Workshops that will be offered at the THESPIANAGE - the 2017 PA State Thespian Conference
Acting
Devise and Conquer: Creating the Devised Monologue
Victoria Chatfield, National Theatre for Student Artists
Devised work has taken the London theatre scene by storm. Learn how to create your own devised monologue — written, staged, and performed by YOU — in this workshop. You’ll learn how to work with stimuli, utilize essential devising techniques, and leave with a video recording of your devised monologue and information about how to take your new devising skills all the way to New York City.
Victoria Chatfield has been producing shows written, directed, designed, and performed by high school and college students for almost twenty years — both regionally and off-Broadway (including Thespian Playworks Off-Broadway at Atlantic Theatre Company). She recently received a Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching and traveled to the United Kingdom. During this time, she collaborated with the National Theatre of Scotland and conducted research with the National Youth Music Theatre (London, UK), the Let’s Dance Program (Granada, Spain), and Collapsing Horse Theatre Company (Dublin, Ireland). During her ten years as a New York City public school teacher, she received the Voya Unsung Heroes Award for innovation in curriculum planning. She currently works as the Executive Director for the National Theatre for Student Artists (www.nationalstudenttheatre.org).
Theatrical Meaning Making
Ryan Clark, Stevenson University
The Meaning-Making workshop is designed to help actors used their impulses to tell a story and create meaning on stage. Utilizing Anne Bogart’s Viewpoints Technique, actors are guided through a variety of exercises creating gestures and shapes with limited text in the creation of a unique two-minute piece of theatre at the end of the workshop.
Ryan Clark is the program coordinator for the Theatre and Media Performance at Stevenson University. Ryan comes to the theatre as a director, actor and educator. His directing work is eclectic including original plays, re-imagined classics and devised theatre. Selected productions include Lear, Angels in America: Millennium Approaches, Twelfth Night, The Baachai, Yerma, Romeo and Juliet, Medea and Our Town. He is currently the Artistic Director of Quarry Theatre in Baltimore. Ryan holds an M.F.A in Theatre Directing from Florida State University.
Flop Gloriously!!!: Finding Your Inner Clown
Charlie DelMarcelle, West Chester University
The heart of clowning celebrates our individual and very human imperfections. Through ensemble game play and instructor lead solo explorations; this introductory workshop will prepare students to begin the joyful, profound, and transformative journey of discovering their unique clown personas.
Charlie is a actor, director, and educator with over twenty five years of professional experience. He devotes much of this time to community outreach and theatre education; serving as: an instructor at The Lantern Theater School, a roster artist for the PA Council on the Arts, an instructor for the Summer on Stage program at Delaware Theatre Co., and an assistant professor of theatre at West Chester University.
C.R.A.P!: Calm, Relaxed, Audition Prep
Gene R. Frank, Cabrini University/Norristown Educational Theatre, Inc
Through a series of Vocal, Concentration, Visualization and Breathing Exercises, students will gain a focused perspective on how to prepare for an audition in spite of nerves, crowd noise and general stress.
Gene R. Frank, PhD , in Educational Theatre from New York University and a M.F.A. in Directing from the University of Connecticut. He has worked in the fields of theatre and education for over thirty years as a teacher, performer, director, designer and playwright. He is the Artistic Director of Norristown Educational Theatre and has written several plays for the theatre as well. Gene teaches in the Graduate and Undergraduate Programs at Cabrini University.
What's your Type? What does that mean?
Rob Gretta, Indiana University of PA
"Typing" or Typecasting is industry lingo used by directors of stage, film, television, and commercials for casting generically according to the actor's physical appearance to convey an immediate message to the audience. This workshop will help you determine your type and how/where to start looking for audition material.
Rob Gretta is the Director of Musical Theater at Indiana University of PA (IUP), where he teaches courses in acting, directing, stage management, and musical theater. He has worked professionally as an actor and a director for almost 30 years, and is a proud member of Actors' Equity Association and Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers.
Journey from Stage to Screen
Sean Johnson, New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts
In this workshop discover the differences between acting in front of an audience and in front of the camera. Actors must be able to work in both mediums, but most lack any on-camera training, the fastest growing area of our industry. What are an actor’s responsibilities on-stage and on-set? How do you adapt your theatre training to the more intimate medium of film and TV? This session will work on creating dynamic and interesting, yet subtle and honest acting which will translate well on-camera. Discover this medium of acting by exploring the nuances of intention, body language, voice, and more. Learn the secrets to building a successful career as an actor.
Sean David Johnson is an industry professional whose wide-ranging, first-hand insight comes from more than fifteen years of experience acting and directing for stage and screen, writing and producing independent film and web video, coaching actors for the audition room, and photographing headshots in NYC. In addition to this practical experience, he has trained with some of the most sought-after acting and business of acting coaches from New York to Los Angeles and attended more than one-hundred industry seminars with casting directors, producers, talent agents, managers, union leaders, headshot photographers, and other industry professionals. He proudly counts among his clients and collaborators, popular and award-winning actors and coaches for TV, film, and Broadway.
Chekhov Characterization: a psycho-physical approach
Justin Lujan, University of the Arts, Ira Brind School of Theater
The mind body connection is powerful. In this workshop we will explore and foster that connection through the psycho-physical exercises of Michael Chekhov. Participants will be led to integrate their voice and body with an active imagination while learning tools to find specific characterization. We will apply the characterizations through improvisations and if possible, and time permits, memorized monologues.
Justin Lujan is the Head of the Acting Program in the Ira Brind School of Theater at the University of the Arts in Center City, Philadelphia. There he teaches the sophomore Acting Studio: Technique I & II courses, and occasionally other core curriculum - Movement for Actors, Acting on Camera, electives, etc. He is a Certified Teacher with the National Michael Chekhov Association, a graduate from The Groundlings School of Improvisation and spent 10 years acting and teaching in Los Angeles prior to coming to Philly.
Building the Plane While Flying It: Introduction to Long-Form Improv
Michael Schwartz, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Students will learn the platform skills of storytelling in a long-form improv format, including character building, establishing setting, and initiating action. Students will also explore the concept of the "game"--a theme established through scenework that can be repeated and exaggerated throughout the course of the improvisation. Finally, students will experiment with one of the most important forms of long-form improvisational storytelling: "The Harold."
Michael Schwartz is an associate professor in the theater and dance department at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he teaches improvisation, playwriting, and theatre history and literature. Mike has studied and taught improv at Philly Improv Theatre in Philadelphia, and has taken workshops with Impro author Keith Johnstone and Upright Citizens Brigade member Matt Besser.
Playing Shakespeare
Nathan Thomas, Alvernia University
A fun introduction to using Shakespeare's verse as clues to act characters and understanding the action of a scene.
Nathan Thomas has served as Director of Theatre at Alvernia University since 2003. A professional actor and director, Thomas has directed about 75 projects large and small over the last 15 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). He has translated Anton Chekhov's ""Uncle Vanya"" for professional performance and recently played Prospero in "The Tempest."
Advocacy
Performing and Studio Arts: Risk Management and Controls
Jessie Sullivan, Juniata College
Production work and studio art carry with it many of the same hazards and risks often associated with many industrial industries, however these risks and hazards are often overlooked in when it comes to the art world. Tight budgets and deadlines, unusual venues and work environments, increasing demand and decreasing resources all combined with a student element can lead to dangerous and risky situations that often go unnoticed until a problem occurs. This presentation will discuss risks associated with production and studio art work and provide tools and information to allow for the identification, documentation, and mitigation of these risks. Topics covered:
Types of Risks
How to Identify Risks (combined with group activity)
How to Manage and Mitigate Risk (both on stage, backstage, and in studio)
The Student Variable
Presentation includes the use of risk management tools and matrix, interactive identification activities taking participant through the risk identification and management process specific to theatre and studio arts, instructional resources, tour and assessment of facilities if possible.
Jessie Sullivan is the Director of Production/Technical Director for the Halbritter Center for the Performing Arts at Juniata College. With a Master’s Degree in Project Management from Drexel University Jessie has specific training and experience in managing and overseeing indoor and outdoor venues with multiple performances occurring concurrently with focus on risk management. Jessie teaches Technical Theatre Lab and Theatre Arts Practicum for the academic department and oversees all operations for the Halbritter Center.
Costume/Makeup
Make and take your own mask
Charlene Gross, Penn State University
Make your own half mask! Learn some tricks to build a quick dimensional mask with everyday items you already have laying around. The mask base will provided along with materials and examples. Bring ideas and we'll see where our creativity takes us.
Charlene Gross's costume designs for theatre, dance & opera have been seen on and off Broadway in New York City, across the country, and on the West End London stage. Charlene is the Resident Costume Designer & Production Manager for Ohio Light Opera and Assistant Professor of Costume Design at Penn State University.
Paper Mache Headpieces
Julie Snyder, State college Area High School Thespians
Workshop attendees will experience hands on how to create a wire and paper mache headdress masterpiece. Students will learn how to transform wire, paper, glue and paint into a creation limited only by their imaginations. This interactive workshop explains wire shaping and paper mache. Come prepared to be messy and creative! Several finished and partially finished examples will help illustrate the various stages of the mache process. Attendees will have a chance to work with wire and mache.
Julie Snyder discovered a love of costuming nearly 12 years ago and has been an integral part of the State College theatre scene ever since. Favorite shows she has designed for include 'Addams Family' for Nittany Theatre at the Barn, 'Peter and the Starcatcher' for SCASD Thespians, 'La Boheme' for PSU Opera and 'Les Miz' for FUSE Productions. She hopes to amaze and inspire others with her designs and creations!
Layering it on: Old Age Make-up
Jenny Kenyon, State College Area High School, Penn State University College of Art & Architecture
Learn why our faces age the way they do by understanding a bit more about the bone and muscle structures under our skin. Then learn to recreate an old age makeup that is effective for a variety of venues--intimate to far away.
Jenny Kenyon is a Costume & Scenic Designer & Scenic Artist. She works in theatre, dance & opera. Her designs have been seen at Penn State University, Bucknell University, Bloomsburg University, Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, and at State College Area High School. She has worked across the USA and NYC, most notable for Radio City Music Hall. She is also a Forensic Artist and helps to give faces and identities back to the missing and lost.
Aging for Staging
Miriam Patterson, Allegheny College
Come and explore techniques for making a young face look older. This hands-on workshop will give you the opportunity to use makeup, tissue, and latex to create old age makeup for stage.
Miriam earned a BA in Art History (2000) and an MFA in Theatre Design (2004) from the University of Memphis, having designed costumes and makeup for over 70 productions. Prior to joining the team at Allegheny College, she served as Costume Supervisor at Rhodes College and Costume Designer at Opera in the Ozarks. Miriam has been recognized by the Ostrander Memphis Theatre Awards on several occasions, receiving the 2012 award for makeup design on a production of Urinetown.
Dance/Movement
Creative Movement & The Foundations of Building Ensemble Stage Imagery
John Paul “JP” Staszel, California University of Pennsylvania
This workshop will focus on the development of physical and social imagery between bodies through the exploration of improvisational movement and organic collaboration. Utilizing techniques gained while training with the internationally renowned performance company Pilobolus, instructor JP Staszel will guide students through a variety of exercises that explore partnership and performance through organic movement, counter balance and play while working toward the development of experimental staging approaches and bodily architecture. Techniques tailored for group performance will work on body movement and the ways in which bodies move and work in collaboration. 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 will benefit young students and advanced practitioner by learning how to create and develop a movement vocabulary specific to a particular project, become comfortable with various approaches to expressive and creative movement, and the process of working and collaborating with a wide range participants.
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 holds a MA in Theatre from Bowling Green State University, as well as a MS in Business from California University of Pennsylvania. 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.
Dance for Musical Theater
Dani Juraga, Downstage Center Dance Studio
Students will learn original choreography from Broadway's NEWSIES! Come ready to dance, act and re-create this athletic choreography (newspapers provided!) No dance experience necessary.
Dance Educators of America, SAG-AFTRA, AEA. (Broadway) Sesame Street, (Tours) Sesame Street Live (USA/Asia), The Magic School Bus, Disney Cruise Lines. (Film) 'Silver Linings Playbook’, (TV) Choreography; NBC’s Hairspray LIVE Kimmel Center, Phila. Currently, Dani is choreographer for the National Tour of ‘Waist Watchers' The Musical and the YouTube series ‘My Sister’s Workout’, she enjoys working at the Bucks County Playhouse as a teaching artist. Dani owns/operates Downstage Center Dance Studio in Morrisville, Pa. www.DaniTucciJuraga.com
The Vulnerability Workshop
Ryan Nicotra, Single Carrot Theatre
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) and be prepared for an intensive experience. Those with asthma, injuries, or other conditions which may restrict movement or hinder a participant's ability to complete the exercise would be encouraged to seek other workshop opportunities.
Ryan Antony Nicotra is the Development Director at Single Carrot Theatre, Baltimore’s largest alternative theatre. He is an alumnus of the Goucher College MA Arts Administration program and the Flagler College BA Theatre Arts program. Ryan is the founder and coordinator of the Harford County Arts & Culture Alliance, a nonpartisan arts advocacy coalition of nearly one-thousand members that successfully restored equitable access to extracurricular arts programming in Harford County Public Schools after an exclusionary premium fee was introduced in the 2016-17 school year, which resulted in 1 in 4 students being removed from a dramatic production for their inability to pay. He is the founding Company Director of The BOOM Theatre Co., a company which produced thirty works by diverse authors in his five-year tenure.
Directing
Director 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.
With a Ph.D. in Theatre from the University of Colorado, Boulder and an MFA in Directing from the New School for Drama in NYC, Karen’s research interests include military theater, directing, theater for social engagement, new play development, pedagogy, and improvisation. She has presented at regional, national, and international conferences, including ATHE, ASTR, TETA, and MATC. She directs professionally, teaches youth and adult workshops, and facilitates social justice performances and discussions.
Dramaturgy
Dramaturgy for Design
Andrea Roney, North Penn High School Thespian Troupe 5464
"Participants will be able to explore the process that begins with a script and a problem to solve which is how to journey from reading a script to creating an organic and unified production in all design and marketing areas including:
How to create a design in your area of technical theatre that is based on the playwright's intentions,
using the Given Circumstances of the script,
with focused and creative Dramaturgy (suggested by close reading and the needs of the script)
PLUS your own natural Curiosity and Creativity. . . all beginning with asking Questions!"
Andrea Lee Roney. B.A. Theatre & Speech (DeSales). MFA (PSU). Adjunct (DeSales, Lehigh, PSU). Professional: acting, directing, producing, writing, & admin. positions (Dir. of Mkting & General Manager PA Shakespeare Festival). North Penn High School. Classes: Drama Major, Advanced Acting, Intro to Acting & Stage Crew. Produced/directed: 25 plays/musicals (She Stoops to Conquer: 2016 PA Conference & 2017 ITF Main Stage). Advised Troupe 5464 events (including BC/EFA Galas/Auctions). Executive Board PA Thespians & Advocacy Chair.
Fundraising/Marketing
Fundraising 101
Zach Bates, NJ Thespians/GCIT
Wanna raise at least $5,000 a year for your program? Having trouble bringing in money? Join Zach as he teaches you easy, but highly successful fundraisers to maximize your profit.
Zach is the New Jersey State Thespian Treasurer and an alumni of Troupe 5480 out of GCIT in NJ. Zach now helps to advise his old troupe. Zach is a National Champion in SkillsUSA for Mental Health & Suicide awareness. Zach has coached his students to three straight NJ gold medals & two national bronze medals.
Marketing Your Production & Program
Madison Beatty, Millersville University (Former Thespian/STO)
Marketing Your Production & Program 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 assemble a marketing IE and competing with your marketing portfolio! Design, marketing, technology, and advocacy all meet in this workshop!
Madison Beatty is currently attending Millersville University as Business Administration major with a focus in marketing. In high school, she served many positions in theatre, including Troupe President and student marketing director for her troupe. Maddie also served as a PA State Thespian Officer during her senior year state conference. She completed two marketing IEs in her high school career, and in June 2017, she achieved a Superior rating in Lincoln, Nebraska at the Thespian Festival on her second marketing IE portfolio. Maddie has an assortment of experience in public speaking, leadership, marketing, and event coordination. She is excited to share her workshop with fellow theatre advocates!
Improv/Devised Theatre
Devise Your Divine Life
Teresa Mastrobuono, Elizabethtown College
In the Heights, The Laramie Project, Come from Away, and countless one-person shows have drawn from real events of real people. Everyone has a story. What is yours? How can it be made into theater? Come explore taking a life experience and transforming it into "devised" theater. This will be partially an "on your feet" series of activities to loosen the creative flow, and writing activities to preserve your inspiration.
Teresa Mastrobuono is a professional actress who has specialized in creating original shows since the beginning of her long career. As a founding member of one of Lancaster's former preeminent theater companies, CoMotion, Teresa has facilitated the creation of dozens of original works with other actors, and has coached performers in the creation of solo shows. Her own solo shows, "Gameshow" (about a contemporary woman trying to manage the choices she has made trying to "do it all") and "Andata e Ritorno" (a quasi-autobiographical work about reconnecting with ones roots), have been featured at theaters, colleges, arts centers, and festivals throughout the eastern United States. Teresa teaches acting and movement for the actor at Elizabethtown College, where she collaborated with students on an original piece rooted in the Italian commedia dell'arte entitled "A Comedy of Terrors" .
Advanced Group Improvisation - Dynamics and Teambuilding
Amy Bernard, Appel Farm Arts Camp/Arts & Music Center
Make the most of your improv performances with this Workshop for improvisers above the beginner level. Together, we will learn essential warmups and forms that highlight all players' strengths while improving your skills and exploring how to make your team more memorable to audiences. You need not bring your entire team to this Workshop to learn these useful techniques - you will learn to build a team around you wherever you go!
Amy is a long-time improvisor and member of The Comedy Friends, ranked fourth nationally in the 2017 College Improv Tournament, and has competed and performed repeatedly around the state of Florida. She holds her degree in Theater & Psychology from New College of Florida and has conducted a multitude of social psychological experiments with young actors and improvisers. She's excited to share some foolproof methods to get you closer to your teammates, let go of expectations, and create dynamic scenes that are fun for everyone.
Long-Form Improvisation
Matt Fotis, Albright College
This interactive workshop tackles the basic scenic building blocks needed in long-form improvisation. Students will learn how to set up a scene within the first few moments, play the actions and emotions already present, and how to effectively pull information for second beats.
Matt Fotis is Chair of the Theatre Department and Director of Undergraduate Research at Albright College, where he teaches acting, improvisation, and writing for performance. He is the author of "Long Form Improvisation & American Comedy - The Harold," and co-author of "The Comedy Improv Handbook." His 2016 political sketch-comedy production "Make Democracy Great Again!" was invited to perform at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. Visit www.mattfotis.com for more information.
Mask
The Masks of Commedia dell 'Arte
Jon Liebetrau, Wilkes University Theater & Kevin Kern of Mount Union University
This hands-on workshop will lead participants through the creation of engaging, comic characters through the use of traditional Commedia masks.
Following a brief warmup using the work of Bogart and Laban, participants will use the masks of Commedia del Arte’ to create vibrant, unique, and highly physical characters. The session culminates in short, improvised scenarios utilizing the characters created during the workshop.
Jon Liebetrau has performed on stages across the nation as a professional actor (AEA and SAG/AFTRA). Regionally Jon has acted at Shakespeare at the Castle (OH), Pendragon Theater (NY), The Phoenix Theatre (NY), Allenberry Playhouse (PA), Open Stage of Harrisburg (PA) and Totem Pole Playhouse (PA). He is the creator of the one-person mask drama entitled Faces in the Rain. Jon is an Assistant Professor Of Theater at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania.
Producing
The Money Trail: Producing the Contemporary American Musical
Mark Cosdon, Allegheny College
The history of Broadway is one of financial flops and rare commercial successes. Nearly 75% of Broadway musicals never return a profit. Hence, a producer must balance artistic merit with difficult financial decisions. How are artistic decisions impacted as a musical tries to recoup expenses? How much does a contemporary musical cost? Where does the money go? Why did my ticket to "Hamilton" cost $175?!? This workshop opens the books and reveals where "all" that money goes!
Mark Cosdon is Professor of Theatre at Allegheny College. He has published extensively on the Broadway musical, the commercial American stage, and the history of popular entertainments. A former president of the American Theatre and Drama Society, Professor Cosdon hosts an annual series at the Tony-honored Drama Book Shop in Times Square, NYC. Recently he appeared as a commentator on Australian television's "Who Do You Think You Are?"
Singing/Vocal
Musical Theater Audition Technique and Interpretation
Steven Gross, Temple University
An overview of audition technique for both collegiate and secondary school auditions as well as an exploration of interpretive skills in all things Musical Theater.
Dr. Steven Gross has worked on Broadway and the West End as a music director, conductor, pianist, sub and vacation conductor on such shows as The Life, Urinetown, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Chicago, Miss Saigon, The Wedding Singer, Saturday Night Fever and Dreamgirls. He is currently a cover conductor for Phantom of the Opera. Steven has collaborated on new musicals with Award-winning composers including Benny Andersson & Bjorn Ulvaeus, Cy Coleman, David Friedman and Mark Hollmann. Steven holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting from Yale University and is a Fulbright and Rotary Scholar. He is an Associate Professor of Theater at Temple University.
Sound
I know everything, but sound.
Curtis Craig, Penn State University
An overview of some of the basics of sound for the theater - how and why it works, or doesn't.
Professor of Sound Design and head of the BFA in Theater Design & Technology at Penn State University and an active freelance sound designer and composer for theater.
Mixing a Musical
Tyler Horn, Pennsylvania State University
This workshop will focus on the creation and the fundamentals of mixing a musical.
I am an alumni of Penn Manor class of 14' who is now pursuing a life in theater as a sound designer.
Stage Combat
Acting the Fight
Dan Burke, York College, Safe Violence by Dan Burke
Slapping, Punching, Kicking, Hair Pulling and much much more! Learn the art of Stage Combat! Students will be choreographed into a fight with emphasis on technique and safety. Students will also learn the acting element as it applies to the fight. Be prepared to Fight and Act!
Mr. Burke has been teaching Stage Combat for over 20 years. He received his training at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia where he earned a BFA in Acting with an emphasis in Stage Combat. He teaches Stage Combat at Lebanon Valley College and York College. Mr. Burke is The Harrisburg Shakespeare Company's Resident Fight Choreographer. He has choreographed the violence for over 300 productions up and down the East Coast.
Stage Management
Stage Management
Travis DeCastro, Penn State
Want a career as a stage manager. Penn State Head of Stage Management and students from the Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Stage Management at Penn State will share with you the information that doesn't transfer from High School to College in the world of theatre and how best to prep yourself for a career in this field.
Travis DeCastro is a professional stage manager who has worked on Broadway, Off-Broadway and many theatres around the United States. Currently the Associate Director for Production in the School of Theatre as well as Head of the BFA program in Stage Management, Professor DeCastro brings many years of experience to the table. He is a member of USITT, the Stage Managers Association, and a member of Actors' Equity.
Stage Management: Communication Strategies
Ashley Martin, University of Pittsburgh
In this workshop students will participate in activities to explore communication skillsets for the role of stage managers.
Ashley Martin currently serves as the Operations Manager for the Theatre Department at the University of Pittsburgh. She is a member of Actors and Stage Managers' Equity Union, holds teaching certifications in English, Theatre, and Social Studies, and is a member of USITT. Interests include best practices in communicating information through different media, and rehearsal room dynamics. Favorite plays include Brothers/Sisters Plays, Wonder of the World, and Joe Turner's Come and Gone.
Intro to Stage Management
Philip Vonada, Community Theatre League, Inc.
Stage Management in high school situations can be quite stressful, as compared to Stage Managing in college or professional theatres. Being responsible for overseeing your classmates and friends, and working in close proximity with your teachers in a leadership role can be challenging! In this workshop, you'll learn some tips and tricks on beginning stage management in a school environment, and also get some tools for how to grow in the Stage Management world.
Philip Vonada holds an MA in Theatre from Villanova University, with an emphasis in Directing and Stage Management. In the 2013-14 season, he was the Stage Management Fellow at The Wilma Theater in Philadelphia, including working with Pulitzer Prize-winner Paula Vogel. He now works for the Community Theatre League in Williamsport, the 4th-largest community theatre in Pennsylvania. He is a freelance director, stage manager, and theatre educator.
Technical
Careers in Technical Theatre
Victor Capecce, Millersville University
This session is to describe the wide range of careers available in the lucrative professions in Entertainment Technology. In the session we will discuss some of the educational/ training opportunities and how one might launch a career in the industry. This will be a broad overview to inspire students with career paths they may not have considered.
Victor Capecce is an Associate Professor University (Communication &Theatre Department) after many years of working as a scenic artist/designer in NYC in theatre, television and in films (USA, LU #829). He obtained his BFA from Ithaca College and his MFA in Design from the Yale School of Drama. Victor’s career in New York City the gamut from designing both scenery and costumes to painting films like “Ghostbusters; ” and working at NBC’s Saturday Night Live. He previously was the designer and technical director for Theatre Harrisburg at the Whitaker Center. At Millersville University, he was instrumental in creating a minor in Entrepreneurship and a Multi-disciplinary Studies major in Entertainment Technology.
Technical Theatre Term Bingo
Vincent Lobello, Indiana University of PA
Get your Bingo game on!!! We will call out various technical theater terms and illustrate where you might encounter them. Listen closely and you might just find yourself holding the lucky bingo card. There's a catch though- in order to claim your prize, you have to remember what all the terms mean!
Vince is the Technical Director and Director of Production at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He earned his MFA in Technical Production at Florida State University and a BA in Theatre from Illinois State University.
Props to the Best Dressed Set
Chuck Yarmey, Wyoming Area High School
We will be discussing the importance of examining scripts for prop lists and set dressing. We will be reading excerpts from various scripts from both movie and theater productions. We will be compiling and comparing lists. We will also have common items to choose from to modify and adapt for use. Attention to detail and creativity will be our main goal.
I am the current Director of Troupe 4795 and Wyoming Area Drama Club. I have served as Technical Director for the past 8 shows at Wyoming Area. I was the Production Designer for the feature film "All in Time", and I am currently working as Production Designer on pre-production on the feature films "For the Good of the Child", and "Blinded By Ed".
Professional Tech Theatre 101
Noah Guth, Penn State University
This workshop will go over technical resumes and portfolios, as well as what it's like to go into technical theatre professionally, including the application and review process for colleges. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own resumes, portfolios, etc. for review.
Noah Guth is a sophomore undergraduate student pursuing a B.F.A. in Theatre Design and Technology with an emphasis in Lighting Design at Penn State University.
What Happened Here?
Thomas Haughey, West Chester University of PA
What Happened Here? is a workshop to help participants in identifying and dealing with unsafe or dangerous environments.
Thomas Haughey is associate professor of technical direction and sound design at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. He earned his MFA in technical direction from the University of Connecticut and a BS in Biology from Elizabethtown College. He has worked professionally for ESPN, The People’s Light and Theatre Company and for Connecticut Reperatory Theatre. Thomas would like to thank his lovely wife and children for their support.
Writing
Playwriting As You Like It
Jonathan Dorf, YouthPLAYS
Are you struggling with dialogue? Need help coming up with a strong title? Still figuring out what to do with your finished draft? Here's a writing workshop where you choose the lessons that matter most. Come with your list of questions and topics and get ready to learn playwriting…as you like it.
Jonathan Dorf is the author of 40+ published plays with 1500+ productions worldwide, and two award-winning short films. He co-founded publisher YouthPLAYS and co-chairs the Alliance of Los Angeles Playwrights. He has served as associate professor in the Playwright's Lab at Hollins University and as US Cultural Envoy to Barbados, created Playwriting101.com, and teaches playwriting through Screenwriters University.BA in Dramatic Writing & Literature, Harvard University; MFA in Playwriting, UCLA. http://jonathandorf.com
Write a Play Today!
David White, Towson University Department of Theatre Arts
No experience necessary! This workshop will give you the tools to write a play and the information to continue writing plays for years to come. A series of writing prompts and questions guide theatre students to craft a short play during the workshop and then discuss how these tools can empower playwrights to discover the inspiration for writing plays in the world around them.
David White is playwright and faculty member at Towson University where he works with student playwrights through his writing, classes, and the Towson Theatre Lab. David's plays have been presented by theaters in Colorado, Maryland, Missouri, New York, South Carolina, Texas, West Virginia; ArtFaq in Moscow, Russia; and the Ilkhom Theatre in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. He has developed new works in various venues, including at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center and WordBRIDGE Playwrights Lab.
Student Leadership
Student Leadership, STO Selection
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 – Friday 1st session and Saturday 2nd session. Students need to sign up for BOTH sessions.
Advocacy
Austin Norsworthy, ITO
This workshop will be offered once – 1st Saturday session. Presented by an International Thespian Officer.
Acting
Devise and Conquer: Creating the Devised Monologue
Victoria Chatfield, National Theatre for Student Artists
Devised work has taken the London theatre scene by storm. Learn how to create your own devised monologue — written, staged, and performed by YOU — in this workshop. You’ll learn how to work with stimuli, utilize essential devising techniques, and leave with a video recording of your devised monologue and information about how to take your new devising skills all the way to New York City.
Victoria Chatfield has been producing shows written, directed, designed, and performed by high school and college students for almost twenty years — both regionally and off-Broadway (including Thespian Playworks Off-Broadway at Atlantic Theatre Company). She recently received a Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching and traveled to the United Kingdom. During this time, she collaborated with the National Theatre of Scotland and conducted research with the National Youth Music Theatre (London, UK), the Let’s Dance Program (Granada, Spain), and Collapsing Horse Theatre Company (Dublin, Ireland). During her ten years as a New York City public school teacher, she received the Voya Unsung Heroes Award for innovation in curriculum planning. She currently works as the Executive Director for the National Theatre for Student Artists (www.nationalstudenttheatre.org).
Theatrical Meaning Making
Ryan Clark, Stevenson University
The Meaning-Making workshop is designed to help actors used their impulses to tell a story and create meaning on stage. Utilizing Anne Bogart’s Viewpoints Technique, actors are guided through a variety of exercises creating gestures and shapes with limited text in the creation of a unique two-minute piece of theatre at the end of the workshop.
Ryan Clark is the program coordinator for the Theatre and Media Performance at Stevenson University. Ryan comes to the theatre as a director, actor and educator. His directing work is eclectic including original plays, re-imagined classics and devised theatre. Selected productions include Lear, Angels in America: Millennium Approaches, Twelfth Night, The Baachai, Yerma, Romeo and Juliet, Medea and Our Town. He is currently the Artistic Director of Quarry Theatre in Baltimore. Ryan holds an M.F.A in Theatre Directing from Florida State University.
Flop Gloriously!!!: Finding Your Inner Clown
Charlie DelMarcelle, West Chester University
The heart of clowning celebrates our individual and very human imperfections. Through ensemble game play and instructor lead solo explorations; this introductory workshop will prepare students to begin the joyful, profound, and transformative journey of discovering their unique clown personas.
Charlie is a actor, director, and educator with over twenty five years of professional experience. He devotes much of this time to community outreach and theatre education; serving as: an instructor at The Lantern Theater School, a roster artist for the PA Council on the Arts, an instructor for the Summer on Stage program at Delaware Theatre Co., and an assistant professor of theatre at West Chester University.
C.R.A.P!: Calm, Relaxed, Audition Prep
Gene R. Frank, Cabrini University/Norristown Educational Theatre, Inc
Through a series of Vocal, Concentration, Visualization and Breathing Exercises, students will gain a focused perspective on how to prepare for an audition in spite of nerves, crowd noise and general stress.
Gene R. Frank, PhD , in Educational Theatre from New York University and a M.F.A. in Directing from the University of Connecticut. He has worked in the fields of theatre and education for over thirty years as a teacher, performer, director, designer and playwright. He is the Artistic Director of Norristown Educational Theatre and has written several plays for the theatre as well. Gene teaches in the Graduate and Undergraduate Programs at Cabrini University.
What's your Type? What does that mean?
Rob Gretta, Indiana University of PA
"Typing" or Typecasting is industry lingo used by directors of stage, film, television, and commercials for casting generically according to the actor's physical appearance to convey an immediate message to the audience. This workshop will help you determine your type and how/where to start looking for audition material.
Rob Gretta is the Director of Musical Theater at Indiana University of PA (IUP), where he teaches courses in acting, directing, stage management, and musical theater. He has worked professionally as an actor and a director for almost 30 years, and is a proud member of Actors' Equity Association and Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers.
Journey from Stage to Screen
Sean Johnson, New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts
In this workshop discover the differences between acting in front of an audience and in front of the camera. Actors must be able to work in both mediums, but most lack any on-camera training, the fastest growing area of our industry. What are an actor’s responsibilities on-stage and on-set? How do you adapt your theatre training to the more intimate medium of film and TV? This session will work on creating dynamic and interesting, yet subtle and honest acting which will translate well on-camera. Discover this medium of acting by exploring the nuances of intention, body language, voice, and more. Learn the secrets to building a successful career as an actor.
Sean David Johnson is an industry professional whose wide-ranging, first-hand insight comes from more than fifteen years of experience acting and directing for stage and screen, writing and producing independent film and web video, coaching actors for the audition room, and photographing headshots in NYC. In addition to this practical experience, he has trained with some of the most sought-after acting and business of acting coaches from New York to Los Angeles and attended more than one-hundred industry seminars with casting directors, producers, talent agents, managers, union leaders, headshot photographers, and other industry professionals. He proudly counts among his clients and collaborators, popular and award-winning actors and coaches for TV, film, and Broadway.
Chekhov Characterization: a psycho-physical approach
Justin Lujan, University of the Arts, Ira Brind School of Theater
The mind body connection is powerful. In this workshop we will explore and foster that connection through the psycho-physical exercises of Michael Chekhov. Participants will be led to integrate their voice and body with an active imagination while learning tools to find specific characterization. We will apply the characterizations through improvisations and if possible, and time permits, memorized monologues.
Justin Lujan is the Head of the Acting Program in the Ira Brind School of Theater at the University of the Arts in Center City, Philadelphia. There he teaches the sophomore Acting Studio: Technique I & II courses, and occasionally other core curriculum - Movement for Actors, Acting on Camera, electives, etc. He is a Certified Teacher with the National Michael Chekhov Association, a graduate from The Groundlings School of Improvisation and spent 10 years acting and teaching in Los Angeles prior to coming to Philly.
Building the Plane While Flying It: Introduction to Long-Form Improv
Michael Schwartz, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Students will learn the platform skills of storytelling in a long-form improv format, including character building, establishing setting, and initiating action. Students will also explore the concept of the "game"--a theme established through scenework that can be repeated and exaggerated throughout the course of the improvisation. Finally, students will experiment with one of the most important forms of long-form improvisational storytelling: "The Harold."
Michael Schwartz is an associate professor in the theater and dance department at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he teaches improvisation, playwriting, and theatre history and literature. Mike has studied and taught improv at Philly Improv Theatre in Philadelphia, and has taken workshops with Impro author Keith Johnstone and Upright Citizens Brigade member Matt Besser.
Playing Shakespeare
Nathan Thomas, Alvernia University
A fun introduction to using Shakespeare's verse as clues to act characters and understanding the action of a scene.
Nathan Thomas has served as Director of Theatre at Alvernia University since 2003. A professional actor and director, Thomas has directed about 75 projects large and small over the last 15 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). He has translated Anton Chekhov's ""Uncle Vanya"" for professional performance and recently played Prospero in "The Tempest."
Advocacy
Performing and Studio Arts: Risk Management and Controls
Jessie Sullivan, Juniata College
Production work and studio art carry with it many of the same hazards and risks often associated with many industrial industries, however these risks and hazards are often overlooked in when it comes to the art world. Tight budgets and deadlines, unusual venues and work environments, increasing demand and decreasing resources all combined with a student element can lead to dangerous and risky situations that often go unnoticed until a problem occurs. This presentation will discuss risks associated with production and studio art work and provide tools and information to allow for the identification, documentation, and mitigation of these risks. Topics covered:
Types of Risks
How to Identify Risks (combined with group activity)
How to Manage and Mitigate Risk (both on stage, backstage, and in studio)
The Student Variable
Presentation includes the use of risk management tools and matrix, interactive identification activities taking participant through the risk identification and management process specific to theatre and studio arts, instructional resources, tour and assessment of facilities if possible.
Jessie Sullivan is the Director of Production/Technical Director for the Halbritter Center for the Performing Arts at Juniata College. With a Master’s Degree in Project Management from Drexel University Jessie has specific training and experience in managing and overseeing indoor and outdoor venues with multiple performances occurring concurrently with focus on risk management. Jessie teaches Technical Theatre Lab and Theatre Arts Practicum for the academic department and oversees all operations for the Halbritter Center.
Costume/Makeup
Make and take your own mask
Charlene Gross, Penn State University
Make your own half mask! Learn some tricks to build a quick dimensional mask with everyday items you already have laying around. The mask base will provided along with materials and examples. Bring ideas and we'll see where our creativity takes us.
Charlene Gross's costume designs for theatre, dance & opera have been seen on and off Broadway in New York City, across the country, and on the West End London stage. Charlene is the Resident Costume Designer & Production Manager for Ohio Light Opera and Assistant Professor of Costume Design at Penn State University.
Paper Mache Headpieces
Julie Snyder, State college Area High School Thespians
Workshop attendees will experience hands on how to create a wire and paper mache headdress masterpiece. Students will learn how to transform wire, paper, glue and paint into a creation limited only by their imaginations. This interactive workshop explains wire shaping and paper mache. Come prepared to be messy and creative! Several finished and partially finished examples will help illustrate the various stages of the mache process. Attendees will have a chance to work with wire and mache.
Julie Snyder discovered a love of costuming nearly 12 years ago and has been an integral part of the State College theatre scene ever since. Favorite shows she has designed for include 'Addams Family' for Nittany Theatre at the Barn, 'Peter and the Starcatcher' for SCASD Thespians, 'La Boheme' for PSU Opera and 'Les Miz' for FUSE Productions. She hopes to amaze and inspire others with her designs and creations!
Layering it on: Old Age Make-up
Jenny Kenyon, State College Area High School, Penn State University College of Art & Architecture
Learn why our faces age the way they do by understanding a bit more about the bone and muscle structures under our skin. Then learn to recreate an old age makeup that is effective for a variety of venues--intimate to far away.
Jenny Kenyon is a Costume & Scenic Designer & Scenic Artist. She works in theatre, dance & opera. Her designs have been seen at Penn State University, Bucknell University, Bloomsburg University, Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, and at State College Area High School. She has worked across the USA and NYC, most notable for Radio City Music Hall. She is also a Forensic Artist and helps to give faces and identities back to the missing and lost.
Aging for Staging
Miriam Patterson, Allegheny College
Come and explore techniques for making a young face look older. This hands-on workshop will give you the opportunity to use makeup, tissue, and latex to create old age makeup for stage.
Miriam earned a BA in Art History (2000) and an MFA in Theatre Design (2004) from the University of Memphis, having designed costumes and makeup for over 70 productions. Prior to joining the team at Allegheny College, she served as Costume Supervisor at Rhodes College and Costume Designer at Opera in the Ozarks. Miriam has been recognized by the Ostrander Memphis Theatre Awards on several occasions, receiving the 2012 award for makeup design on a production of Urinetown.
Dance/Movement
Creative Movement & The Foundations of Building Ensemble Stage Imagery
John Paul “JP” Staszel, California University of Pennsylvania
This workshop will focus on the development of physical and social imagery between bodies through the exploration of improvisational movement and organic collaboration. Utilizing techniques gained while training with the internationally renowned performance company Pilobolus, instructor JP Staszel will guide students through a variety of exercises that explore partnership and performance through organic movement, counter balance and play while working toward the development of experimental staging approaches and bodily architecture. Techniques tailored for group performance will work on body movement and the ways in which bodies move and work in collaboration. 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 will benefit young students and advanced practitioner by learning how to create and develop a movement vocabulary specific to a particular project, become comfortable with various approaches to expressive and creative movement, and the process of working and collaborating with a wide range participants.
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 holds a MA in Theatre from Bowling Green State University, as well as a MS in Business from California University of Pennsylvania. 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.
Dance for Musical Theater
Dani Juraga, Downstage Center Dance Studio
Students will learn original choreography from Broadway's NEWSIES! Come ready to dance, act and re-create this athletic choreography (newspapers provided!) No dance experience necessary.
Dance Educators of America, SAG-AFTRA, AEA. (Broadway) Sesame Street, (Tours) Sesame Street Live (USA/Asia), The Magic School Bus, Disney Cruise Lines. (Film) 'Silver Linings Playbook’, (TV) Choreography; NBC’s Hairspray LIVE Kimmel Center, Phila. Currently, Dani is choreographer for the National Tour of ‘Waist Watchers' The Musical and the YouTube series ‘My Sister’s Workout’, she enjoys working at the Bucks County Playhouse as a teaching artist. Dani owns/operates Downstage Center Dance Studio in Morrisville, Pa. www.DaniTucciJuraga.com
The Vulnerability Workshop
Ryan Nicotra, Single Carrot Theatre
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) and be prepared for an intensive experience. Those with asthma, injuries, or other conditions which may restrict movement or hinder a participant's ability to complete the exercise would be encouraged to seek other workshop opportunities.
Ryan Antony Nicotra is the Development Director at Single Carrot Theatre, Baltimore’s largest alternative theatre. He is an alumnus of the Goucher College MA Arts Administration program and the Flagler College BA Theatre Arts program. Ryan is the founder and coordinator of the Harford County Arts & Culture Alliance, a nonpartisan arts advocacy coalition of nearly one-thousand members that successfully restored equitable access to extracurricular arts programming in Harford County Public Schools after an exclusionary premium fee was introduced in the 2016-17 school year, which resulted in 1 in 4 students being removed from a dramatic production for their inability to pay. He is the founding Company Director of The BOOM Theatre Co., a company which produced thirty works by diverse authors in his five-year tenure.
Directing
Director 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.
With a Ph.D. in Theatre from the University of Colorado, Boulder and an MFA in Directing from the New School for Drama in NYC, Karen’s research interests include military theater, directing, theater for social engagement, new play development, pedagogy, and improvisation. She has presented at regional, national, and international conferences, including ATHE, ASTR, TETA, and MATC. She directs professionally, teaches youth and adult workshops, and facilitates social justice performances and discussions.
Dramaturgy
Dramaturgy for Design
Andrea Roney, North Penn High School Thespian Troupe 5464
"Participants will be able to explore the process that begins with a script and a problem to solve which is how to journey from reading a script to creating an organic and unified production in all design and marketing areas including:
How to create a design in your area of technical theatre that is based on the playwright's intentions,
using the Given Circumstances of the script,
with focused and creative Dramaturgy (suggested by close reading and the needs of the script)
PLUS your own natural Curiosity and Creativity. . . all beginning with asking Questions!"
Andrea Lee Roney. B.A. Theatre & Speech (DeSales). MFA (PSU). Adjunct (DeSales, Lehigh, PSU). Professional: acting, directing, producing, writing, & admin. positions (Dir. of Mkting & General Manager PA Shakespeare Festival). North Penn High School. Classes: Drama Major, Advanced Acting, Intro to Acting & Stage Crew. Produced/directed: 25 plays/musicals (She Stoops to Conquer: 2016 PA Conference & 2017 ITF Main Stage). Advised Troupe 5464 events (including BC/EFA Galas/Auctions). Executive Board PA Thespians & Advocacy Chair.
Fundraising/Marketing
Fundraising 101
Zach Bates, NJ Thespians/GCIT
Wanna raise at least $5,000 a year for your program? Having trouble bringing in money? Join Zach as he teaches you easy, but highly successful fundraisers to maximize your profit.
Zach is the New Jersey State Thespian Treasurer and an alumni of Troupe 5480 out of GCIT in NJ. Zach now helps to advise his old troupe. Zach is a National Champion in SkillsUSA for Mental Health & Suicide awareness. Zach has coached his students to three straight NJ gold medals & two national bronze medals.
Marketing Your Production & Program
Madison Beatty, Millersville University (Former Thespian/STO)
Marketing Your Production & Program 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 assemble a marketing IE and competing with your marketing portfolio! Design, marketing, technology, and advocacy all meet in this workshop!
Madison Beatty is currently attending Millersville University as Business Administration major with a focus in marketing. In high school, she served many positions in theatre, including Troupe President and student marketing director for her troupe. Maddie also served as a PA State Thespian Officer during her senior year state conference. She completed two marketing IEs in her high school career, and in June 2017, she achieved a Superior rating in Lincoln, Nebraska at the Thespian Festival on her second marketing IE portfolio. Maddie has an assortment of experience in public speaking, leadership, marketing, and event coordination. She is excited to share her workshop with fellow theatre advocates!
Improv/Devised Theatre
Devise Your Divine Life
Teresa Mastrobuono, Elizabethtown College
In the Heights, The Laramie Project, Come from Away, and countless one-person shows have drawn from real events of real people. Everyone has a story. What is yours? How can it be made into theater? Come explore taking a life experience and transforming it into "devised" theater. This will be partially an "on your feet" series of activities to loosen the creative flow, and writing activities to preserve your inspiration.
Teresa Mastrobuono is a professional actress who has specialized in creating original shows since the beginning of her long career. As a founding member of one of Lancaster's former preeminent theater companies, CoMotion, Teresa has facilitated the creation of dozens of original works with other actors, and has coached performers in the creation of solo shows. Her own solo shows, "Gameshow" (about a contemporary woman trying to manage the choices she has made trying to "do it all") and "Andata e Ritorno" (a quasi-autobiographical work about reconnecting with ones roots), have been featured at theaters, colleges, arts centers, and festivals throughout the eastern United States. Teresa teaches acting and movement for the actor at Elizabethtown College, where she collaborated with students on an original piece rooted in the Italian commedia dell'arte entitled "A Comedy of Terrors" .
Advanced Group Improvisation - Dynamics and Teambuilding
Amy Bernard, Appel Farm Arts Camp/Arts & Music Center
Make the most of your improv performances with this Workshop for improvisers above the beginner level. Together, we will learn essential warmups and forms that highlight all players' strengths while improving your skills and exploring how to make your team more memorable to audiences. You need not bring your entire team to this Workshop to learn these useful techniques - you will learn to build a team around you wherever you go!
Amy is a long-time improvisor and member of The Comedy Friends, ranked fourth nationally in the 2017 College Improv Tournament, and has competed and performed repeatedly around the state of Florida. She holds her degree in Theater & Psychology from New College of Florida and has conducted a multitude of social psychological experiments with young actors and improvisers. She's excited to share some foolproof methods to get you closer to your teammates, let go of expectations, and create dynamic scenes that are fun for everyone.
Long-Form Improvisation
Matt Fotis, Albright College
This interactive workshop tackles the basic scenic building blocks needed in long-form improvisation. Students will learn how to set up a scene within the first few moments, play the actions and emotions already present, and how to effectively pull information for second beats.
Matt Fotis is Chair of the Theatre Department and Director of Undergraduate Research at Albright College, where he teaches acting, improvisation, and writing for performance. He is the author of "Long Form Improvisation & American Comedy - The Harold," and co-author of "The Comedy Improv Handbook." His 2016 political sketch-comedy production "Make Democracy Great Again!" was invited to perform at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. Visit www.mattfotis.com for more information.
Mask
The Masks of Commedia dell 'Arte
Jon Liebetrau, Wilkes University Theater & Kevin Kern of Mount Union University
This hands-on workshop will lead participants through the creation of engaging, comic characters through the use of traditional Commedia masks.
Following a brief warmup using the work of Bogart and Laban, participants will use the masks of Commedia del Arte’ to create vibrant, unique, and highly physical characters. The session culminates in short, improvised scenarios utilizing the characters created during the workshop.
Jon Liebetrau has performed on stages across the nation as a professional actor (AEA and SAG/AFTRA). Regionally Jon has acted at Shakespeare at the Castle (OH), Pendragon Theater (NY), The Phoenix Theatre (NY), Allenberry Playhouse (PA), Open Stage of Harrisburg (PA) and Totem Pole Playhouse (PA). He is the creator of the one-person mask drama entitled Faces in the Rain. Jon is an Assistant Professor Of Theater at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania.
Producing
The Money Trail: Producing the Contemporary American Musical
Mark Cosdon, Allegheny College
The history of Broadway is one of financial flops and rare commercial successes. Nearly 75% of Broadway musicals never return a profit. Hence, a producer must balance artistic merit with difficult financial decisions. How are artistic decisions impacted as a musical tries to recoup expenses? How much does a contemporary musical cost? Where does the money go? Why did my ticket to "Hamilton" cost $175?!? This workshop opens the books and reveals where "all" that money goes!
Mark Cosdon is Professor of Theatre at Allegheny College. He has published extensively on the Broadway musical, the commercial American stage, and the history of popular entertainments. A former president of the American Theatre and Drama Society, Professor Cosdon hosts an annual series at the Tony-honored Drama Book Shop in Times Square, NYC. Recently he appeared as a commentator on Australian television's "Who Do You Think You Are?"
Singing/Vocal
Musical Theater Audition Technique and Interpretation
Steven Gross, Temple University
An overview of audition technique for both collegiate and secondary school auditions as well as an exploration of interpretive skills in all things Musical Theater.
Dr. Steven Gross has worked on Broadway and the West End as a music director, conductor, pianist, sub and vacation conductor on such shows as The Life, Urinetown, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Chicago, Miss Saigon, The Wedding Singer, Saturday Night Fever and Dreamgirls. He is currently a cover conductor for Phantom of the Opera. Steven has collaborated on new musicals with Award-winning composers including Benny Andersson & Bjorn Ulvaeus, Cy Coleman, David Friedman and Mark Hollmann. Steven holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting from Yale University and is a Fulbright and Rotary Scholar. He is an Associate Professor of Theater at Temple University.
Sound
I know everything, but sound.
Curtis Craig, Penn State University
An overview of some of the basics of sound for the theater - how and why it works, or doesn't.
Professor of Sound Design and head of the BFA in Theater Design & Technology at Penn State University and an active freelance sound designer and composer for theater.
Mixing a Musical
Tyler Horn, Pennsylvania State University
This workshop will focus on the creation and the fundamentals of mixing a musical.
I am an alumni of Penn Manor class of 14' who is now pursuing a life in theater as a sound designer.
Stage Combat
Acting the Fight
Dan Burke, York College, Safe Violence by Dan Burke
Slapping, Punching, Kicking, Hair Pulling and much much more! Learn the art of Stage Combat! Students will be choreographed into a fight with emphasis on technique and safety. Students will also learn the acting element as it applies to the fight. Be prepared to Fight and Act!
Mr. Burke has been teaching Stage Combat for over 20 years. He received his training at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia where he earned a BFA in Acting with an emphasis in Stage Combat. He teaches Stage Combat at Lebanon Valley College and York College. Mr. Burke is The Harrisburg Shakespeare Company's Resident Fight Choreographer. He has choreographed the violence for over 300 productions up and down the East Coast.
Stage Management
Stage Management
Travis DeCastro, Penn State
Want a career as a stage manager. Penn State Head of Stage Management and students from the Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Stage Management at Penn State will share with you the information that doesn't transfer from High School to College in the world of theatre and how best to prep yourself for a career in this field.
Travis DeCastro is a professional stage manager who has worked on Broadway, Off-Broadway and many theatres around the United States. Currently the Associate Director for Production in the School of Theatre as well as Head of the BFA program in Stage Management, Professor DeCastro brings many years of experience to the table. He is a member of USITT, the Stage Managers Association, and a member of Actors' Equity.
Stage Management: Communication Strategies
Ashley Martin, University of Pittsburgh
In this workshop students will participate in activities to explore communication skillsets for the role of stage managers.
Ashley Martin currently serves as the Operations Manager for the Theatre Department at the University of Pittsburgh. She is a member of Actors and Stage Managers' Equity Union, holds teaching certifications in English, Theatre, and Social Studies, and is a member of USITT. Interests include best practices in communicating information through different media, and rehearsal room dynamics. Favorite plays include Brothers/Sisters Plays, Wonder of the World, and Joe Turner's Come and Gone.
Intro to Stage Management
Philip Vonada, Community Theatre League, Inc.
Stage Management in high school situations can be quite stressful, as compared to Stage Managing in college or professional theatres. Being responsible for overseeing your classmates and friends, and working in close proximity with your teachers in a leadership role can be challenging! In this workshop, you'll learn some tips and tricks on beginning stage management in a school environment, and also get some tools for how to grow in the Stage Management world.
Philip Vonada holds an MA in Theatre from Villanova University, with an emphasis in Directing and Stage Management. In the 2013-14 season, he was the Stage Management Fellow at The Wilma Theater in Philadelphia, including working with Pulitzer Prize-winner Paula Vogel. He now works for the Community Theatre League in Williamsport, the 4th-largest community theatre in Pennsylvania. He is a freelance director, stage manager, and theatre educator.
Technical
Careers in Technical Theatre
Victor Capecce, Millersville University
This session is to describe the wide range of careers available in the lucrative professions in Entertainment Technology. In the session we will discuss some of the educational/ training opportunities and how one might launch a career in the industry. This will be a broad overview to inspire students with career paths they may not have considered.
Victor Capecce is an Associate Professor University (Communication &Theatre Department) after many years of working as a scenic artist/designer in NYC in theatre, television and in films (USA, LU #829). He obtained his BFA from Ithaca College and his MFA in Design from the Yale School of Drama. Victor’s career in New York City the gamut from designing both scenery and costumes to painting films like “Ghostbusters; ” and working at NBC’s Saturday Night Live. He previously was the designer and technical director for Theatre Harrisburg at the Whitaker Center. At Millersville University, he was instrumental in creating a minor in Entrepreneurship and a Multi-disciplinary Studies major in Entertainment Technology.
Technical Theatre Term Bingo
Vincent Lobello, Indiana University of PA
Get your Bingo game on!!! We will call out various technical theater terms and illustrate where you might encounter them. Listen closely and you might just find yourself holding the lucky bingo card. There's a catch though- in order to claim your prize, you have to remember what all the terms mean!
Vince is the Technical Director and Director of Production at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He earned his MFA in Technical Production at Florida State University and a BA in Theatre from Illinois State University.
Props to the Best Dressed Set
Chuck Yarmey, Wyoming Area High School
We will be discussing the importance of examining scripts for prop lists and set dressing. We will be reading excerpts from various scripts from both movie and theater productions. We will be compiling and comparing lists. We will also have common items to choose from to modify and adapt for use. Attention to detail and creativity will be our main goal.
I am the current Director of Troupe 4795 and Wyoming Area Drama Club. I have served as Technical Director for the past 8 shows at Wyoming Area. I was the Production Designer for the feature film "All in Time", and I am currently working as Production Designer on pre-production on the feature films "For the Good of the Child", and "Blinded By Ed".
Professional Tech Theatre 101
Noah Guth, Penn State University
This workshop will go over technical resumes and portfolios, as well as what it's like to go into technical theatre professionally, including the application and review process for colleges. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own resumes, portfolios, etc. for review.
Noah Guth is a sophomore undergraduate student pursuing a B.F.A. in Theatre Design and Technology with an emphasis in Lighting Design at Penn State University.
What Happened Here?
Thomas Haughey, West Chester University of PA
What Happened Here? is a workshop to help participants in identifying and dealing with unsafe or dangerous environments.
Thomas Haughey is associate professor of technical direction and sound design at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. He earned his MFA in technical direction from the University of Connecticut and a BS in Biology from Elizabethtown College. He has worked professionally for ESPN, The People’s Light and Theatre Company and for Connecticut Reperatory Theatre. Thomas would like to thank his lovely wife and children for their support.
Writing
Playwriting As You Like It
Jonathan Dorf, YouthPLAYS
Are you struggling with dialogue? Need help coming up with a strong title? Still figuring out what to do with your finished draft? Here's a writing workshop where you choose the lessons that matter most. Come with your list of questions and topics and get ready to learn playwriting…as you like it.
Jonathan Dorf is the author of 40+ published plays with 1500+ productions worldwide, and two award-winning short films. He co-founded publisher YouthPLAYS and co-chairs the Alliance of Los Angeles Playwrights. He has served as associate professor in the Playwright's Lab at Hollins University and as US Cultural Envoy to Barbados, created Playwriting101.com, and teaches playwriting through Screenwriters University.BA in Dramatic Writing & Literature, Harvard University; MFA in Playwriting, UCLA. http://jonathandorf.com
Write a Play Today!
David White, Towson University Department of Theatre Arts
No experience necessary! This workshop will give you the tools to write a play and the information to continue writing plays for years to come. A series of writing prompts and questions guide theatre students to craft a short play during the workshop and then discuss how these tools can empower playwrights to discover the inspiration for writing plays in the world around them.
David White is playwright and faculty member at Towson University where he works with student playwrights through his writing, classes, and the Towson Theatre Lab. David's plays have been presented by theaters in Colorado, Maryland, Missouri, New York, South Carolina, Texas, West Virginia; ArtFaq in Moscow, Russia; and the Ilkhom Theatre in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. He has developed new works in various venues, including at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center and WordBRIDGE Playwrights Lab.
Student Leadership
Student Leadership, STO Selection
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 – Friday 1st session and Saturday 2nd session. Students need to sign up for BOTH sessions.
Advocacy
Austin Norsworthy, ITO
This workshop will be offered once – 1st Saturday session. Presented by an International Thespian Officer.