Winter Workshops for Emerging Artists

How does an emerging theatre artist begin to get professional work? What can an emerging actor do to improve when they aren’t working? Is your piece translating the way you want it to?

These are the types of questions we address throughout our season of workshops for emerging theatre artists. Take a look at what we have to offer this winter and spring to see what speaks to you.

Coffee with a Pro

Coffee with Director, Mariam Bernstein

Our informal mentorship series returns with new mentoring Artists!

On Dec. 6th we launch into winter with Coffee with Ann Hodges. Esteemed theatre Director, Ann Hodges will meet with four emerging directors to talk shop over coffee. Emerging artists get to know a professional in their field to discuss professional directing in a relaxed atmosphere.

We will arrange three more Coffee with a Pro sessions this season. One for aspiring Artistic Directors and one for emerging Playwrights. We are open to suggestions for the third one, so let us know if there is a professional artist you’d like to talk shop with!

 

The Actor’s Voice with Tom Soares

Tom Soares

In this workshop, you will be introduced to the basics of voice and text work for the stage.  You will learn how the voice works, what can go wrong and basic voice and text technique.  Participants will practice the basics of alignment, tension release, breath awareness and support, coming gently onto sound, projection (being heard), and work on clarity of thought through textual exercises.  Participants are encouraged to bring in a monologue of their choice to work on.  Monologues or a speech will be provided if participants don’t have one available.

Voice and Speech Coach and Theatre Educator, Tom Soares facilitates this workshop.
Sunday, Feb. 4th from 1-4 pm
Asper Centre for Theatre & Film
$20
Space is limited. Registration is open now!

 

Monologue Intensive

Auditioning 101 with Hope McIntyre

Monologue work is such a crucial component to getting work as a stage actor. This workshop will focus on honing your monologue. Stay tuned for more details on this spring intensive.

At Sarasvati Productions, we are dedicated to supporting the growth of emerging artists. If there is a workshop you’d like to see offered let us know! Contact Angie at associate@sarasvati.ca to inquire or to register.

 

The Power of FemFest

Just three days left to feel the power of FemFest2017. Audiences have been blown away by this year’s performances.  Come and experience it for yourself before it’s too late!

“Thank you for continuing to offer amazing meaningful theatre experiences to our community” – Teela Tomassetti

“Great evening !!!” – Francesca Cotroneo

Don’t miss the opening of Watching Glory Die by Judith Thompson produced by Mulgrave Road Theatre on Thursday SEPT 21 at 2:30 pm and again at 9pm. There will be a special Coffee Talk following the 7pm performance on Friday SEPT 22 with playwright Judith Thompson, director Emmy Alcorn and special guest Senator Kim Pate. Senator Pate is a nationally renowned advocate who has spent the last 35 years working in and around the legal and penal systems of Canada, with and on behalf of some of the most marginalized, victimized, criminalized and institutionalized — particularly imprisoned youth, men and women. Senator Pate continues to advocate for reform in solitary confinement and treatment of prisoners with mental health issues in Canadian prisons, two central issues in Watching Glory Die.  We are honoured to welcome the Senator to FemFest as a Coffee Talk speaker.

Senator Kim Pate Gives a Voice to Women in Prison – The Globe and Mail

Judith Thompson

We are thrilled to announce that there will be a Coffee Talk following every 7pm performance! Head to Two Indians tonight at 7pm and stay for a Coffee Talk with Two Indians director Sonya Ballantyne and consultant Marsha Knight.

Facilitator Marsha Knight

Catch a sneak peek of our latest community-based theatre project: New Beginnings on Saturday SEPT 23 at 4pm. Admission is by donation.

Be among the first to hear brand new work by Winnipeg’s most celebrated female playwrights at the One Night Stand on the closing night of the festival. Special guest Judith Thompson joins us to share brand new work. Enjoy a toast to 15 years in the lobby following the event.

Check out some of the great articles and interviews about FemFest and the incredible artists involved.

FemFest Marks 15 Years of Celebrating Diverse Talent – Global Breakfast Television

Youth will be Served by Randall King, Winnipeg Free Press

BUNNY on CTV News

Two Indians preview with CJNU

 

Spotlight on Director Kevin Klassen

Breaking Through launches into rehearsal at the end of this month. Leading the team of this world premiere is director, Kevin Klassen. We’re pleased to turn the spotlight on Kevin in this week’s blog.

Kevin Klassen is thrilled and grateful to be working with Sarasvàti on this challenging play, and with this exciting collection of artists. His directing credits include: JONNO, Dr. Kellogg’s System, Lulu: A Monster Tragedy, Le Grand-Guignol Sur La Prairie, MissAdventurous Perils of Pauline, Poet And The Rent (Echo Theatre); Dog Act (Nancan Boogie Productions) and Merry Wives of Windsor (SIR). He is currently developing an immersive theatrical adventure called Dracula Unearthed for Echo Theatre, to be experienced at the Dalnavert Museum this coming Halloween!

 How would you describe yourself as a director?

I consider it my job as director to help create on stage what the playwright is trying to put on the page. That leap of imagination is the primary task, and then helping to lead and facilitate that leap for everyone else involved: especially the audience. Ensuring that what the audience experiences is as much as possible what the collaborating artists intend.

What was the impetus for directing Breaking Through?

I was honoured and flattered to be asked in the first place, and after reading the script I felt that I understood what Cairn and Hope were after, and that I had something to offer in terms of bringing it across to an audience in an entertaining, meaningful way. It tickled my imagination.

What about the script excites you? 

I think that the challenges faced by people who are affected by mental illness is a very important subject. I think the play does a very good job of balancing the serious realities of this issue with playful and creative methods of storytelling- it’s got a robust strain of humour and a rather bold theatricality.

If you could say one thing to the Artist who inspired you most, who would it be? And what would you say?

Choosing one is hard. I’ll choose the person who had the most direct impact on my sense of myself as an artist: Reg Skene. And I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to say thank you.

What do you hope the audience will be talking about on the car ride home from Breaking Through?

I hope they talk about how glad they are that they came, how much there is to consider when dealing with mental health issues, and how crucial it is to our society that we tackle these issues with compassion and intelligence and imagination- even if it means that some people have to pay a little more in taxes.

Breaking Through runs May 23-38, 2017 at the Asper Centre for Theatre & Film.