Cirkus Cirkör’s Post

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to participate in a transformative body training workshop tailored for actors. Despite its simplicity, the session uncovered some fundamental mistakes often overlooked in our craft. It's remarkable how something as basic as maintaining proper alignment and gaze can significantly impact our performances. During the workshop, we delved into the nuances of gaze and body alignment—two pillars essential for any actor. We discussed how societal norms often lead us to cast our eyes downward, rather than maintaining a direct and upright posture. Learning to train our gaze to encompass a 180-degree angle demands conscious effort, yet it's indispensable for cultivating a commanding stage presence. Equally vital was the emphasis on body alignment. Ensuring an even distribution of weight enables us to move fluidly across the stage, effectively conveying the emotions and traits of our characters. It's these foundational principles that lay the groundwork for compelling performances. As actors, it's imperative that we commit to practicing these fundamentals daily until they become second nature. It's through dedication and persistence that we refine our craft and elevate our artistry to new heights . . . . . #movement #bodytrainning #theatre #workshop #learnunlearn #actors #practise

How much do you know about theatre and performing arts? See if you can answer these 15 theatre and performing arts trivia questions. https://lnkd.in/efuT_9ND

How much do you know about theatre and performing arts? See if you can answer these 15 theatre and performing arts trivia questions. https://lnkd.in/eAdGydU9

On Monday, I presented on 'the politics of class in post-1950s theatre, focusing on how various plays confront and critique the British class system, delving into how theatre in Britain has mirrored the evolving class structures. By analyzing plays like Tory Boyz, Look Back in Anger, and Versailles, the session shed light on the intricate dynamics of the class struggle. - Tory Boyz scrutinizes the disconnect between modern political elites and the working class. - Look Back in Anger portrays a working-class figure challenging societal norms in post-war Britain. - Versailles contrasts aristocratic luxury with the turmoil of the French Revolution, symbolizing the breakdown of rigid class boundaries. These plays offer profound insights into the complexities of class, showcasing the tensions between different societal strata. The presentation highlighted the grievances of the working class and the complacency of the elite, set against the backdrop of historical and political transformations. The analysis underscored how theatre acts as a mirror to society, reflecting, critiquing, and influencing the discourse on class in Britain. It demonstrated how these theatrical works serve as powerful tools for exploring and reshaping perceptions of class within the national narrative.

How much do you know about theatre and performing arts? See if you can answer these 15 theatre and performing arts trivia questions. https://lnkd.in/eAdGydU9

In-Between Society seems preoccupied with completion. I've been guilty of it myself, but last week, I confirmed that the in-between is pretty special. The in-between has the raw edges. It glows with the prospect of completion, even as it allows an open promise to make changes as needed.   Last week, the in-development production of The King's Wife took the stage at the Charles R. Wood Theater as part of the Adirondack Theatre Festival season. The book is by Mêlisa Annis, with music and lyrics by Jamie Floyd. Tamilla Woodard directed the production, which was produced by special arrangement with Jennifer Krantz. The role of Princess Mary was played by my daughter, Briar Magee. The story follows an imagined history of Henry VIII's first wives. The music is pop-leaning, the lyrics are witty and heart-searing. In-development means that the nine-person cast had scripts and music stands. Stage directions were projected on the back wall of the theatre to add context to the setting and the location of the actors.    This work-in-progress had the audience witness experiments with music and dialogue, and watch the intimate exchange between musicians and singers as the songs built and filled the house. It was like being inside the mind of an author or painter. Proximity to art making is rare.   Valuing the in-between allows us to appreciate the effort. The work: what they mean when they say "it isn't about the destination so much as it is about the journey."   The work I do at Trampoline is very often in-between. I can be tempted to rush to get to the results and to be done. But The King’s Wife, and my daughter's delight and pride in participating in the origination of a role, reinforced that it's the work we do before the finale that is the eventual foundation of success. #theatre #process #rehearsal #roughdraft #experimentation

Learning Theater Design Through Play Students explored the magic of set, sound, and lighting design by tapping into their own personal experiences to create powerful and evocative work.  As Sara Brown, professional set designer and professor at MIT, says: “If you feel it personally, an audience will also feel it personally.” #TheaterDesign #CreativeLearning #MITTheater #SetDesign #LightingDesign #SoundDesign #PowerOfPlay #StudentCreativity https://lnkd.in/efJz_zn4

With each review, I aim to not only comment on the production - but really analyse the writing and staging, unpacking it in detail. The History Boys, currently at Aberdeen Performing Arts, was one which took LOTS of discussion, breaking down and researching - but that is the beauty of theatre isn’t it? There’s nothing better than feeling the need to discuss what you’ve seen with peers: debating and battling the material along the way. If I hadn’t, this review would have been shaped very differently! Read the 3⭐️ review below ⬇️ 👔 https://lnkd.in/eeZ7t4As

In our productions the actors on stage become a mirror reflecting the human experience and the stories unfolding can often be the awakening of something dormant within ourselves. "Theatre can make us believe, not just in something 'out there', but predominantly in something 'in there', inside of each and every one of us." Theatre has always been more than just a performance; it's a communion of souls, a shared exploration of the human condition. As the characters come to life, you will not be merely spectators, but active participants in the unfolding drama. Through their triumphs and tribulations, joys and sorrows, we catch glimpses of our own struggles and victories mirrored in their stories. Each performance is a mirror held up to our own lives, inviting us to confront our fears, embrace our vulnerabilities, and celebrate our strengths. In the hushed moments of revelation, we find echoes of our own innermost thoughts, fears, and desires reverberating through the theatre walls. For in the sacred space between the stage and the audience lies the power to believe—not just in something 'out there', but predominantly in something 'in there', inside each and every one of us. #TheatreLife #ActorsLife #StageReflections #TheatreMagic #EmbraceVulnerability #CelebratingStrengths #TheatreInspiringChange