Workshops
Fall Weekend Intensive
Sat Oct 27 & Sun Oct 28, 10am - 5pm
Toronto Operetta Studio
This workshop will focus on teaching and applying tools of Psychological Gesture, Atmosphere and Imaginary Body to script. We will use a short scene from Waiting for Godot to explore Action and Character, engaging in a process of imaginative on-your-feet research to answer the questions:
Who Am I?
Where Am I?
What Do I Want?
What Do I Do to Get What I Want?
TEACHERS: Lionel Walsh, Rena Polley
Cost: $100
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Advanced Monologue and Scene Study
Sat Nov 10 & Sun Nov 11, 10am – 5pm
Toronto Operetta Studio
This class is for advanced students who have a working knowledge of the Michael Chekhov technique. We will be focusing on the application of the technique in relation to a scene or monologue.
You are welcome to bring in a monologue you would like to work with. It is a perfect opportunity to explore your audition piece. I will also assign a scene for those wanting to explore scene work.
Limited to 10 students
TEACHER: Rena Polley
Cost: $100
To register please email here. Please indicate which class you would like to attend.
To join our mailing list email click here
Workshops
Fall Weekend Intensive
Sat Oct 27 & Sun Oct 28, 10am - 5pm
Toronto Operetta Studio
This workshop will focus on teaching and applying tools of Psychological Gesture, Atmosphere and Imaginary Body to script. We will use a short scene from Waiting for Godot to explore Action and Character, engaging in a process of imaginative on-your-feet research to answer the questions:
Who Am I?
Where Am I?
What Do I Want?
What Do I Do to Get What I Want?
TEACHERS: Lionel Walsh, Rena Polley
Cost: $100
_________________________________________________
Advanced Monologue and Scene Study
Sat Nov 10 & Sun Nov 11, 10am – 5pm
Toronto Operetta Studio
This class is for advanced students who have a working knowledge of the Michael Chekhov technique. We will be focusing on the application of the technique in relation to a scene or monologue.
You are welcome to bring in a monologue you would like to work with. It is a perfect opportunity to explore your audition piece. I will also assign a scene for those wanting to explore scene work.
Limited to 10 students
TEACHER: Rena Polley
Cost: $100
To register please email here. Please indicate which class you would like to attend.
To join our mailing list email click here
testimonials
"The weekend workshop I took on the Michael Chekhov technique was a deliciously explosive shot in the arm. As a mid-career actor and acting instructor I was intrigued and inspired by Michael Chekhov's psycho-physical approach to character. Rena, Lionel and Peggy created a relaxed, nurturing environment, communicating the abstract concepts of the technique so intuitively that I immediately signed up for more workshops. This is very fun and very important to actors at all levels of their career."
Maria Ricossa, actor and teacher
“That was a very inspiring weekend. I feel more alive now, personally and as an actor. Rena, Lionel and Peggy are the kind of people who give teachers a good name. Well done.”
Bill MacDonald, actor
"I took the workshop because I had forgotten how to 'play' as an actress. I felt restricted in my brain and in my body. As soon as I was encouraged to STEP IN to the circle of imagination and art, I chose to stop the judgement and just explore. Like a child learning to crawl, then walk, then run, I was given the building blocks to get back to my joyful, deep, dark, and expressive self. I found the instructors to be clear, precise and encouraging to all the participants-to play-whatever the task ."
Janet-Laine Green, actor
"I have attended many workshops with Rena, Peggy and Lionel over the last few years and have found each one invaluable in terms of deepening my understanding of Michael Chekhov and his work. They are all compassionate, dedicated and knowledgable instructors. Rena, Lionel and Peggy are excellent at creating an environment that feels, fun, safe and challenging. The workshops have helped me to be a better teacher to my students and have expanded my connection to the work as an artist. I highly recommend this work and these masterful teachers!"
Laura Nienhuis, Head of Dramatic Arts Earl Haig Secondary School/ Claude Watson Arts program.
"I am delighted to be able to continue my study and discovery of the Michael Chekhov technique. This technique is crying out to be discovered and implemented in productions all across Canada as it speaks to a universal understanding of how we behave, human instinct, body language and sharing not only with words but with our whole being.The workshops we have been lucky enough to participate in are becoming increasingly illuminating and challenging. It is like learning a whole new language or discovering how woefully small our vocabulary is, how much more there is to say and finding the way of expressing it with every God given tool we have. As actors we want to be able to communicate fully so that the audience has a collective and visceral experience with the play."
Lynne Griffin, actor
"As an experienced actor, director, and coach, workshops in the Michael Chekhov technique have provided me with valuable new tools and exercises both in the exploration and deeper realization of a particular role and also have jazzed my ongoing interest in keeping my personal practice alive and fresh. The technique encourages the artist to get out of the brain and into a more physical, visceral understanding of character. It's a great addition to whatever is working for you already and has tremendous potential to unblock some of the sticky bits we all experience as artists."
Patricia Vanstone, actor/director/acting coach