to life in this hands-on workshop devising character and a scene by using colors. Perform these devised scenes during the workshop.
ROCK YOUR AUDITION!
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting, Musical Theatre
A great, hands-on workshop for audition prep, college auditions and for Individual Events. Get secret tips from a veteran director on how to make your audition get the attention it needs. For students and teachers; all levels.
Screw it Up!
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting
This hands on devising workshop will bring objects to life through character and story. Find out how a simple screw can turn into a world of wacky characters and scenes. Perform these devised scenes in this workshop.
SING AND MOVE IT!
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Musical Theatre
Put it all together! In this exciting, active workshop, you will learn the vocals to “Another Op’nin, Another Show” from Kiss Me, Kate, stage it, rehearse it, and then perform it. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0FOIjsOBmU - You might want to look up the song on YouTube to brush up the words and melody.) See you there! For students and teachers; all levels.
WILD THANG!
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting
Devising - Performance Art.
Release your inner wild thang as you slither, slide, morph into the wacky world of performance art. You bring the story to life. You use your wild creative power to conquer artistically and perform in this hands-on, feet-to-the-floor or in-the-air workshop. It’ll be groovalicious! For students and teachers; all levels.
Robyn Yamada
Guest Artist, Denver Center for the Performing Arts
Robyn's Workshops
Music and Character
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Musical Theatre
The complexities of music and lyric inform the internal and external life of musical theatre characters. Through working examples of selections from beloved musicals, this workshop will give you insight and tips in how best to approach, then deliver, a song based on analyzing the song’s lyric and musical structure.
Ryan Dohoney
Guest Artist, St Vrain Theatre Company/Envision Production Group
Ryan is the owner of Envision Production Group and has been working as a theatrical and corporate designer for ten years. Recent credits in design include lighting for the Off-Broadway production of Wildcards in NYC & The Last Five Years (19K Productions Boulder) as well as audio design for Spamalot the musical, and full production design for Airborne Dance. He has been awarded several awards for design at the Colorado Community Theatre Collation with the St Vrain Theatre Company. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Metropolitan State University of Denver. He also enjoys being a wedding DJ in his spare time.
Ryan's Workshops
Tech On A Dime
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Tech
Workshop participants will learn how to design and build a full set for the least amount of money as possible. Everything from using what is in their theatre to what is in the community and by using contacts they might have as well as contacts the cast have. Also using tricks of the trade to make things simple and easy to build without over complicating them. As well as learn about sound effects, props and LED lighting effects.
Santana Trujillo
Guest Artist, AMDA College
Santana's Workshops
Hip Hop Dance for Theatre
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Dance
Come learn the hottest dance moves straight from LA! Step up your grooves and feel more comfortable on the dance floor. All levels welcome! Be ready to sweat and be ready to SLAY! Instructor: Santana Trujillo, AMDA
Hip Hop on Broadway
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Dance, Musical Theatre
Step up your game and learn the new style that is taking over Broadway! Participants will learn a hip hop routine and awesome grooves to take with them. All levels are welcome! Instructor: Santana Trujillo, AMDA
Sarah Jane Arnegger
Guest Artist, Playbill, Inc
Sarah Jane began working for Playbill, Inc. in 2011 and is currently the Director of Education. Sarah Jane oversees the day to day operations for Playbill’s main educational websites PLAYBILLder and all special educational initiatives for the company. Playbill's educational initiatives include: BroadwayCon, Junior Theatre Festival, International Thespian Festival, Broadway Teachers Workshop and partnerships with the NYC DOE, iTheatrics, Educational Theatre Association and NEA. Sarah Jane is a former opera singer and received her M.M. from NYU, B.A. from Marymount Manhattan College and is a member of the Educational Theatre Association’s Alumni Counsel.
Sarah Jane's Workshops
Playbill 101: Successful Fundraising Through Social & Print Media (JUST FOR TEACHERS)
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Tech
Join Playbill as we explore and create new strategies to build fundraising opportunities for your school or arts organization. We will take platforms such as social media, program development through PLAYBILLder, advertising, sponsorship deals, and other opportunities to engage your community and help build sustainability within your arts program.
Sondra Blanchard
Guest Artist, Public Works Theatre Company
Sondra Blanchard is artistic director of the award-winning Public Works Theatre Company, based in Lafayette, CO. She has been performing, teaching, and making new theatre for 30 years. She is a graduate of UC Santa Cruz, the Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theatre, and holds an MFA in Theatre: Contemporary Performance from Naropa University. Sondra has worked in regional theatre, toured nationally and worked internationally as a choreographer and acting coach. Locally, Sondra has performed with Band of Toughs, the Catamounts, Zen Cabaret, Theatre V, and at the Civic Theatre. She has taught at CU Boulder, the Arvada Center, Rocky Mountain Theatre for Kids, The Art Underground, Arts Hub, Mountain Vista High School, Community College of Aurora, and was adjunct faculty at Naropa University and UNC Greeley. Sondra was a Fulbright Fellow – Greece in 2014, teaching collaborative playwriting at Aristotle University. Please visit her Website at www.publicworkstheatre.com.
Sondra's Workshops
Viewpoints – Improvisation
Beginning / Acting
The Viewpoints is a technique of improvisation that grew out of the post-modern dance world. Originated by Mary Overlie, it has been adapted by Anne Bogart and the SITI Company for actors. In the Viewpoints, the dominant issues performers deal with-time and space-are broken down into nine categories. The Viewpoints allows a group of actors to function together spontaneously and intuitively and to generate dynamic theatrical work quickly. In this workshop we'll get on our feet to explore the nine categories in an embodied, playful way!
Stacey DAngelo
Guest Artist, Community College of Aurora
No Workshops Found
Stephen Gregg
Guest Artist, Guest Playwright
Stephen Gregg’s play, This is a Test, helped define a genre of large-cast one-acts when it appeared in 1988. Since then, he’s published over twenty plays for schools to perform, including Small Actors, One Lane Bridge, The New Margo, S.P.A.R., Twitch, Wake-Up Call, Sex Lives of Superheroes and Crush, which was produced on the mainstage of the International Thespian Festival in 2016. His new one-act is called Why We Like Love Stories.
He’s been the recipient of a Jerome Fellowship from the Playwright’s Center of Minneapolis; the Actors Theatre of Louisville’s Heideman Award for best ten-minute play (A Private Moment) and the International Thespian Society’s Founders’ Award for Service to youth and theatre. Crush was developed during a residency at the William Inge Center for the Arts.
Gregg teaches himself to write plays, one tweet at a time, at @playwrightnow.
Stephen's Workshops
Playwriting, the Types of Scenes
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting
PLAYWRITING. We’re going to learn the two main types of scenes and the two most important words in playwriting, which are ... well, you’ll just have to show up to find out. We’ll touch on plot and character. We’re going to move fast. Caffeinate.
The Real Story – the plot
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting
THE REAL STORY. Story is the key element of plays, TV and movies. It’s what audiences crave. But crafting a plot is neither easy nor intuitive. The good news is that, like most skills, it can be learned. We’ll do exercises, break down plot types and build stories together.
Steven McDonald
Guest Artist, University of Denver
Steven's Workshops
Ask a Tech Question
Beginning, Intermediate / Tech
Tech Director Steven McDonald returns for a Thespian Conference tradition. Bring your questions about scenery, lighting, sound, facilities, and stage management. Steven answers questions, and many times we learn new ideas from the attendees. Open to all students and teachers interested in tech.
Stuart Barr
Guest Artist, Denver Center for the Performing Arts
No Workshops Found
Stuart Stone
Guest Artist, Casting Director/ Stuart Stone Casting
Stuart Stone has been casting for over 20 years and has cast Hundreds of commercials and cast thousands of actors for domestic and worldwide television media. He has built a reputation on drive, creativity, passion and innovation in supplying the Commercial, Television, Film, Scripted, Non-Scripted, Industrial & new media, communities worldwide with the freshest, most original casting options. Stuart is a Clio and Emmy award winning casting director and is best known for many of his unique, high profile campaigns for Apple, Purina, Kellogg's, Pizza Hut, Jeep, Home Depot, Sony, and Subway, to name a few. Stuart has cast real people around the country and his steadfast commitment to finding what the client is looking for has enabled him to work with many established production companies, directors and advertising agencies. While casting Stuart has created workshops and classes utilizing his knowledge from behind the camera to teach actors what works in front of the camera to give memorable auditions and book the job. Stuart is also the author of the top selling book "The Keys to Commercial Acting". He is often invited to guest speak and teach around the country His passion in casting and teaching is why he is a go to casting director and acting coach.
Stuart's Workshops
TV and Film Acting for the Camera
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting
This workshop is designed for any actor that wants to be On TV or in Film. I will teach actors the some of the key techniques and skills for working in front of the camera. Participants will gain the understanding and gain the basic of working in TV and Film as well as how to audition for these roles. We will video everyone to help them better understand the process in reading for principle roles as a co-star, Guest-Star and Star of a TV show or Movie. Students will leave in-Powered and more confident as an actor.
Where do I go from here? OR Working in Hollywood/New York
Intermediate, Advanced / Acting
Heading out to work in a place like Hollywood can be overwhelming ,confusing as well as very costly. In this workshop I will give all participants a personal plan on how to head out to a Major market like Hollywood or New York .We will cover many of the ideas I talk about in my book so you will have a clear understanding of how to time your move, land an agent, Find a place to live, Budget your money, Workshops, Photographers and avoiding Scams . We will take out the stress, fear and worry. You will also learn how to make sure that before you pick up and move that you have been signed by an agent and have the proper representation so when you arrive you can start auditioning. If you have thought about making the move to work in TV Film or Theater you will not want to miss this workshop. I guarantee you will save time money and be hugely informed and give you a clear understanding of the process. I want to make sure that you are well prepared and am looking forward to helping you.
Working in Television Commercials
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting
Commercial Acting is a very lucrative business. Many actors work in commercials to make money (some thousands a year) as they work towards a profitable career in TV and Film. In this workshop we will cover what it takes to be a working commercial actor. We will cover everything from Agents, Managers, to booking the job and working on set. We will also cover What is the best way to slate? Crafting memroble auditions, Who are the "clients", We will also do some activities to find your 'Type" and cover some techniques that I have learned or created to from working behind the camera as a casting director that I will share with you during our workshop together.
Tamara Meneghini
Guest Artist, University of Colorado Boulder
Tamara Meneghini is a professional actor, voice/movement coach, and teaching artist.; She belongs to the Actor’s Equity Association (AEA), the Association of Theatre Movement Educators (ATME), and the Voice and Speech Trainers Association. She is an Associate Professor in the Department of Theatre & Dance at the University of Colorado Boulder where she teaches courses in acting, movement, voice, Shakespeare, Period Styles, and Musical Theatre. Most recently she completed the international training program, Arscomica Scuola Internazionale dell’Attore Comico with Antonio Fava in Italy in the style of Commedia Dell’Arte with artists from all over the globe. Most recently she has been touring two productions, THE TESTAMENT OF MARY (as Mary) and ELIZABETH I – In Her Own Words (as Elizabeth), with her own theatre company, Goddess Here Productions and is currently developing a new work with collaborator, Ami Dayan to be part of the upcoming Theatre – Made in Boulder festival in early 2018. As an actor, director, and teaching artist she has received many awards and grants to continue to develop and share her passion for the fusion of body, voice and the actor poet. www.goddesshere.com
Tamara's Workshops
Creating Character Through Movement
Beginning, Intermediate / Acting
Physical technique and movement specialist, Tammy Meneghini will share several ways to approach creating character through utilization of the physical body. Before there is a play there is only play. Please wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to move freely. Students will be lead through a series of physical explorations created to expose elements of character and aimed to articulate the composition of a role through the imagination, body, and voice. Presented by Tamara Meneghini
Voice for the Stage
Beginning, Intermediate / Acting
This workshop will explore the fundamentals of breath, projection, articulation, and energy necessary for stage work. A specific focus will be towards the muscularity of language and sounding. Please bring a short piece of classical text to play with. Presented Tamara Meneghini
Tara Wolfe
Guest Artist, Human, Kind Theater Project
Tara Wolfe is the President and Producing Artistic Director of Human, Kind Theater Project. A seasoned improviser, director, producer, and educator, Tara earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts with Dual Honors in Directing, Playwriting, and Production from the University of the Arts in 2015. Dedicated to supporting her community with kindness and artistic excellence, Tara co-founded Human, Kind in 2016. Her work can be seen with Third Kind Improv and at theaters around Denver.
Tara's Workshops
Mid-Form Improv
Intermediate / Acting
What is mid-form improv and how is it different from short and long form? In this workshop we will explore the newest edition to the improv universe, using your past improv experience to deepen your understanding and enhance your skills. If you love improv and are ready for something new, this is the workshop for you!
Ted Stark
Guest Artist, University of Colorado at Boulder
Ted's Workshops
Inside The Groove: Rhythm-Based Performance Enhancement Techniques
Beginning / Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre
To be taught by Jesse Manno
Participants will simultaneously enhance their internal sense of rhythm and their sense of community by holding their own groove while interlocking in rhythmic patterns with each other. Come learn how rhythmic tricks can make live theatre more engaging!
Jesse Manno is Music Director of the University of Colorado, Boulder Dance Program, He began his association there playing live music for Dance Classes at age 17. He is also a frequent accompanist/composer in residence with The Bates Dance Festival, ACDA conferences, and the Florida Dance Festival. He has composed over 200 dance/theatre scores from Off Broadway to abroad for Lazer Vaudeville, David Dorfman, David Taylor, Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance, Turning The Wheel, Inc. and many others.
Speak Without Words!
Beginning / Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre, Tech
Did you know that there is a language that we've all known, no matter who we are, since we were toddlers? Whether you are an actor, dancer, singer, director, designer or technician, we can all learn to harness this language and communicate with our audience.
The Makeup Circus
Beginning / Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre, Tech
Want to learn how to do specialty makeup? Style and put on wigs? Join us for the Makeup Circus! We will discuss prepping your face to maintain healthy skin, and then dive into a whole series of different wig and makeup styles.
Transnational Fusion Funk
Beginning / Dance, Musical Theatre
To be taught by Donna Mejia
We will focus on Transnational fusion dance using expressiveness, hardcore rhythms, hip work, athletic challenge, and attentive body work. Beginning with yoga and somatic science-based warm up, we will then upgrade to ballistic beats and spirited movement, featuring North African and Dances of the Arab world with underground Hip Hop and Electronic Music. This class will feature the best underground funk, international hip hop and electronica in the known universe.
Donna Mejia is an international touring artist and Assistant Professor of dance at CU-Boulder specializing in transnational fusion and traditions of the Arab/African Diaspora, ethnic studies, gender studies, pedagogy and ethics. Donna served as Artist in Residence for fifteen universities, and completed her graduate studies on full fellowship. She has headlined over 50 international festivals since 2012, received the Fulbright Association's 2011 Selma Jeanne Cohen honor for International Dance
You spin Me Right Round: Turntable Design and Construction
Beginning / Tech
To be taught by Kerry Cripe
This workshop will discuss different approaches to turntable design and construction including a variety of technical approaches and construction techniques.
Kerry Cripe is currently a faculty Technical Director and Lighting Designer at the University of Colorado Boulder. His professional credits extend over twenty years and include Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Utah Shakespeare Festival, The New Harmony Theatre, Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company and The Central City Opera.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to his teaching schedule, Kerry can only teach Friday afternoon.
Tim Grant
Guest Artist, Freelance Artist/ DCTA, Denver School of the Arts, Wolf Theatre Academy
A native of the D.C. Metro area, and graduate of Catawba College North Carolina, Tim has called Denver, Colorado home for 14 years. He has been in the Theatre Industry over 25 years. When he isn’t presenting workshops across the country, he works at The Denver Center Theatre Academy, Denver School of the Arts, and The Wolf Theatre Academy. Some of Tim’s directing credits include A Midsummer’s Night Dream, Scapino!, Bridge to Terabithia, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, Comedy of Errors, The Moon is Down, Blythe Spirit, The Good Doctor, On the Verge, The Dining Room, and House and Garden. He has appeared in Oleana (John), The Glass Menagerie (Jim), Amadeus (Mozart & Emperor Joseph), True West (Austin), Measure for Measure (Lucio & Duke), Prelude to a Kiss (Taylor), Waiting for Godot (Pozzo), and A Midsummer Night's Dream (Demetrius), Macbeth (Malcolm), and Henry IV / Richard III (King Edward). Along with his work on the stage, Tim can be seen in film and TV productions of Three Pages, Chasing the Dragon, Shift, The Closest Thing to Heaven, and Dawson's Creek.
Tim's Workshops
Actor’s Mind / Character’s Mind
Intermediate, Advanced / Acting
We are told to "put our selves in the character's shoes", but what if we put ourselves into the character's mind? How does the character perceive the world, what motivates them, and where do their weaknesses lie? Utilizing Jungian Psychology and Myers-Briggs Theory, an incredible world of character analysis is illuminated.
Emotional Flexibility
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting
“With great emotions comes great responsibility”. How can a character be an emotional wreck, while the actor is in control? Why can’t I cry on stage? How can I feel the emotion, instead of just showing it? Come learn how to “stretch your emotional range” in this workshop. Duet scene partners are encouraged to attend together and make new discoveries within their scenes.
Focus – and Move With Purpose
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting
This is an “on your feet” workshop where students are led through specifically designed exercises that train young actors to concentrate on their scene partners, ensemble, and their surroundings. This workshop reveals just how much we can create by “listening”.
Stan the Man – Method Acting
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting
120 years ago, Stanislavski revolutionized acting as we know it and his “method” is still used by most actors in one form or another. Join in on this workshop to experience a deeper understanding of some of Stan’s greatest hits. Relaxation, Concentration, Sense Memory, Endowment, and The Magic If. “When we are on stage, we are in the here and now.”-Constantin Stanislavski
Tom McNally
Guest Artist, Denver Center for the Performing Arts
Tom's Workshops
Acting: The Active Process
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting
A hands-on lively workshop with emphasis on how to create character in a fun and active way. Connected materials include: Purpose, Obstacle, Tactics, Circumstances, Relationship, and Orchestra. Come ready to learn - Come ready to have fun! Note: Teachers strongly urged to participate.
Tyrick Wiltez Jones
Guest Artist, Broadway Artists Alliance
Tyrick Wiltez Jones has appeared in the Broadway productions of Finian’s Rainbow (Howard) and Hairspray. National Tours: Seussical, Fosse, Show Boat. NY/Regional credits: A Chorus Line, Dreamgirls, Chicago, Soup Soap & Salvation, and the New York City Center ‘ENCORES!’ production of Finian’s Rainbow (Henry). Concert credits: PHISH 2011 New Year’s Eve concert at Madison Square Garden (featured singer/dancer), Mary Wilson of the Supremes Motown/Rock and Roll North America Tour (featured background singer), US Premiere of Sacred Ellington starring Jessye Norman with the Carnegie Hall ‘HONOR’ Series. Tyrick received 2015 Detroit Broadway World awards for Best Actor in Once on This Island and Best Choreographer for his work on The Bikinis. He has been featured in many readings/workshops in NYC and has made numerous film and TV appearances throughout the U.S. and Europe. Back to Me, an Independent Short he starred in, traveled the Film Festival Circuits. He choreographed Shimmer and Shine on Nickelodeon and he also worked as Assistant Choreographer for the film Joyful Noise with Queen Latifah & Dolly Parton. Tyrick’s voice was heard singing background off-Broadway in John Tartaglia’s Imaginocean. A popular NYC Triple Threat Arts Educator, Tyrick teaches Master Classes all across the US and particularly enjoys working with young, up-and-coming performers through programs like Broadway Artists Alliance of NYC, where he has been on the faculty for the past 12 years. www.BroadwayArtistsAlliance.org, www.tyrickwiltezjones.com
Tyrick Wiltez's Workshops
Don’t Throw Away your Shot – Broadway Confidence In Auditions
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced / Acting, Musical Theatre
In this hands on workshop, we will discuss and work on the audition skills you need to help you shine in "the room". Whether you have a monologue or song, the tips and skills you'll gain in this class will help you have more successful auditions whether they are for Broadway or for your school show. Taught by Tyrick Wiltez Jones, Broadway performer and faculty member of Broadway Artists Alliance, New York's elite program for connecting young artists with Broadway Guest Instructors and Industry. Bring along your monologue and/or song. Walk away with a renewed confidence!
Hairspray: Dance from Stage to Screen!
Beginning, Intermediate / Dance, Musical Theatre
Learn Choreography from the show that took Broadway, TV and FILM by storm. If you can count to 8, then Welcome To The 60's because you can take this class! Perfect your BROADWAY audition tool box as you work on the skills you need to be onstage on Broadway and on Film while learning some of the original HAIRSPRAY choreography. IT ALL STARTS WITH "Being YOURSELF"! Taught by Tyrick Wiltez Jones (HAIRSPRAY Broadway cast member for over 3 years & Hairspray's Asst. Choreographer at Papermill Playhouse), faculty member of Broadway Artists Alliance, New York's elite program for connecting young artists with Broadway Guest Instructors and Industry. Book that show, whether it's at your School, on Broadway, or on TV.
Walt Jones
Guest Artist, CSU Theatre
Walt Jones, who joined the CSU Theatre program in 2006, is a graduate of the Yale School of Drama. As a teacher of acting and directing, he has served on the faculty at Yale School of Drama, and University of California, San Diego. He has directed twice on Broadway, six plays off-Broadway, including the American premiere of Howard Barker's No End of Blame at Manhattan Theatre Club, and over sixty plays in more than twenty regional theatres from Cambridge to Fairbanks and productions in Soviet Russia and in Tokyo. He directed world premiere productions of plays by Thomas Babe, Lanford Wilson, Naomi Iizuka, Jos Rivera, Arthur Kopit, Jim Yoshimura, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwrights Sam Shepard and David Mamet, John Pielmeier, Derek Walcott and Christopher Durang. Among the many actors Walt has directed are Meryl Streep, Roc Dutton, John Turturro, Tony Shaloub, Nathan Lane, Liev Schreiber, Angie Bassett, Christopher Walken, Jason Alexander, Michael Gross, Lindsey Crouse, Linda Hunt, Sigourney Weaver, Peter MacNicol, Frances Conroy, Ricardo Antonio Chavira, Lewis Black, Mariel Hemingway, John Goodman, Christopher Lloyd, Kevin Kline, Paul Guilfoyle, Bill Sadler, Athol Fugard, Max Wright, William H. Macy, Ed O'Neill, and Tony Award-winning stage actor, Jefferson Mays. Mr. Jones was a staff director at the O’Neill National Playwrights Conference from 1980-1990, and directed regularly for the Yale Rep, Arena Stage, and the American Repertory Theatre. He is the author of The 1940s Radio Hour and A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol, both published by Samuel French, Inc.