Conference
Agenda
Saturday, August 23
9:00 - 9:30 Doors open
9:30 - 10:00 Introduction
10:00 - 11:30
10:00 Presentation
11:00 Break out sessions
Ensemble and Collaboration in Arts Administration
Presented by Cahoot?! Physical Theatre/Jacob Timmons
LGM Studio
How does an ensemble function as an organization or project team? This presentation will discuss ensemble-based arts administration and how utilizing systems-thinking can strengthen collaboration.
Ensemble Creation and Physical Storytelling
Presented by Zach Christensen, Jackdonkey Productions
Crane Mainstage
A workshop on creating with an ensemble and how the body is able to share stories. Participants will be led through a creation process, with short performances at the end.
11:30 - 12:30 Lunch
12:30 - 2:00
12:00 Presentation
1:00 Break out sessions
New American Musical Storytelling
Presented by Ben Krywosz, Nautilus Music-Theater
LGM Studio
A presentation and discussion on the history of musical storytelling in the United States, and how multiple cultural influences grew the form beyond opera and musical theater into something more integrated, expressive, and contemporary.
Circus: Exploring the ‘Trick’
Presented by Benjamin Domask-Ruh
Crane Mainstage
Loosely defined as “a clever or particular way of doing something,” we will examine the importance of the “Trick” in the context ofxcircus, as well as its applications in theater. Participants will explore the idea through one-ball juggling exercises and creation.
2:30 - 4:00
2:00 Presentation
3:00 Break out sessions
Art vs. Authoritarianism: A Relational Simulation Exploring the Role of Arts and Culture under Rising Oppression
Leah Cooper and David O'Fallon
LGM Studio
A clear-eyed discussion of the reality we are facing in this moment of rising authoritarianism and increasing instability. Using curriculum developed by David O'Fallon for the University of Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Leadership program, we will use an interactive simulation exercise based on historic and current events to explore how we as generative artists can consider our choices, build individual and community readiness, and invest in our collective future.
Open Canvas: Generative and Diagnostic Tool for Collaboration
Presented by Mark Benzel, Simple Machines
Crane Mainstage
In this workshop, participants will work with Open Canvas, a practice that utilizes tools such as side coaching, improvisation, and movement to catalyze discovery of the group brain and to get at the heart of a whole story or of scenes.
Sunday, August 24
9:00 - 9:30 Doors open
9:30 - 10:00 Introduction
10:00 - 11:30
10:00 Presentation
11:00 Break out sessions
Embracing Imperfection in Devised Theater
Presented by The Winding Sheet Outfit
LGM Studio
A crash-course workshop in organic scene building with an ensemble. Participants will work with gesture, stream-of-consciousness text, and recognizing the value in happy accidents.
Viewpoints
Presented by Connor Berkompas, Nervous Theatre
Crane Mainstage
Mary Overlie’s Six Viewpoints offer a framework for training together, researching physical vocabulary, and generating material for new work. Participants in this workshop will explore Space, Shape, and Time in movement practice.
11:30 - 12:30 Lunch
12:30 - 2:00
12:30 Presentation
1:30 Break out sessions
Devising with a New Company
Presented by Alex Church, Third Space
LGM Studio
A presentation on what it was like, as a new company, to devise a show together from concept to production. We'll elaborate on the decisions we made, the things we learned, and what we'd do differently if we could do it all again.
Lucid Movement: Making Discoveries Through Somatics and Devising
Presented by Evie Digirolamo (Sandbox) and Sarah Zuber
Crane Mainstage
In this workshop, participants will be introduced to a practice combining expressive arts, yoga, Alexander Technique, authentic movement, and generative devising techniques as a method of collaboratively exploring ideas. Come dressed to move and ready to play.
2:30 - 4:00
2:30 Presentation
3:30 Break out sessions
Responding to Conflict: an Intro to the Adaptive Learning
Presented by Walken Schweigert, Open Flame Theatre
LGM Studio
As ensembles, how do we address conflict when the models most of us are familiar with are punitive or carceral? This session will share a tool developed by Robert Chadwick and the Consensus Institute that can be utilized to brainstorm new ideas, make decisions/policies, and resolve conflicts in groups.
Articulated Puppetry
Presented by Phantom Chorus Theatre
Crane Mainstage
A demonstration of articulated puppetry technique, using Phantom Chorus’ original puppets. Participants will have opportunities for hands-on experience to apply what they have learned about puppetry.
4:30 - 6:00
4:00 Presentation
5:00 Break out sessions
Get Your Coin: Grant Writing for Individuals and Organizations
Presented by Kurt Engh, Running Errands
LGM Studio
Grant writing sounds hard: narratives, deadlines, statistics...and then the waiting to see if you get money, approved months later by a panel who are only seeing your work on paper. Kurt Engh will help you dispel grant writing by showing you where to find grants, how to apply for them, and how to navigate being an individual theater artist and running an LLC or non-profit. By the end of this workshop, you will set your specific grant goal for the next year and leave with a draft of a grant narrative!
Acting in devised theatre, how to show up to the process
Panel moderated by Ernest Briggs
Crane Mainstage
A panel of actors, directors, and writers will discuss how an actor can prepare for a devised theater process, from audition to development to opening night.
4:30 - 6:00
4:00 Presentation
5:00 Break out sessions
Storytelling as Medicine: Making Psychologically-Informed Theater
Presented by Sherry Walling
LGM Studio
In this session, psychologist and performer Dr. Sherry Walling shares her creative process behind Touching Two Worlds, a circus show based on her award-winning memoir. We’ll explore tools for shaping autobiographical material into art that is emotionally resonant, collaboratively created, and psychologically safe for both performers and audiences.
Being In Company: When, How, and Why We Begin Theatre Co.'s
Panel moderated by Madeline Wall
Crane Mainstage
A panel of leaders of ensemble companies formed within the last five years will discuss the ins and outs of forming a new group. When is it the "right time" to start a theatre company? How do you go about it? What does "company" even mean? Moderated by Madeline Wall.