The Haven Institute: Course Descriptions




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Course Descriptions

Act Natural

Find your mark, look the other fellow in the eye, and tell the truth.

-- James Cagney

This course is for you if you want to

Learn the fundamentals of the craft of acting
gain poise and confidence in front of people
fine-tune your listening and communication skills
get the most out of yourself as you train your acting/performing 'instrument'-primarily your voice and body
learn to be seen and heard (the primary job of the actor!)
experience the intimacy and fun of acting
expand your range and discover unexpressed aspects of yourself
explore breath-work and contact-with-other in the acting context

A common misconception about acting is that actors 'lose' themselves in their roles. Not so! It is, in fact, the responsibility of actors to find themselves in their characters through a process of self-discovery, enhanced self-awareness, and relational availability to their fellow actors. A character is nothing more than words on a page, after all. It is only when the actor-a living, breathing, feeling human being-steps into the world of the play (the 'given circumstances') and utters those written words that the character takes on life; therefore, acting demands that we live, breathe and feel. As an actor, the more willing you are to reveal your full self and engage with the world of the play and the other human beings who people it, the more fully realized your character will be, and the richer the journey for actors and audience alike.

Acting is a generous endeavor, asking that you share yourself -- your vulnerability, your passion -- with your fellow actors and the audience. As an actor, you don't make up or pretend anything. You are committing your full, authentic self in order to tell the stories of the human experience.

Act Natural! is a two-day course for those people who are not only curious about acting and performance, but are also interested in furthering their journey of self-discovery. Through exercises designed for acting students, including improvisation, movement, scene study, and breath work, participants will experience the intimacy and aliveness of the acting process. The focus of this course is not on final performance, but on the process of bringing yourself forward and connecting with your own natural instincts -- and trusting those instincts! Absolutely no prior acting experience is needed. Just bring yourself and a willingness to play ... and be prepared to discover the natural actor in you!

Faculty:
Sarah Lucht, Jane Geesman

Dates:

Jul.24-Jul.26, 2009 Fri-Sun; Register Tuition: ($325.00) $355.00 For 2009 by Dec 15, 2008 $315.00

Oct.30-Nov.01, 2009 Fri-Sun; Register Tuition: ($325.00) $355.00 For 2009 by Dec 15, 2008 $315.00

Register for 2009 courses by December 15th, 2008 and pay 2008 Tuition fees.

(early) regular fee: the price in brackets is the "Early Bird" rate for those who register and pay in full at least two weeks before the course begins. The price without brackets is the full price. Prices in Canadian dollars. Meals and accommodation not included. Full room and board is available for an extra charge. See Resort Prices for details.

Course Evaluation:
A student/participant who attends a minimum of 90% of the total course sessions shall receive a "Pass" grade. A student/participant who is absent for more than 10% of the session will receive an "Incomplete" grade and credit will not be granted.