About Action Theatre

i am quoting this from the website of my friend Heather, who performs & teaches this great improvisational artform. please visit her ACTION THEATRE site (improvdiva.com) for more info, performance dates, & upcoming workshops. i’ll also post (as comments below) any emails i receive about workshops too. so check back often!!!

<<<HEATHER HAS A MYSPACE PAGE NOW TOO>>>

UPDATE OCT-2007: I am no longer going to be posting or listing as comments the latest AT workshops, which are pretty much once a month in Virginia. if you want more info on upcoming workshops, visit the website or myspace links above.

**************************************************

ACTION THEATER is a matriculated training system and the practice of physical theater improvisation. Students of Action Theater can earn hours towards Practitioner and Teacher levels of training. AT training works to integrate mind and body to hone performance skill and enliven the imagination. A body-based discipline, Action Theater is designed to assist students in deconstructing habitual patterns in the areas of movement, sound, and voice. AT allows the artist to create a wide range of possible experiences and responses in performance by honing the art of presence.

Action Theater differs from other types of improvisational study in that the participants to do not practice “roles” in scenes. Instead, the improvisor follows the changing content of their imagination responding with physical, vocal and/or verbal action. The improvisational exercises are simple and playful yet challenging. Within their parameters students practice honing performance skills while manifesting awareness. They expand their in-the-moment awareness to include sensation, feeling, thought, memory, imagination, and intuition. They increase their ability to hold and express emotion, dance with their own poetry, and recover lost personal material. Students renew their ability to play.

Each exercise creates a dialogue between exploration and expression, craft and communication. Some strengthen and expand the technical skills used in movement, acting, voice; others address, composition, listening and relationship skills. Within these practical skills, there is always an emphasis on the newness of experience and response. The practice of AT isolates and invites exploration of more formal performance elements such as time, space, shape and dynamics while maintaining the freedom that is necessary for creative experience.

These explorations quiet the conceptual mind’s limited view of experience and increase awareness of the details of present experience. AT students practice the mindfulness of intention, awareness and action. Action Theater trainings accommodate the novice, the explorer, and the practiced.

‘In the realm of awareness there is little distinction between the theater and the street. Who we are, how aware we are, and how we process our perceptions and reactions is the same everywhere. In the studio, we improvise within forms that are relevant to movement and theater, but the lessons we learn affect our daily life.’- Ruth Zaporah”


17 Responses to “About Action Theatre”

  1. Heather has workshops all over. here’s her flier for an up-coming one in VIRGINIA if you live in or near that state. wish i could go. –faeriechild

    ——————————————–

    Hello! Just a quick reminder that the Cville Action Theater workshop is fast approaching. If you are interested in attending, please email Brad below for registration. Hope to see you there!

    ACTION THEATER INTENSIVE TRAINING
    OCT 20-22
    CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA

    Action Theater is a style of improvisational physical theater, dedicated to the practice of presence in crafted performance. This workshop/intensive training is open to all skill levels and will focus on Action Theater exercises for deconstructing sound, movement, and narrative. Hours can be accumulated towards Action Theater Certification.

    The workshop will be taught by Advanced Action Theater Instructor, Heather Lundy. Heather has studied and performed Action Theater style improvisation for over 13 years. She is a Dance/Movement Therapist, performer and choreographer who teaches and performs in the US and abroad.

    Workshop times are: Friday-5:30-7:30, Sat. 10-4, and Sunday 1-5. Workshop participants and the public is invited to attend an informal studio showing on Sat. at 6:30 PM. The cost of the workshop is $150. To register please email bradstoller@adelphia.net. Register soon as space is limited.

    For more information on Action Theater visit www:improvdiva.com or feel free to email me with questions.

    Heather Lundy, MA, DTR
    Action Theater Instructor, Advanced Teacher

  2. matt richard Says:

    resgiter me please

  3. …..here’s another workshop coming up in VIRGINIA again. you will have to send an email yourselves if you want to go (an address is given below), as i am not running the workshop. i’m just the friend of the people that are…..

    *******************************************************

    ACTION THEATRE WORKSHOP
    CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA
    DECEMBER 9, 2006

    Hello to All,

    Thanks to a fabulous group, we had a tremendously successful workshop in October. We are now fired up for another romp through the unknown. Please join us for a one-day Action Theater Workshop on December 9th at McGuffey Arts Center in Charlottesville, VA from 1-6 PM.

    This workshop is open to all skill levels and will focus on Action Theater exercises for deconstructing sound, movement, and narrative. Hours can be accumulated towards Action Theater Certification. The cost of the workshop is $50.00. To register please email bradstoller@adelphia.net.

    For more information on Action Theater style physical improvisation visit http://www.improvdiva.com.

    Please feel free to forward this announcement to any interested participant.

    Cheers,
    Heather Lundy, MA, DTR
    Advanced Action Theater Instructor

  4. HERE’S A PERFORMANCE COMING UP IN DC:

    ***************************************

    Hello and Happy Holidays To All,

    If you happen to live or be visiting the DC area at the end of January, please come check out my performance in the Kay Theater at the Clarice Smith Center for Performing Arts. My work was adjudicated and has been chosen to be performed at the annual DC Choreographer’s Festival. I will be performing a solo in a show with six other works- all of which are phenomenal (I’ve had a sneak peak.)

    The show is on January 27th, at 8PM- tickets are on sale through the box office at 301.405.ARTS. You can also check the website at http://www.claricesmithcenter.umd.edu/2007/c/performances/performance?rowid=3561

    There will be a reception following the performance where you can hob nob with the dancers and choreographers. I hope that I see some of you smiling faces.

    Cheers,
    Heather

  5. HERE’S THE LATEST WORKSHOP!!!!

    *******************************************
    Action Theater Workshop
    CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA
    February 24th, 1-6 PM

    Greetings,

    The Charlottesville Action Theater workshop series is pressing fearlessly onward in 2007. Please join us for a one-day Action Theater Workshop on February 24 at McGuffey Arts Center in Charlottesville, VA from 1-6 PM.

    This workshop is open to all skill levels and will focus on Action Theater exercises for deconstructing sound, movement, and narrative. Hours can be accumulated towards Action Theater Certification. The cost of the workshop is $50.00. To register please email bradstoller@adelphia.net.

    For more information on Action Theater style physical improvisation visit http://www.improvdiva.com.

    Please feel free to forward/publish this announcement to any interested participant or publication. If you would prefer not to receive emails regarding Action Theater workshops, please respond with the heading Please Remove.

    Cheers,
    Heather Lundy, MA, DTR
    Advanced Action Theater Instructor

  6. the Action Theatre workshop in Charlottesville, VA scheduled for Saturday, February 24th, has just been postponed.

    THE NEW WORKSHOP DATE IS NOW:

    MARCH 10th. still in Charlottesville, VA, & still from 1-6 PM.

    here’s the email:

    *****************

    Subject: Rescheduling AT Workshop or As The Ankle Turns
    Date: Thu, 22 Feb 2007 12:44:12 -0500

    Hi Again,

    Sorry to be flooding your in-boxes, but it appears that I am forced to reschedule the workshop this weekend and move it to MARCH 10. The time will remain the same (1-6 PM).

    In a daring feat of athletic prowess and grace, I fell on some ice yesterday while jogging and have injured my ankle. So, I’m confined to the “sick bed” for at least a week or so, packed in ice and feeling a little silly. This weekend’s adventure is postponed.

    However, I know that there are many of you who were unable to make the date, so maybe this will help. Please call or email brad to reserve your spot (bradstoller@adelphia.net ).

    Cheers,

    Heather Lundy

    http://www.improvdiva.com

  7. HERE’S THE LATEST WORKSHOP IN CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA ON APRIL 28TH.

    **********************************

    Hello To All,

    It’s that time again! If you missed us last month, jump back on the train. Join me for another excursion into the dark recesses of your imagination and an exploration of improvisational physical theater techniques.

    I will be conducting an Action Theater (TM) workshop on April 28th in Charlottesville, Virginia from 1-6 at the McGuffey Arts Center. All sorts and skill levels are welcomed and encouraged. We will focus our efforts on the deconstruction of sound and movement to enhance your performing skills while indulging in the art of play.

    For more information, questions, directions, or to reserve your spot, please contact Brad Stoller at 434-409-1282 or bradstoller@comcast.net. You can learn more about Action Theater and/or Heather Lundy at http://www.improvdiva.net or visit http://www.myspace.com/improvdivalundy

    I hope to see you soon,

    Heather Lundy, MA,DTR
    Advanced Action Theater Instructor

  8. >>

    here’s Heather’s email:

    ***************************

    Greetings,

    Hello to All,

    We are up and off for another foray through the dark recesses of your
    mind. Please join me for a one-day Action Theater Workshop on April
    28th at McGuffey Arts Center in Charlottesville, VA from 1-6 PM.

    This workshop is open to all skill levels and will focus on Action
    Theater exercises for deconstructing sound, movement, and narrative.
    Hours can be accumulated towards Action Theater Certification. The
    cost of the workshop is $50.00. To register please email
    bradstoller@comcast.net.

    For more information on Action Theater style physical improvisation
    visit http://www.improvdiva.com or check out
    http://www.myspace.com/improvdivalundy

    This workshop will be bookended by a benefit performance at McGuffey
    at 8PM for LEC. I will be performing a solo on both Friday and Sat.
    evening. For more information on the performance, you can contact
    Kelly East at kelly_east@hotmail.com.

    Please feel free to forward this announcement to any interested
    participant. If you would prefer not to receive emails regarding
    Action Theater workshops, please respond with the heading Please
    Remove.

    Cheers,
    Heather Lundy, MA, DTR
    Advanced Action Theater Instructor

  9. ~JUST A REMINDER~

    here’s Heather’s email:

    ***************************

    Greetings,

    Hello to All,

    We are up and off for another foray through the dark recesses of your
    mind. Please join me for a one-day Action Theater Workshop on April
    28th at McGuffey Arts Center in Charlottesville, VA from 1-6 PM.

    This workshop is open to all skill levels and will focus on Action
    Theater exercises for deconstructing sound, movement, and narrative.
    Hours can be accumulated towards Action Theater Certification. The
    cost of the workshop is $50.00. To register please email
    bradstoller@comcast.net.

    For more information on Action Theater style physical improvisation
    visit http://www.improvdiva.com or check out
    http://www.myspace.com/improvdivalundy

    This workshop will be bookended by a benefit performance at McGuffey
    at 8PM for LEC. I will be performing a solo on both Friday and Sat.
    evening. For more information on the performance, you can contact
    Kelly East at kelly_east@hotmail.com.

    Please feel free to forward this announcement to any interested
    participant. If you would prefer not to receive emails regarding
    Action Theater workshops, please respond with the heading Please
    Remove.

    Cheers,
    Heather Lundy, MA, DTR
    Advanced Action Theater Instructor

  10. ==the latest==

    ************************

    Hello to All,

    Interested in exorcising your demons and tuning up your performance
    skills? You can do both simultaneously at the Charlottesville Action
    Theater workshop on June 9th. Join us for a one-day Action Theater
    Workshop at McGuffey Arts Center in Charlottesville, VA from 1-6 PM.

    This workshop is open to all skill levels and will focus on Action
    Theater exercises for deconstructing sound, movement, and narrative.
    Our next foray into the unknown darklands of improvisation will
    explore solo work. Hours can be accumulated towards Action Theater
    Certification. The cost of the workshop is $50.00. To register please
    email bradstoller@comcast.net

    For more information on Action Theater style physical improvisation
    visit http://www.improvdiva.com. Check out demo videos and learn more on
    http://www.myspace.com/improvdivalundy

    Please feel free to forward this announcement to any interested
    participant. If you would prefer not to receive emails regarding
    Action Theater workshops, please respond with the heading Please
    Remove.

    Cheers,
    Heather Lundy, MA, DTR
    Advanced Action Theater Instructor

  11. July’s workshop =

    ———————

    Hello to All,

    I hope your summer is finding you basking in the sun and sipping
    cocktails by the pool. If not, I hope that your imagination is.

    For other journeys into fantasy, join me for the next Charlottesville
    Action Theater workshop on July 14, at McGuffey Arts Center in
    Charlottesville, VA from 1-6 PM.

    This workshop is open to all skill levels and will focus on Action
    Theater exercises for deconstructing sound, movement, and narrative.
    This little jaunt into the badlands will explore the duet.

    Hours can be accumulated towards Action Theater
    Certification. The cost of the workshop is $50.00. To register please
    email bradstoller@comcast.net

    For more information on Action Theater style physical improvisation
    visit http://www.improvdiva.com. Check out demo videos and learn more on
    http://www.myspace.com/improvdivalundy

    Please feel free to forward this announcement to any interested
    participant. If you would prefer not to receive emails regarding
    Action Theater workshops, please respond with the heading Please
    Remove.

    Cheers,

    Heather Lundy, MA, DTR
    Advanced Action Theater Instructor

  12. ADDENDUM: to register for Heather’s workshop on July 14th, you must contact her directly. (the regular registration person is out of town.)
    please go to her website improvdiva.com for contact info.

  13. [...] instructor at these workshops) separately. i will still continue to post them as comments on the ABOUT ACTION THEATRE page of mine [...]

  14. the latest, in Harrisonburg, VA this time:

    ******************

    Hello All,

    Just a quick note to get a final tally on those interested in
    attending the Action Theater Workshop in Harrisonburg on August 25.
    The time will be 1-5PM and the cost is $50. Please send me a quick
    email with a confirmation if you plan to attend. I will send you a
    separate email with details.

    For more information on Action Theater style physical improvisation
    visit http://www.improvdiva.com. Check out demo videos and learn more on
    http://www.myspace.com/improvdivalundy

    Please feel free to forward this announcement to any interested
    participant. If you would prefer not to receive emails regarding
    Action Theater workshops, please respond with the heading Please
    Remove.

    Cheers,

    Heather Lundy, MA, DTR
    Advanced Action Theater Instructor

  15. here’s Heather’s latest:

    *****************************

    Hello to All,

    You are invited to visit the tantalizing world of improvisational
    physical theater. If you have not already registered, please join me
    for a one-day Action Theater Workshop on September 22 at McGuffey Arts
    Center in Charlottesville, VA from 1-6 PM.

    This workshop is open to all skill levels and will focus on Action
    Theater exercises for deconstructing sound, movement, and narrative.
    It’s seductively fun and a little mind bending.

    Hours can be accumulated towards Action Theater Certification. The
    cost of the workshop is $50.00. To register please email me at
    improvdiva@gmail.com. This promises to be a large class, so contact
    me soon, it will be first come/first serve.

    For more information on Action Theater style physical improvisation
    visit http://www.improvdiva.com or http://www.myspace.com/improvdivalundy

    Please feel free to forward this announcement to any interested
    participant. If you would prefer not to receive emails regarding Action
    Theater workshops, please respond with the heading Please Remove.

    Cheers,
    Heather Lundy
    Advanced Action Theater Instructor

  16. If you are interested in attending, please don’t forget to register:

    Action Theater Workshop
    Sept. 22nd
    McGuffey Arts Center in Charlottesville, VA
    1-6 PM

    Email Heather Lundy at improvdiva@gmail.com to register.

    This workshop is open to all skill levels and will focus on Action
    Theater exercises for deconstructing sound, movement, and narrative.
    It’s seductively fun and a little mind bending.

    Hours can be accumulated towards Action Theater Certification. The
    cost of the workshop is $50.00.

    For more information on Action Theater style physical improvisation
    visit http://www.improvdiva.com or http://www.myspace.com/improvdivalundy

    Please feel free to forward this announcement to any interested
    participant. If you would prefer not to receive emails regarding Action
    Theater workshops, please respond with the heading Please Remove.

    Cheers,
    Heather Lundy
    Advanced Action Theater Instructor

  17. Latest one:

    ******

    Treat yourself to a day of adventure through the vast unknown.
    Heather Lundy will be leading a one-day Action Theater Workshop on
    October 13th at McGuffey Arts Center in Charlottesville, VA from 1-5
    PM.

    This workshop is open to all skill levels and will focus on
    improvisational physical theater skills for deconstructing and
    reinventing sound, movement, and narrative.

    Hours can be accumulated towards Action Theater Certification. The
    cost of the workshop is $50.00. To register, please email Brad Stoller
    at bradstoller@comcast.net.

    For more information on Action Theater style physical improvisation
    visit http://www.myspace.com/improvdivalundy or http://www.improvdiva.com.

    Please feel free to forward this announcement to any interested
    participant. If you would prefer not to receive emails regarding
    Action Theater workshops, please respond with the heading Please
    Remove.

    Cheers,

    Heather Lundy
    Advanced Action Theater Instructor

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