PA 2020-21 VIRTUAL STATE thespian
Conference WORKSHOPS
- Please review these offerings – Select one workshop for each of the 3 sessions. Please understand that this list may change, and that some will fill quickly. Students should have alternate choices in mind.
- The workshop sign up window will open on Sunday, November 24th at 6pm and close at 6pm on Friday, December 6th at 6pm.
- Each Troupe must have a least 1 member attend the STO leadership workshop. Students attending this workshop need to be signed up for both sessions. Troupes may have more than 1 student attend (up to the Troupe limit), however each troupe only gets 1 vote.
- All students must attend three sessions.
- Directors need to sign up their students for workshops following the directions that will be sent out in mid-November.
- Workshop sign ups will close December 6th in order for the board to begin organizing tickets.
- You may have between 2 -10% of your delegation may attend the workshop on a day. I.E. - if you have 30 students, you may only request 3 tickets for the 1st session – but you may select 3 for 2nd session as well – since all workshops are offered three times (except the Leadership/Advocacy workshop).
- Admission tickets will be available when you arrive at the conference. Students can put their tickets in the back of their name badge for safe-keeping – but must have a ticket to enter a workshop – attendance lists will be given to each workshop presenter as well. Specific room assignments will be determined and made listed on guidebook.
Questions? Contact Andrea Roposh ASAP.
Email: Roposha@parklandsd.org
FOR DIRECTORS AND ADULTS...
We have 2 sessions that we are asking Directors and interested adults to attend during student workshop sessions
STUDENT WORKSHOPS ...
#1 What Do You Want? The Basics of Stanislavsky
Paul Harrold, 2015 Graduate of Penn Manor HS ITS Troupe
This workshop will start by debunking notions that students need to worry about generating facial expressions or working up emotions, and instead provide an introductory look at pursuing character objectives, and playing specific actions to provoke their scene partner. It's a condensed, involved, and exuberant leap into the fundamentals of Stanislavsky, Uta Hagen, and the crucial starting blocks of the actor's toolbox.
Paul is a professional actor and musician working out of Philadelphia. His regional credits include Ragtime and Once at Arden Theatre, The Witch of Edmonton with Rev Theatre, and recently the title role in Bob: A Life in Five Acts at Azuka Theatre. He has performed with FringeArts as well as the Philadelphia Women's Theatre Festival, and has recently earned his BA in acting from Temple University.
#2 Creating Shakespeare's Clowns
Kevin Kern, The University of Mount Union
In this hands-on workshop, students will discover the elements of Shakespeare's clowns and fools and create vibrant, unique performances of some of the Theatre's greatest comic characters.
Kevin P. Kern is the Chair of Theatre at The University of Mount Union in NE Ohio. Directing credits include The Merry Wives of Windsor and Love's Labour's Lost for the Kingsmen Shakespeare Company in Los Angeles, Chicago at The Bigfork Summer Playhouse in Montana, A Midsummer Night's Dream for the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra in NW Florida, and Much Ado About Nothing for Shakespeare At The Castle; a professional theatre company in residence at Mount Union for which he serves as Artistic Director.
#3 Putting the Action Back into your Acting
Daniel Inouye, Messiah College
Expand your imaginative horizons as an actor and learn how to work off the actions of others. Through a series of improvisations and theatre exercises we will focus on developing the actor’s physical instincts and learning to trust these within the acting process.
Daniel Inouye is an award-winning director and teacher who has directed 40+ productions. His career has encompassed a variety of theatre-related experiences including assisting start-up arts organizations, serving as a state chair for the American College Theatre Festival and a serving on the Board of Electors for The Actors Hall of Fame. Currently, he combines his dual passion for theatre and teaching as an Associate Professor of Theatre Arts at Messiah College.
#4 Act and Think Like A Professional Actor
Sean Johnson, Sean David Johnson Coaching
This workshop combines the best of acting, improvisation, and self-development training, teaching you the relationship between your thinking, behavior, and results in a fun, powerful way. Not only can this workshop will make you a better actor, it can make you a more successful one. Through tailored acting and mindset exercises you’ll activate your listening and response skills, learn to trust and accept yourself, invest in the importance of relationships, and get clear on the power of objectives and taking risks in your acting and career.
If you ever wondered, “Do I have what it takes to become a working actor? How do I audition successfully? What do professional actors actually do and think?”, this workshop is for you.
Taught by an actor who has booked professional jobs on camera and stage. Bring a notebook and a monologue (just in case).
Sean David Johnson is an industry expert and coach whose wide-ranging, first-hand insight comes from more than fifteen years of combined experience acting and directing for stage and screen, recruiting for a major NYC acting college, creating web video and film, and coaching actors on the business and technique of acting. NYC credits include Where It All Began (Lucille Lortel Theatre), Unsung (Zipper Theatre), Separate Tables (West End Theatre), and on-camera host for the Nintendo company. In addition to his professional experience, he has trained with some of the most sought-after schools and teachers from New York to Los Angeles and attended more than 100 industry workshops with casting directors, agents, managers, producers, directors, working actors, union leaders, and other business professionals.
#5 Overcoming Performance Anxiety: An Auditioning Masterclass
Michael DeCoursey, Thespian Society Independent Thespian Artist
Combining Principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and popular acting methodologies, this workshop teaches simple and effective acting exercises that eliminate performance anxiety from the instrument. These exercises have been used by beginners and Broadway caliber performers. The workshop will culminate in an auditioning master class in which students will perform songs and monologues for feedback from the presenter.
Michael DeCoursey is an Actor based out of New York City, originally hailing from the Kansas area. He has performed in shows and workshops from NY to San Francisco. Some local credits include Finian's Rainbow at Spinning Tree Theatre and The Nine Who Dared: Courage in LittleRock at The Coterie Theatre. He is an accomplished commercial actor, having appeared in spots for Bad-boy Lawnmowers, Cerner and Sprint. An alumni of Kansas Thespians and an accomplished teacher Michael has presented at The Kansas, Missouri, Texas, Arkansas, Iowa, Indiana and International Thespian Festival. He has presented at SETC and has taught locally at The Coterie Theatre and Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center. Michael also operates a private teaching practice "Onstage Centered" to students across the globe helping them overcome Performance Anxiety. Michael holds a BFA from Texas Christian University and certificates from The American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco.
#6 BOOK THE ROOM: Empowered Auditioning for Performers
Amina Robinson, Temple University
Have you ever wondered what gives one performer an edge over another in an audition? Have you ever wanted to find the one thing that would make you stand out from the crowd? If you have, this is the workshop for you. Book the Room: Empowered Auditioning for Performers will provide you with practical advice, audition technique, and a new mindset to breathe life and vitality into your auditions.
Amina has performed on Broadway and in Broadway National Tours. She has guest starred in many television series including a recurring role on Showtime's hit show "Nurse Jackie." She has done numerous national commercials and was featured in the video game "Grand Theft Auto V." Her films include the Oscar, Golden Globe, and multi-award winning film "Precious." Directing credits include Sunset Baby at Azuka Theatre, Dauphin Island at Passage Theater, The Color Purple at Theatre Horizon (Barrymore Award Nomination for Best Direction of a Musical).She won the 2019 Barrymore Award in Philadelphia for Outstanding Direction of a Musical for The Color Purple.
#7 Sounding Off! - The Actor's Voice
Steven Satta, Towson University, Dept of Theatre Arts, Towson, MD
An actor's speaking voice is a powerful instrument that is too often neglected! We will look at ways to increase power, range and expression with vocal exercises applied to a range of different texts.
Steve Satta is a Professor of Voice/Acting in the BFA Acting program at Towson University. He is also a speech/dialect coach at professional theatres in Maryland such as Everyman and Olney. He is also a professional director and actor.i
#8 The Dramatic Imagination
James Reilly, Northern Illinois University, and YouthPLAYS
Do you remember what it was like to play pretend? Did you have an imaginary friend as a child? Did a book ever make you feel like you were “really there”? All of these questions share one key ingredient: the Dramatic Imagination. Artists are unified by their desire to create and underneath that desire is the bright and beautiful canvas of the imagination. In this workshop, Philly actor James Reilly will begin to uncover a healthy and vibrant approach to performing that will add depth to the work and teach you how to find emotional safety onstage and off. Come dip your toes in the waters of Michael Chekhov!
James is an actor, writer, and aspiring director from Lancaster, PA. He holds degrees in Theatre and English from Temple University and is currently earning his MFA in Acting at Northern Illinois University, where he assists in teaching Introduction to Theatre. He has performed regionally at the Walnut Street Theatre, the Delaware Shakespeare Festival, Revolution Shakespeare, and the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre. He plans to become a college professor, and never stop creating.
#9 Being a Good Scene Partner
Richard Sautter, Gettysburg College
Almost all the time we spend on stage is with other actors. Every production works best when cast members work well together. This workshop explores how actors can do just that. Through discussion and exercises, we will discover how helping your fellow actors not only makes rehearsals more fun, it can help you give the best performance of your life.
Richard Sautter teaches at Gettysburg College, and has taught and directed at Messiah College, McDaniel College, York College, and several other institutions. He also served as Dramatics Supervisor at Gettysburg High School for five years. He has three degrees in Theatre and, as an Equity Actor, has been busy in Regional Theatre for 25 years.
#10 Playing Shakespeare
Nathan Thomas, Alvernia University
This "hands-on" workshop will focus on playing with Shakespeare's text -- finding objectives and developing a character.
Nathan Thomas has been the director of the Alvernia Theatre program since 2003. A professional actor and director, Thomas has directed about 75 projects large and small over the last 16 years. Those projects ranged from the Classics to American and world premieres. Thomas studied with Arkady Katz, People’s Artist of the Soviet Union, at the Vakhtangov Theatre in Moscow, Russia. He currently writes a monthly column for “Scene4.com”, an on-line arts journal, and serves as Literary Adviser to the award-winning Chesapeake Shakespeare Company (CSC). Thomas has acted in or directed more than a dozen of the plays and has played Shylock, Prospero, and Lear.
#11 The Primary Instruments of Storytelling: Body and Voice
Jonathan Strayer, Millersville University
The body and the voice are the foundational tools of the performer's art and craft. Too often we jump into the text and expect characters to come to life without first knowing how our tools work. In this workshop we will explore body and voice and learn how that can strengthen our acting and directing choices.
Jonathan Strayer is an Assistant Professor of Communication and Theatre and the Director of Dramatics at Millersville University. With an MFA in Directing from the University of Idaho and additional degrees in Theatre, Education, and Communication, Jonathan has worked on over 85 academic, regional, and professionals productions from acting and directing to design and technical direction. His upcoming project is She Kills Monsters at Millersville University. www.JonathanStrayer.com
#12 Let it Go! Releasing Creativity...
Theresa Mastrobuono, Harrisburg Area Community College
This workshop can be beneficial to those in several categories, including acting, singing, make-up, writing, lightning, sound, improv, dance, costume, since it is about freeing your creative self.
Terri Mastrobuono has been a professional theater artist for over 30 years. She was co-founder and artist director for CoMotion Theater in Lancaster, PA and a founding member of its improv troupe. She has performed her own original shows as well as traditional scripted pieces in theaters and arts centers throughout the Eastern US and in Italy. She has been awarded several grants from the PA Council on the Arts to support creation of her devised works. Her teaching and directing have been hosted at Harrisburg Area Community College, Elizabethtown College, Albright College, Lebanon Valley College, and Central Penn College. She is a proud member of Actor's Equity Association.
Accents/Dialects
#13 Basics of a British Accent
Leonard Kelly, West Chester University
This workshop will help you perform a British Dialect with confidence. Basics of both standard RP and Cockney dialects will be included
Leonard Kelly is a member of the faculty of the Department of Theatre and Dance at West Chester University where he teaches acting, voice and speech, and dialects. He also directs regularly in the WCU season and serves as dialect coach for several professional theatre companies in the Philadelphia area
Costume/Makeup
#14 Costume Rendering Without Fear
Nancy Pipkin-Hutchinson, IUP
Performers wear costumes. The Costume Designer uses renderings to help communicate their ideas for costumes on characters. Learn several simple "tricks" and put pencils to paper.
Nancy Pipkin-Hutchinson is Associate Professor of Costume Design and Technology at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. In addition to her years teaching in the classroom, she has also worked in the professional world as Stitcher, First Hand, Cutter/Draper, Crafts Person, Wardrobe Supervisor, Costume Shop Manager, Costume Director and Costume Designer.
#15 Dressing the Part: the impact of costume on character and production.
Sarah Watson, YCP
Research shows that clothes actually affect the way an actor performs. In this workshop, we will explore the psychology of clothing and how a designer can use stereotypes and preconceived ideas to their advantage.
Sarah Watson is a freelance costume and scenic designer in the York, PA area. She is a veteran of the Army National Guard and specializes in military uniforms. Sarah spent recent years teaching technical theatre at a private school in Maryland and is often found making custom cosplay costumes for clients. Sarah holds an MFA in Dramatic Arts from UC Davis and a BA in Visual Arts from UMBC.
#16 Beginners special Effects Makeup
Miranda Leiggi, Council Rock North
Using color and simple tools to create different theatrical and spooky looks.
Miranda Leiggi is the director of troupe 5028, and has been the cast manager and makeup designer for Sleepy Hollow's House in the Hollow for 18 years. She has designed makeup for theater, off Broadway productions, and tv spots.
Dance/Movement
#17 SIX- The Musical
Dani Juraga, Downstage Center Dance Studio
Students will learn choreography inspired by the hit new show SIX-The Musical. Girls and Guys get to let loose with Henry the 8th's six wives, perform broadway style choreography and rock out to songs like "Don't Lose Your Head"
Dani Tucci-Juraga Dance Educators of America, SAG-AFTRA, AEA. (Broadway) Sesame Street Live, (Tours) Sesame Street Live (USA/Asia), The Magic School Bus Live, Disney Cruise Lines. (Film) 'Silver Linings Playbook’, (TV) Choreography for NBC’s Hairspray LIVE Kimmel Center, Phila. Other choreography includes ‘Waist Watchers' The Musical (National Tour), YouTube series ‘My Sister’s Workout’ and the she is the real life choreographer to director Lou Volpe (NBC’s Rise). Dani is a teaching artist at the Bucks County Playhouse and adjunct professor for Rider University’s Musical Theater Dept. Dani owns/operates Downstage Center Dance Studio in Morrisville, Pa. www.DaniTucciJuraga.com
#18 Musical Theatre Dance Workshop
Kristen Smith, Music Theatre Philly
I will be leading a Musical Theatre Dance workshop that will include breaking down a jazz combination for the students to learn and perform toward the end of class. We will focus on executing the style and technique of the piece and incorporate our facial expression into the movement. I will also talk about the use of space, time, and energy throughout the dance phrase and prompt the students to repeat the phrase focusing on those dynamics.
Kristen graduated from the University of the Arts with a BFA in Jazz Dance Performance and a concentration in Musical Theatre. She is a dance instructor, choreographer, and theatre performer and has worked with The Roxey Ballet Company, Resident Theatre Company, Bucks County Center for the Performing Arts, and many others. Kristen has also choreographed for many schools including Parkland High School, Solebury School, Burlington Township High School, and Stuart Country Day School. She currently is an instructor for The Mill Ballet school and continues to expand her love of the arts through teaching residencies for Walnut Street Theatre and Young Audiences of New Jersey.
#19 Broadway Musical Theatre Dance
Alison Stroop, Dance Studio Owner, You Can Do It Dance & Fitness
Description: Musical Theatre Dance is the study of Broadway dance and dance styles. This class consists of a short warmup and choreography from a popular Broadway show. What to wear: comfortable clothing that you can move in. What to wear on your feet: Jazz shoes, character shoes, sneakers, or socks.
Owner/Instructor at You Can Do It Dance & Fitness, Montoursville, PA. Alison holds a BFA in Performing Arts from Oklahoma City University and has extensive teaching experience in all forms of dance. She has taught, choreographed and directed for 30+ years. Alison takes pride in teaching her students to be good people as well as successful dancers.
Before calling Montoursville, PA home Alison performed and taught in Boston, New York City, New Jersey and Chicago. Some of her credits include Nutcracker, A Chorus Line, Busch Gardens (Virginia) and Crazy For You.
Alison believes in using her time and talent to give back to her community. She has choreographed several musicals for Montoursville High School, Loyalsock High School, Student Summer Stock, and most recently CTL's Penguin Project.
#20 Vulnerability for Performers
Ryan Nicotra, Goucher College and MD Institute College of Art
Blending dance movement, personal interview, and improvisation, this exercise will promote vulnerability and collaboration within the participating group. Participants should dress in clothing that allows free movement (no skirts, jewelry; sneakers are preferred). Arrive ready to move and be moved.
Ryan Antony Nicotra is a freelance director, actor, and teaching artist from Baltimore. He is currently the Assistant Director of the Annual Fund and Digital Engagement at The Maryland Institute College of Art, and an alumnus of the Goucher College MA Arts Administration program. Ryan is a frequent presenter and contributor to arts publications on the topics of cultural equity, arts advocacy, and adaptive leadership. He is the former Development Director at Single Carrot Theatre, Baltimore’s largest alternative theatre, and served as the founding Company Director of The BOOM Theatre Co., a rural company that was devoted to producing new works and reimagined classics.
Directing
#21 Directing on a Dime
Karen Dabney, Westminster College
10-minute directing activities empowering any and all to trust they are equipped with the ability to make choices, communicate ideas, and tell a story.
Karen M. Dabney, Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre at Westminster College, Ph.D. in Theatre at the University of Colorado – Boulder, MFA in Directing at the New School for Drama in New York City. Her research interests include military theater, theater for social change, new play development, and pedagogy. She currently is co-chair of the Pedagogy Symposium for Mid-America Theatre Conference. Her performance reviews on David Henry Hwang plays are published in Texas Theatre Journal.
Marketing/Advocacy
#22 Marketing in High School Theatre
Maddie Beatty, Independent
Marketing in High School Theatre dives into the importance of marketing. No matter what your part is in a production or what position you hold in your program, it’s everyone’s part to advocate! Come learn how to effectively promote your production, build your program’s reputation, and create marketing strategies through printed material and social media. Additionally, learn more about how to take charge and start a marketing position in your troupe or production company! Design, marketing, technology, and advocacy all meet in this workshop!
Madison Beatty is currently working as Marketing Director for an Lancaster based entertainment center, and on the PA Thespian State Board as the Social Media/Alumni Coordinator. In high school, she served many positions in her troupe, including Troupe President and student marketing director. Maddie also served as a State Thespian Officer her senior year state conference. In June 2017, she achieved a Superior rating on her theatre marketing IE at ITF. Maddie also has plenty of experience in public speaking, leadership, marketing, and event coordination!
#23 Marketing Yourself: Getting You Ready to Apply for a Job or Apply to a College Theater Program
Matthew Miller, Temple University
Marketing and branding yourself helps you put the best foot forward and grab the attention of either a Theater department faculty member or an employer at professional gig. It can set you apart from the crowd. This workshop will show you resume formats, portfolios, websites, social media presence, as well as how to interview to achieve your goal: a job, scholarship, or slot in a college program. Workshop is geared for both performance and design/technical-minded students.
Matthew Miller is a freelance scenic & lighting designer, Equity stage manager, and is on faculty at Temple University, focusing on Design & Production courses and heads both the the Stage Management and Theater Education programs. He's worked in production capacities in almost every genre of performance, and in venues large, small, and outdoors across the nation and as far away as Hawai'i and Santiago, Chile. Samples of his work are seen at www.mbradfordmiller.com
#24 The SCHMOOZE
Victor Capecce, Millersville University
Face to face networking is integral to success in all industries, but none so great as in show business. This session is to peel the wall flower off the wall and develop and hone ice breaking skills that can be used in a wide variety of circumstances. How do you work a room? How do you break away from a monopolizing conversation? How do you prepare before and follow up? Both introverts and extroverts are welcomed!
There will be an introduction, structured activity and response/observation time within the workshop.
This is also a genuine opportunity to meet across-disciplines and, exchange "business cards" (real and virtual). Bring your own, or create within the session (materials will be provided).
Victor Capecce is an Associate Professor in Millersville University’s Communication and Theatre Department, teaching stage design, technical courses, and entrepreneurship. He helped to create MU’s Entrepreneurship Minor and originated its first course: “The Art of Entrepreneurship” which has been running to packed enrollment for 10 semesters. He was also instrumental in creating MU’s new “B.A. in Entertainment Technology” program. His teaching career began after many years working as an artist, designer, producer, (at Lancaster’s American Music Theatre) and educator (at Albright College). He obtained his BFA from Ithaca College, and MFA (Design) from the Yale School of Drama.
Improv/Devised Theatre
#25 Cohesive Ensemble Building: Creative Strategies for Unified Movement.
John Paul “JP” Staszel, California University of Pennsylvania
This is a movement-based workshop that explores devised theatre techniques for creating cohesive ensemble moments. The workshop will operate at a fundamental level while allowing those individuals who are more advanced and comfortable to work more intensely with their bodies and minds. The workshop is created to build on the work of the actor, while geared toward the eye of the director, and how directors can create physical narrative with implementing elements and techniques of play. The workshop will focus on developing group connections in performance scenarios, working on how individuals understand their body in space, and how the bodies of an ensemble create meaning through sound and movement. The workshop will also focus on confidence building exercises as a fundamental way to develop ensemble, and the ways creative and expressive sound emerge in moments of fear and trust. While the workshop will operate on a fundamental level, the exercises and activities will allow individuals to quickly build physical performance relationships with partners in an ensemble setting. The workshop will work on the importance of implementing strong physical choices, in safe, yet dynamic ways to create staged moments.
Dr. John Paul "JP" Staszel teaches theatre at California University of Pennsylvania. He completed his doctoral work at Bowling Green State University in the field of theatre and performance studies, and recently participated in the Northwestern Summer Institute fellowship program focused on Performance Studies in 2017. JP has trained with various international theatre companies including Pilobolus, Inlet Dance Theatre, and NACL (North American Cultural Laboratory). He is excited to be offering another workshop this year to the young aspiring artist attending PA Thespians.
#26 Improv for Anxiety
Jeanette Fotis, Penn State – Berks
Learn how to use the tenets of improvisation to help manage anxiety. This workshop will provide tools via improvisational theatre for alleviating, redirecting, and harnessing anxiety. Come with an open mind and leave with a renewed confidence.
Jeanette Fotis teaches improvisational theatre and comedy at Penn State - Berks. She is a comedic performer, theatre educator, and facilitates communication and motivational training for direct, small or corporate businesses using improvisational techniques.
Puppetry
#27 Have Puppets, Will Travel
Sabrina Hykes-Davis, California University of Pennsylvania
Create a whole production, in miniature. Tell the tale of a legendary creature, a huge and mighty tale with sets and lights and props, then shrink it all to fit into an itty, bitty space. Practice storyboarding and writing, draw and paint scenery, create found object puppets and add in sound and light effects to create a suitcase style performance.
Sabrina Hykes-Davis teaches in the Design and Entertainment Technology concentration at California University of Pennsylvania. She is primarily a scenic and props designer but has worked in many other areas of technical theatre. Outside of Cal U, she has designed recently for Jumping Jack Theatre, Stage 62 and South Park Theatre.
Singing/Vocal
#28 ACTING FOR SINGERS: What’s Behind That Song?
Elaine Bromka, Tea for Three, LLC
Bring a song or part of a song -- sing it a cappella or with cell phone accompaniment – and make it land more vividly by exploring the impulses behind the words. Discover what the song is really about in a way that’s uniquely yours. Learn to make maximum impact!
ELAINE BROMKA – Film, TV, Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional -- Much Ado's Beatrice to Shirley Valentine. The Blacklist, Friends from College, Girls, The Sopranos, Sex & the City, all Law and Orders, and Catch a Rainbow, for which Ms. Bromka won an Emmy. Cindy, the Uncle Buck mom. Her Off-Broadway solo show, “TEA FOR THREE: Lady Bird, Pat & Betty,” tours nationwide. Smith College phi beta kappa and guest artist at 150 colleges and high schools. http://elainebromka.com/ http://teaforthree.com/
Sound/Audio
#29 The Basics of Podcasting
Jeffrey Schiffman, York College of PA
This workshop will give you the basics on how to Set-up, Record and produce a Podcast. Podcasts have taken many different forms of late. Interested in doing a Audio Drama, Entertainment Talk Show or Interviews? This workshop will be a good starting point.
I'm currently teaching Audio & Radio at York College of PA. Several of our students have won national awards for Audio Podcasts presentations. I have also been a panelist at several national Radio & Broadcasting Conferences on this topic.
#30 The A2: Wireless Mics and Mic Rigging
Ben Moore, Penn State University
An A2 is a valuable part of any theatrical performance, but what exactly is an A2? This workshop will review paperwork and practical ways to put mics on actors, as well as tips on keeping equipment in good condition.
Ben Moore is a sophomore in the Penn State School of Theatre, specializing in sound design. Prior to college, he worked as the advisor for Penn Manor High School's theatre program and has been involved in the world of sound for ten years.
Stage Combat
#31 Act the Fight!
Daniel Burke, York College, Lebanon Valley College and Fairfield University
Slapping, punching, kicking, scratching, hair pulling and much more is what the Actor will learn in this practical class. Students will learn the Art of “Hand to Hand” Stage Combat ending in a choreographed fight incorporating the moves that they have learned. This class will also focus on how to “Act the Fight” to make the violence look believable to the audience.
Mr. Burke teaches Stage Combat at Lebanon Valley College, York College and Fairfield University. He has choreographed Violence for The Harlem Shakespeare Festival, Baltimore Shakespeare Factory and he is the resident Fight Choreographer for The Harrisburg Shakespeare Company. Over the past 26 years his fights have been seen on hundreds of stages up and down the East Coast.
#32 Stage Combat
Brent Shultz, The Dalton School
Introducing martially truthful safe combat techniques. Course topics include: Warmup/Stretching, Safety, Consent, Unarmed Contact and Non-Contact Techniques for Stage and Film
As an Advanced Actor Combatant with the Society of American Fight Directors, Brent has been Fight Choreographer for productions, The Treatment at IATI Theater, Void at The Tank, Convention at Irondale Arts Center, Trees in Their Youth at The Signature Theater, The Found Dog Ribbon Dance at Columbia University, Deathwatch, Drunken Enough to Say I Love You and First Love all presented as part of 2019 Directorfest hosted by The Drama League. He completed his Theatrical Intimacy Education (TIE) training and was one of twelve participants selected for the Choreography Track as part of this year’s Summer Sling, stage combat intensive, hosted by the SAFD in New York. He teaches Stage Combat Technique at The Dalton School in New York City.
Stage Management
#33 Stage & Production Management in and beyond high school
Amanda Piergallini, Hatboro-Horsham High School
This Seminar will focus on Stage and Production Management in and beyond high school! In High School Section: Calling a show, Scene Change Lists, working and guiding peers, training, show preparation, ec.
Beyond HS Section: How to transition in to college technical theatre (Major, minor, work study or for fun), running a student theatre organization tips and tricks, etc. After: navigating the zones of management with professors/teachers, adults and peers, as well as Q&A
Amanda is a recent graduate of Millersville University, majoring in Technology & Engineering Education and minoring in Technical Theatre. Her most recent technical positions were the stage manager of The Wedding Singer (March 2016) and technical director/production manager of Heathers the Musical (March 2017); both at Millersville. She has also been the production manager of Newsies (April 2019) and production manager/asst. director of Little Shop of Horrors (Dec 2019) both at Hatboro-Horsham High School.
Technical
#34 Light and Color
Natalie Robin, University of the Arts
Perception controls experience. Light controls perception. How can we use light to help the audience experience our theatrical work? Do you ever wonder how to make a red dress look black or an orange set seem to glow in the dark? This workshop explores color and light through hands on activities and demonstrations. Learn a little bit about science, a little bit about feelings and a little bit about chocolate!
Natalie Robin is the Head of Theater Design & Technology in the Ira Brind School of Theater Arts at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. She has been a faculty member or guest artist at Bard, Muhlenberg, Hofstra, the University of New Haven, NYU/Tisch, Brooklyn College, the Lincoln Center Director’s Lab, Williams College, and Alfred University. Her most recent collaboration with choreographer Meg Foley, FIXING, premiered at the site-specific performance festival FORMATIONS at the 2019 Prague Quadrennial where Natalie also spoke on a panel entitled “Pedagogy: Conversations about teaching of performance design: views, perspectives and evolutions.” Natalie is a Philadelphia-based lighting designer whose design work focuses on new American plays and musicals, contemporary dance and site-specific performance. She believes that design is dramaturgy and is interested in how the generative text for work can be found in movement as much as in language. Her work expresses emotional narratives through light as an ephemeral and time-based medium.
#35 Knots for the Stage
Tom Rupp, Wilkes University
We will learn to tie the various knots we use back stage.
Tom has served as a regional theatre technical for 34 years at Actors Theatre of Louisville and Center Stage in Baltimore. Tom is now in his fourth year at Wilkes University mentoring the next generation of crafts people and Artisans sharing what he has learned over his career. He is an avid fly fishermen and a proud member of Trout Unlimited.
#36 Non-performance careers in the performing arts
Curtis Craig, Penn State University
A session to help guide students into offstage, backstage, and other career paths affiliated with the arts.
Associate Professor of Sound Design, Penn State University. Professional sound designer and composer.
#37 Projection Design Lab
Noah Guth, Penn State University
Students will participate in various hands-on activities to learn the fundamentals of digital projection design for live theatre. Stations will be set up for a lab-style workshop so that students can be introduced first-hand to examples of basic equipment, software, and terminology utilized in professional theatrical projection design.
Noah Guth is a senior in the B.F.A. Theatre Design & Technology program at Penn State University. Noah has served as both a lighting and projection designer for various Penn State productions and this past summer he was the Projections Engineer for Goodspeed Musicals’ productions of Hi, My Name is Ben and Because of Winn Dixie.
#38 State of the Art: LED Lighting
Adam Mendelson, UMBC
I will be bringing some lights with me and can setup in any room. It would be ideal to have a dedicated 15A outlet in the room, but I have done this in conference rooms and light labs. The ability to turn down or off flourescant lights and to shade natural light would also be ideal. I would also like to use a projector, but can bring one with me if needed.
dam Mendelson is the Senior Lecturer in Lighting and Sound Design at the University of Maryland Baltimore County where he helped prepare the new theatre spaces for the opening of the state-of-the-art Performing Arts and Humanities Building. He previously taught at the University of Wyoming, the University of Texas-Arlington, Stephens College (Columbia, MO), and Lawrence Academy (Groton, MA). His design work has been seen across the country and as far afield as Edinburgh, Scotland. Recently, he has lit shows for Rep Stage (Columbia, MD) Lexington Children's Theatre (Lexington, KY), Annapolis Shakespeare Company, and the Towson University Department of Dance.
#39 Set Design and Production
Terence Poulton, Pennsbury High School
Design, development and fabrication of theatrical sets. Application of various materials from wood to foam usage. Fabrication techniques and creative problem solving.
Mr Terry Poulton is Master Cabinetmaker of 37 years specializing in architectural interiors, furniture design. He is the Techincal Director and Stage Manager at Pennsbury High School for the last 4 years and a set fabrication volunteer and designer for 10 years.
Writing
#40 Singular Sensation: Writing the Monologue
Jonathan Dorf, YouthPLAYS
From Hamlet’s immortal “To be or not to be” to the Zoo Story’s “story of Jerry and the dog,” monologues give actors moments to shine, and audiences often remember them long after the applause has died. Whether you’re a playwright who wants to take your play to the next level or an actor looking to create your own material, this workshop will help you write that memorable monologue—right now.
Jonathan Dorf has authored more than 40 published plays with over 2000 productions worldwide, including 4 A.M., The Magic Hour, Declaration, Dear Chuck, After Math and Me, My Selfie & I. He co-founded publisher YouthPLAYS, co-chairs the Alliance of Los Angeles Playwrights, serves on the Dramatists Guild Education Committee and is the author of playwriting textbook Young Playwrights 101. BA in Dramatic Writing and Literature, Harvard University; MFA in Playwriting, UCLA. www.jonathandorf.com.
#41 Sketch Comedy
Matt Fotis, Albright College
Students will learn the ins and outs of writing and performing sketch comedy. This workshop will focus on turning an idea into a polished sketch.
Dr. Matt Fotis is the chair of the Theatre Department at Albright College, where he teaches writing for performance, acting, and comedy studies. He is the author of Long Form Improvisation & American Comedy: The Harold, The Comedy Improv Handbook, and the forthcoming Satire & The State: Sketch Comedy and the Presidency Since 1960.
Student Leadership
#42 STO Selection through Student Leadership
Jill Campbell and Marlene Thornton, STO Coordinators
Each troupe should have at least 1 student attend this workshop which will help develop student leadership and also select the STO for next year.
This workshop (ONLY) is a 2 session workshop – the first and third workshops sessions. Students need to sign up for BOTH sessions.
#43 Leadership Workshop
Nic Fallacaro - ITO
Leadership Workshop - presented once - during the 2nd session