Workshop for Choreographers
International Workshop for Choreographers,
Movement Directors & Directors of Physical Theatre
The programme includes the intensive practical training, lectures and discussions with the choreographer, director, teacher Sergei Ostrenko.
Share and exchange your ideas with colleagues from different parts of the world, gain new helpful tools and professional tips under the competent guidance of IUGTE experts. Each of our workshops opens new international opportunities!
The workshop is organized in the framework of the Stage Directors Lab, IUGTE International Department which offers unique “launchpad” opportunities for choreographers and directors from all over the world working in various creative genres, techniques and styles. IUGTE intensives open the door towards unique professional development opportunities for choreographers - participation in collaboration projects and performance productions at professional repertory theatres. Find out more.
The role of the choreographer is becoming more and more valuable in contemporary performance making. It requires both particular experience and the natural flair in order to embody artistic images through dance and movement and to fill the choreography with action, energy and life. Choreography conveys the performance dynamics, its tempo-rhythm, unfolds the meaning content of the performance climax. It allows the audience to perceive the whole span of the performance idea, to comprehend and trace all the complex inner tangles and parallels built up by the director, by integrating dance, word and action into one whole. Choreography helps to convey the fascinating harmonious unity in communication with spectators intimate world of associations and images...
"I appreciate the process of the whole workshop, which was strictly planned and complex. We went through it step by step. I am very lucky to have so wonderful chance to know such beautiful and interesting people from all over a world. After a few days we all had that feeling that we know each other for a long time..."
Ilona Gumowska, Poland
I learned a lot, and a lot more deeper in sending out my thoughts and intention for each gesture and movement I would like to make. I learned my mind and words can make more specific and detailed emotions when it is used one by one, and then taken apart, and then combined back as a single focused point, only putting priority to which I wanted more. I am very happy, and wish I could afford to continue coming and learning more. I will share this with the other dancers and hope it will show them what they need to further bring out their message that they want to tell to the audience..."
Adel Lina Yap, Malaysia
"The Lab has provided many things for me to take on to my future studies and exploration.
It has given me stimulus for research, and tools that I can use and adapt to my own personal training. I have learned that my actions need to be physical, and with that physicality comes clarity for the spectator..."
Gemma Prangle, UK
"This was a very particular experience for me.
I made the conclusion that in dance any choreography there should be text sounding inside of us. Only this way the movement gains meaning and sence; the dance gains fullness only if there is inner text sounding inside the performer. There should be action going on inside of us. This is both a very simple and complicated important essence..."
Alisa Kosheleva, Latvia
"The network of artist friends that was built during this event was absolutely priceless. My theater vision was continuously expanding just by mingling with everyone else... From working mostly only in my own country, I have now stepped out of my comfort zone and familiar mental boundaries, and I am now able to see myself in the context of the global theater community. Indeed, this experience is one of the greatest rewards in my life...If I had not decided to come, I cannot imagine how many years it would have taken me to witness such things and to have already so many connections with theater artists around the world".
Sasapin Siriwanij, Thailand
"An excellent opportunity to network with practitioners from all continents. International collaborations might be explored as a direct consequence of this experience, providing new opportunities that would not have risen otherwise".
Yolanda Aguilar, UK
During the Workshop participants will become acquainted with Ostrenko's method of psycho-physical training and rehearsal, formed and inspired by the Russian Theatre Tradition. Methods of Stanislavsky, Meyerhold and M.Chekhov, Meyerhold's Biomechanics Etudes, Tai-chi for performers, training by method of improvisation, scene composition from exercises to performance: these are some of the elements uniquely transformed and combined in Ostrenko's teaching system. Participants will research the connection between physical action and voice, gesture, movement, dance and word, explore performer's physicality as the key to form, style, atmosphere and emotional palette, learn to build up the composition of the form and the artistic space of the performance, gain helpful practical tools and valuable tips for mounting contemporary performances. The understanding of the basic principles of a methodological directing approach concerns any genre, whether it is a dance performance, physical theatre performance, drama performance or musical theatre.
OSTRENKO LAB PROGRAMME
The training is designed as a multidisciplinary intensive lab with participation and practice together with performers from different techniques.
This intensive Lab in Austria is open to practicing choreographers and directors of physical theatre working in various genres, techniques and styles interested to acquire reliable toolkit to create contemporary professional productions. Ostrenko Method will introduce some of the effective techniques and approaches towards contemporary performance practice in the context of the short rehearsal time and multicultural aspect of the creative team.
LAB PRACTICAL SESSIONS
The morning practical sessions develop in the form of various exercises based on improvisation, space exploration and interacting with partners. Individual, pair and group exercises develop in particular sequence from simple to more compound. According to Ostrenko Method, each set of exercises follows out of the previous and is connected with the subsequent one. Through the intensive physical training participants will explore how the systematized psycho-
In the evenings participants will become acquainted with Ostrenko Method of choreographer's preparation, formed and inspired by the Russian Theatre Tradition. The group will develop enlightening and informative discussions, analyze their discoveries and explore relevant topics on contemporary performance making.
LECTURES & DISCUSSIONS
physical approach fosters connection and cohesion among the performers,creates creative atmosphere and dynamics in the group. After the lunch break the group proceeds to ensemble structural improvisations which gradually evolve to little etudes and improvised performances. Choreographers will learn how to provide the guidance to the performers in creative process: how to propose a physical language to actors, how to help them to build up images and characters, how to connect various modules and elements into the whole performance fragments, how to unfold the actor’s creative nature, encourage relationship with artistic space, freedom in improvisation and spontaneity on the way to the light and joyful performance.
The workshop is highly recommended to choreographers and directors of physical theatre interested in learning about ensemble building, structuring the rehearsal process, to clarify and hone what they already know, to get exposed to new techniques and methodologies, and ultimately, to network with practitioners from different countries and establish future creative partnerships with like-minded people.
June 10th:
From 13:00 - Group arrival and check-in.
16:15-16:30 - IUGTE Programme Coordinator meets the group.
Short tour around Retzhof Castle.
16:30-18:00 - First group meeting and introduction.
18:00-19:00 - Dinner.
June 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th:
7:30-8:30 - Warm-Up.
8:30-9:00 - Breakfast.
10:00-12:00 - Practical training.
12:00-13:00 - Lunch
13:00-14:00 - Break
14:00-18:00 - Practical training.
18:00-19:00 - Dinner
19:00-19:30 - Break
19:30-21:00 - Creative diary: evening lectures, discussions and creation.
June 16th:
7:30-8:30 - Warm-Up.
8:30-9:00 - Breakfast.
10:00-12:00 - Practical training.
12:00-13:00 - Lunch
13:00-14:00 - Break
14:00-18:00 - Practical training.
19:00 - Final buffet dinner & party.
June 17th:
7:30-9:00 - Breakfast
9:00 - Check-out and departure.
IUGTE Staff will be glad to help you in planning your travel itinerary, information on accommodation options and practical details!
LAB SCHEDULE
The organizers reserve the right to make changes and add-ins in the schedule.
IUGTE helps participants to organize accommodation and meals at the beautiful 15th century refurbished castle in the landscape of natural beauty in Leitring bei Leibnitz, Austria. The group will stay and practice all together in the same venue. Click here for more practical information.
The official arrival day is Monday, July 6th from 13:00.
The departure day is Saturday, July 11th after breakfast at 9:00.
ACCOMMODATION
Participation fee is 850 EUR (early bird reduced fee) / 950 EUR .
The fee covers participation in all events of the program - practical training and discussions.
If you have questions about this program, please contact iugte.projects@gmail.com
REGISTRATION
To apply for participation, please fill in the online Application Form.
IUGTE Lab offers a great opportunity to approach a unique methodological and practical material that will enrich your professional skills and will offer you the possibility to share an intense creative experience at a global level!
The workshop working language is English.
"The structure of the workshop is excellent. The morning warm-up is consistent, the afternoon sessions are demanding and exhilarating and the evening discussions are enlightening and informative. I would highly recommend this workshop to any artist interested in learning about Meyerhold’s Biomechanics, ensemble building, directing, physical scoring and vocal scoring in the rehearsal process and how to implement it in rehearsal"
Laura Ricard, USA
"Perfect organization and timing. The macro structure of the organization allows the perfect understanding of the concepts exposed during classes. Also the geographical place allows that your attention is only focused on the work. For me it is a model to follow in my everyday training and which i will try to do. Beautiful people in all the sense of the word".
Santiago Parada, Columbia
"The previous labs were some of the best times of my career training and lifelong experiences. Each time in the lab I truly came home with a new sense of self, new skills which lead to some of my ideas for performances and companies in which I have set up."
Abigail Smith, UK-Germany
"I was thrilled by the way in which I encountered each member of the group in the flow of the exercises and how I found myself excited by the special connection I made with certain participants...I have made lasting friendships and potential future creative partnerships that have been earthed in unforced encounters on the workshop floor in a flow controlled by an expert helmsman.
David Calvert, UK
"I felt very well looked after and happy to have been a participant in the international lab and would highly recommend this workshop for artists in the acting industry. I have made strong contacts with various international artists that I hope to collaborate with again and visit in their respective countries"
Amba Gayfer
Welcome to IUGTE Photo Gallery of the Past Projects!
Organized by IUGTE in collaboration with "ArtUniverse"
For partners and collaborators: if you are interested in having this project at your theatre, university, organization, etc. please contact us for practical details.