Volcano Workshops

Description of a typical Physical Theatre workshop:
The aim of the workshop is to enable participants to work simultaneously with both text and choreography. The session begins with a series of vocal and physical exercises aimed to relax and stimulate participants. The level of these will be set to match the perceived experience of the group (general level of fitness etc).

The initial physical work will include a warm-up with elements of yoga, stretching, aerobic, circuit training. If necessary, we will then teach some basic contact and weight-taking exercises - these will often be accompanied by "continuous association" free speech on a given subject.

A vocal warm-up will look at the specific problems encountered in physical theatre, such as voice strain and trapping the voice. We attempt to free the voice and enable it to work independently of the rhythm set up by the body - especially with activity that is more strenuous. We look therefore at how the voice and body can work separately; each following a different melody. We also look at what can happen if the voice follows and matches the physical work of the body.

The emotional or real situation is then superimposed on a physical and/or vocal exercise, either with the use of music (making an audience "read" meaning into the work) or with dramatic monologue and dialogue. Much of this work is done in pairs, giving participants a chance to explore all possibilities (speech/movement) of the partner relationship.

As far as possible, we prefer to use real material; that which is personal to the students. Only afterwards will we begin to use a written/learned text, since too early an introduction of this sometimes confuses and stunts the creative exercises. Some work will be set as free improvisation, other work will aim to set choreographed movement and then to add a new element, prop, problem or language.

The creation of a physical language is not an end in itself. We often look at how it can be juxtaposed with other theatrical styles: experimental, naturalistic, classical, melodramatic. Volcano use physical theatre as a launching pad from which to explore all aspects of a given text or situation. Our main aim is to make the written and spoken word in theatre come alive in real, emotional situations.

Formed in 1987, Volcano has performed and taught throughout Europe and in Quebec, Russia, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan and Croatia. Specialising in the manipulation and presentation of both classic and unconventional texts, the company has adapted the work of writers such as Shakespeare, Marx, Ibsen, Nietzsche, Dylan Thomas, Tony Harrison, Ovid and Chekhov. The work and training is not grounded in any one particular style or school: it draws its influences from theory and practice and the work of the many collaborators (directors, writers and performers) who have made an impact on Volcano's unique approach to theatre.

Duration
A short workshop will consist of a 3-hour session, morning or afternoon. Full day workshops usually 10am - 4pm with lunch break.

Workshop Group
Usually above 16 years. Group size is dependent on space: ideal 16 participants, maximum 20.

We Need
Sprung floor, or similar: no carpets. Portable (loud) sound system. Heated space in cool weather.

Workshop Content
Choose a type of workshop from our main repertoire or talk to us about specific requirements. Workshops leaders may choose a specific theme or text (e.g. poetry & performance, Shakespeare, Ibsen etc). In the case of workshops that are running in conjunction with a show, the workshop may draw on material from the show or relate specifically to it, and cast members will lead workshops when possible.

Costs
From £220 for a short workshop and £320 for a full day. Discounts may apply for educational establishments, performance venues and not-for-profit organisations. Fees are subject to VAT, and we may require accommodation and/or travel expenses for the workshop leader/s where necessary. Fees for longer term residencies are negotiable.

Comments from previous Volcano Workshops and Residencies
-"Exhilarating ... I'm exhausted but would do it all again"
-"I've always wanted to work with Volcano ... this was amazing"
(The Bull, Barnet)
-"This was a truly magical day of theatre and a highly entertaining way to learn and intellectually feed and refresh the self" (London Drama)
-"I can therefore attest with great pleasure to the quality of your work, your skills as workshop leaders and your professionalism. Your generosity, high standards and involvement contributed greatly." (Dynamo Theatre, Canada)
-"A fantastic experience I'll remember for the rest of my life" (Arena Theatre)
-"The hands-on teaching and directing was first-class".
-"Exciting, new, intense, tiring, refreshing. I learnt a great deal more new things about performing and rehearsals and myself as an actor". (Summer School 2000, Swansea Grand Theatre)