If you’re quick you might still have time to apply for Sarah Baxter’s LeCoq workshops, happening in the new year. Email a CV, a photograph and a brief letter explaining why you would like to take part to: sarahabaxter@gmail.com.

A few of my teachers at Brunel and beyond were LeCoq-trained and I really enjoyed it as a way of playing and finding characters. A really simplistic way of describing it – the way I think of it – is that it is the opposite of Method Acting. Where Method is all about tapping into the “right” emotional response and building the actor from within, LeCoq is about creating the character physically and then finding the feelings from that physicality. (Bear in mind, I’m six years out of college – I’m sure there is loads more to it than that, but that’s how I remember it.)

Sarah has worked with Landmark Productions who produced Ballyturk this summer. If you saw that show, you will remember Mikel Murfi’s physically as he portrayed the various inhabitants of Ballyturk. (Along with Cillian Murphy in his underpants!) Murfi trained with Jacques LeCoq in Paris and is a very physical performer.

(Sidenote: Mikel Murfi did a Directing Masterclass with us on the MA in Galway and talked about his part in the first production of The Walworth Farce by Enda Walsh. It sounded like the maddest play. Just from his description of performing it, I was eager to see it and I’m delighted that Landmark are producing it next
year. This is the Gleeson play, as I have heard it described!)

These workshops are really good value and I think the performers will have a lot of fun. Plus I bet Sarah has some good stories from her work with Landmark!

Deadline is today so email now. All the details are below.

WORKSHOP OPPORTUNITY: Physical Theatre and Devising for Performers

An eight day intensive workshop (Monday-Thursday over two weeks) for performers in LeCoq based physical theatre, ensemble play and devising for performance. Facilitated by Sarah Baxter (assistant director on Landmark Productions Howie The Rookie), participants will be invited into a space of discovery, rigour and play all accessed through a fully alive body. Over the eight days participants will partake in yoga, movement analysis, full mask work, physical expression, ensemble skills and devising techniques.

Workshops are open to all (18+) performers (actors, dancers, musicians and those from other performance backgrounds).
Cost: 100€ / eight day workshop

DATES
Workshop 1: January 5-8 and 12-15
Workshop 2: January 19-22 and 26-29
Workshop 3: February 2-5 and 9-12

Sarah is a director based in Dublin. She is a graduate of LISPA- London International School Of Performing Arts (led by Thomas Prattki, former pedagogical director of Ecole Jacques Lecoq). She has worked in London and Dublin as a director, performer, mask maker, movement director and facilitator. She has worked with companies and organisations such as Fabulous Beast Dance Theatre Company; Landmark Productions; The Gate Theatre; Young Vic Theatre and Field Day Theatre Company.

“I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Sarah to another actor. She is intelligent, astute, has true integrity, and above all else a fierce passion and love for the theatre and the arts. A true artist.” – Tom Vaughan-Lawlor

Applicants should email a CV, a photograph and a brief letter explaining why they would like to take part to: sarahabaxter@gmail.com.

Workshops will take place at The Lab, Foley Street, Dublin. Spaces are limited. Please indicate your preference of which workshop date you would like to attend.

Closing date for applications 30.11.2014.

All applicants will be notified shortly thereafter as to whether they have been allocated a place.

These workshops are kindly supported by Dublin City Council