Over the last fifteen years I’ve had the opportunity to offer workshops to students of all ages. One of the most important lessons that theatre has to offer is commitment. The style of theatre I work in is ensemble/physical/ environmental theatre. In this manner of work, there is no star, and yet everyone has their moment to shine. I use theatre as a platform for exploration, so often a topic or theme can be chosen to explore and develop. Theatre is about communication and, as such, it also teaches the practical skills of being able to communicate to an audience; a skill relevant not just to performers, but to anyone who has ideas they wish to communicate. It also develops critical listening, and cooperation skills.

“Ensemble Theatre” involves total participation of all actors at all times. Through the collaborative development of movement, sound score, and text, a theatre piece is collectively developed and performed, reflecting the unique dynamic of that particular group. With minimal reliance on set and props, the participants are continuously involved and must remain inter-connected to the group at all times.

“Physical Theatre” refers to several styles of theatre that use movement and/or dance. My use of the term, in reference to the work that I do, is indicative of the strong usage of stylized and often highly physical movement that is a key component in my teaching and training, and is incorporated throughout a performance piece. A movement vocabulary is developed with the actors throughout the duration of the work. These exercises serve a variety of purposes: They serve as physical conditioning for the actor. They develop a repertory of movements and gestures to create a style of moving within the “world” that is being created. And lastly, it is a means of getting the actor “out of her head” and “into her body”. Through the physical release that is experienced through vigorous movement or exercise, the actor is encouraged to respond to her or his immediate environment on a visceral, rather than cerebral level. It is a means of breaking down the actor’s defenses and creating a state of openness and vulnerability.

“Environmental Theatre” refers to a form of theatre that challenges conventional understanding of the relationship between actor and audience. The idea is to heighten audience awareness, and to coax the audience out of a passive “observer” state, to one in which she/he can participate, and be involved.  Standard conventions of performance and theatrical tradition are pushed aside as original means of staging are sought.

Does this approach work with young people? Yes.