Converse Theatre Workshop

Tired of being yourself all the time? Come spend a week being anyone you want to be at the Converse Theatre Workshop!

The Program

Participate in an exciting and rigorous coeducational program including acting, movement, playwriting, and vocal strengthening through the creation of original work. Sessions include:

Acting Technique: Acting introduces you to the basics of actor training and includes exercises and theatre games designed to free the actor physically and emotionally while stimulating creative impulses.

Feldenkrais: The Feldenkrais Method® is a form of physical education that uses gentle movement and directed attention to improve movement and enhance human functioning. Through this Method, you can increase your ease and range of motion and improve your flexibility and coordination.

Musical Theatre: Students will learn to relax and sing some of the great songs from the musical theatre in a low-stress, supportive environment. Emphasizes character and strong vocal conditioning while aligning voice and body.

Shakespeare: Taking the mystery out of Shakespeare! Learn how to define and deliver with confidence some of the great Shakespearean monologues.

Scene Study: Perform the great literary roles of the theatre while learning to work with an ensemble. Emphasis is on making bold physical and emotional character choices and feeling comfortable onstage with yourself and your partners.

Improvisation: Learn to think on your feet with challenging situations where the only script is what you create on the spot. Develops performance skills within an ensemble setting.

In addition, the program includes performance opportunities including Late Night Improv in the Laird Studio Theatre, a Shakespearean performance in an outdoor amphitheatre, and the creation of an original Work-in-Progress to be performed in the Hazel B. Abbott Mainstage Theatre.

Converse Theatre Workshop Faculty

	Hugh Adams is an Atlanta-based actor and member of Actor’s Equity Association. His productions in Atlanta include roles with Theatre in the Square, Horizons Theatre, Georgia Ensemble Theatre, Georgia Shakespeare Festival, and Agatha’s Mystery Theatre. Regionally, he has performed with the Actor’s Theatre of Indiana, Carousel Theatre Company in New York City, and Theatre/Converse. Most recently, Hugh has been seen in the films Jinx’d and Dumpster Baby.
	Brent Glenn is a member of the Theatre Department faculty at Converse College. He attended Brenau College and Louisiana State University where he received his Masters of Fine Arts. Brent is a professional actor, director and designer who has worked for theatres from Alaska to New York and many places in between. Professional credits include Horizon Theatre Company, Atlanta Shakespeare Tavern, and Theatre Emory (Atlanta); The Village Gate, Alice’s Fourth Floor, and Playwrights Horizons (NYC); Playmakers of Baton Rouge and Swine Palace Productions (Baton Rouge); Kokopelli Theatre Company, Out North, and Cyrano’s Playhouse (Anchorage, AK); and his own production company, 2brents Mad Histrionics.
	Megan McFarland has been active in the professional theatre for over three decades. Best known as the original Della in the Della’s Diner musical series, Megan has worked extensively in Atlanta with the Alliance Theatre, Theatrical Outfit, Seven Stages, Georgia Shakespeare Festival, and Theatre in the Square. She has also performed regionally with the Coconut Grove Playhouse In Miami, Virginia Stage in Norfolk, and The Duplex in New York City. Megan has done voiceovers, tv shows and commercials, and films.
	Lavinia Plonka’s 25 years in theatre include many highlights, including 8 years as an artist in residence for the Guggenheim Museum, choreography grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, international tours and television commercials for Nickelodeon among others. Her two books, which explore body language and emotions, have been translated into several languages. Lavinia is director of Asheville Movement Center, where she teaches the Feldenkrais Method® to individuals and groups as well as teaching workshops internationally.

 

Enrollment

The program is open to rising 10th, 11th and 12th graders. Space is limited.

Tuition and Financial Assistance

The Converse Theatre Workshop is designed as a weeklong residential program. Tuition covers residence hall accommodations, all meals, materials and on-campus activities. Early-bird tuition (applications received by March 15) is $675 and regular tuition is $775. A limited number of need-based scholarships up to $200 are available.

How to Apply

Download and print the application
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Early- bird deadline is March 15, 2008. Early- bird applicants will receive a $100 discount on tuition, priority in admission and notification of acceptance by April 1, 2008. Applications will be accepted through May 15, 2008.

The following must be submitted:

• A completed application
• $25 application fee (to be applied toward tuition if you are accepted and refunded if not accepted)
• Financial Support Application (if you wish to be considered for assistance)
• 2 letters of recommendation from instructors, one of which should be from a theatre teacher or professional with whom the student has performed

For more information, contact:

Brent Glenn
Converse College Department of Theatre and Dance
(864) 596-9183
brent.glenn@converse.edu