The Very Useful Theatre Company, in co-operation with the Newmarket International Festival of One Act Plays and under the direction of VUTC Young Company director Kira Rosenbloom, is offering free workshops for youth on acting, play writing and directing.
Workshop participants will begin to create the plays that will be performed at the Sunday matinee show in the festival Sept. 7 to 10 at the Old Town Hall in Newmarket. Also this year, the workshops include an introduction to deaf culture and deaf theatre lead by deaf actor J.P. Armani.
“We also plan to add some musical elements to the plays created,” explained Rosenbloom. “Not really musicals per say, but we want to have some more musical elements included.”
Workshops are for ages five to 24 and spaces are limited.
Introduction to Theatre: Artists will dive into the performing arts exploring the roles of actors, directors, playwrights, and what goes into staging, costumes and music for a live theatre show. This workshop is perfect for new or seasoned actors/directors/playwrights.
June 3 – 9 to 10 a.m. on Zoom
June 17 – 9 to 10 a.m. on Zoom
Monologue/Song Intensive Workshop: Artists will refine an already memorized monologue through the study of Michael Shurtleff's 12 Guideposts from his book Audition. Artists must come to the workshops with a monologue already memorized.
June 3 – 10 to 11 a.m. on Zoom
June 17 – 10 to 11 a.m. on Zoom
Play Writing Intensive Workshop: Artists will create two 20-minute plays and one 20-minute musical that will be performed at this year's festival. All artists participating in this workshop will be credited as playwrights in the 2023 festival.
June 3 – 11 a.m. to noon on Zoom
June 17 – 11 a.m. to noon on Zoom
Introduction to Deaf Culture and Deaf Theatre Workshop: Artists will participate in a one hour long workshop lead by deaf Actor JP Armani. JP will be talking about deaf culture, deaf arts and sharing his experiences acting in Toronto's SOUND OFF Theatre Festival and at Mayfest. An interpreter will be provided for artists to ask questions and lunch will be provided.
One day in July 2023 (exact date TBD), in person
Workshop and Audition Sign up link (Google form): https://forms.gle/he7E1ZZwodBEnm5m7
