LALT Summer Workshop


LALT Acting/Directing Workshop June 25 and July 2, 2016   (flyer)

Joanne Camp and Shepard Sobel will present a two-day Acting and Directing workshop on consecutive Saturdays, June 25 and July 2, 2016 at the Performing Arts Center in Los Alamos, NM. Each instructional day will begin at 9:30 am and conclude at 4:30 pm. On the first day (first weekend), participants will separate into two groups, with each group following a separate instructional track in the workshop.   

The first group will consist of actors, who will work with Joanne on techniques and exercises to enhance interaction on the set; i.e., the pursuit of objectives in such a way as to move the action forward and keep the audience leaning forward. These techniques are equally applicable to film work as to theater work. This group will be limited to no more than 16 participants. This instructional track is appropriate for all actors: beginners through more experienced performers.

The second group will consist of about half the number of actors in the first group, who will work with Shep. This “director’s track” will focus on techniques and exercises to enhance how to work with actors in such a way that fully engages the actors’ creativity — giving each actor what she or he needs to do her/his best work, and avoiding prescriptive or dictatorial directing. This instructional track is most appropriate for directors with prior experience in directing.

At the end of the first day, participants will divide into small teams of two or more actors and a single director for optional scene work for the intervening week. Joanne and Shep will establish particular goals and procedures to bring together the techniques and attitudes explored in the first day’s work. The teams will work during the week to prepare the scene and present it on the following Saturday. On the second day of the course, Joanne and Shep will briefly review the optional scene work as a starting point for the day’s work. Teams will participate in supervised scene work with the active monitoring of Joanne and Shep to reinforce instructional themes. The day will end in a presentation and group discussion of what worked, what didn’t, and how to move forward.

Cost for the workshop will depend on the number of participants. We require a minimum of 8 actors and 4 directors (total of 12) to conduct the workshop, and will limit participation to a maximum of 16 actors and 8 directors (total of 24). With minimal attendees, participant cost is $65 and at the maximum, $35.

Those who plan to attend must reserve their spot in the workshop by contacting Dennis Powell (dennis.powell@yahoo.com). The workshop fee is payable at or prior to the workshop on June 25; checks should be made out to “LALT”.