Summer Course Profile: Physical Theatre and the Text

Action, gesture and rhythm inform character.  In this course, Jim Warren will help actors learn how the techniques of Physical Theatre inform text analysis and improve your performance.  Participants will learn how the physical styles of Commedia, Clown, and Mask can be integrated into scripted works.  Each actor will also explore his/her habits and mannerisms to discover how habitual physical choices and behaviours can help or hinder character development and story.  Students will also learn how to create a character and tell a story when you take the text away.

The course culminates in a final performance in-class of scenes chosen from modern classics.  By understanding and using Physical Theatre, you will be able to strengthen your work as an actor.

Jim Warren’s Directing credits include: The Bald Soprano (Dora Award for Outstanding Direction), The Chairs, Loot, Black Comedy, The Real Inspector Hound, What the Butler Saw (Soulpepper Theatre); No Exit, The Human Voice, The Elephant Song (Stratford Festival); The Sisters Rosensweig (Harold Green Theatre); 7 Stories (Neptune Theatre); Proof (Centaur Theatre); Having Hope at Home (Theatre Aquarius); The Hobbit (YPT); A Year with Frog and Toad (MTYP / Citadel Theatre); Derailed (Stiletto Company / Factory Theatre) Dora Nomination Outstanding Direction.  Acting credits include: Waiting for Godot (Centaur Theatre); Much Ado About Nothing (CanStage); A Midsummer Night’s Dream (YPT) Dora Nomination Best Actor.  Teaching credits include: George Brown Theatre School; York University; Humber College; University of Toronto; Equity Showcase; Theatre Ontario; University of Windsor; Waterloo University; University of Guelph.

The Theatre Ontario Summer Theatre Intensive runs from August 12 to 18 at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo.  Experience a week away from all distractions and immerse yourself in a unique theatrical learning experience.  You will learn new skills, meet passionate theatre people, and flex your creative muscle!  Read about all of our Summer Courses on the Theatre Ontario website.