Workshops

In 2012, Griffin will host a series of workshops for artists at every level of their career. There will be the ever popular classes held by Lee Lewis, Kate Gaul,  Hilary Bell and Lachlan Philpott along with some new faces. In addition, there will be a series of weekend intensives for those who can’t commit to longer classes.

Griffin is committed to being accessible to artists and transparent in our processes. The company takes its dialogue with artists very seriously.  If you share our passion for making the best contemporary theatre we want to hear from you.  One of the best means of getting to know us is to come and see a show and we look forward to seeing you in the foyer soon.

UPCOMING…

ACTING MASTERCLASS WITH KEVIN JACKSON

We’re thrilled to present a new class this year, Scenework Masterclass, with one of Australia’s leading acting teachers, Kevin Jackson.

Over 8 weeks, beginning with a general public demonstration of Kevin’s unique technique in approaching work, ten actors will go on to participate in a weekly evening class, working on scenes from the world canon and a process of text exploration, culminating in a showing for friends and family at the end of the series at the Stables Theatre.

These classes are for professional actors, who feel a need to refresh and stimulate their craft skills. The objective of the classes is maintaining and vitalising a work process, the Creative Habit, for industry readiness.

The class is strictly limited to 10 places.

WHEN Sunday 18 March (2-5pm), then Mondays 26 March – 30 April (7-10pm), concluding with a presentation Sunday 6 May
WHERE SBW Stables Theatre/ Griffin Offices
COST $480
TO ENROL Complete this form

GENERAL PLAYWRITING WITH HILARY BELL

Griffin’s general playwriting course runs one night per week for ten weeks and is suitable for both beginners and those with playwriting experience. The course covers the basics of writing for the stage: character, plot, structure, dialogue, dramatic action, mood, and tone; the use of image and symbol and the impact of sound, lighting and design. Writers start with the writing of an effective scene and build towards a first draft of a short play.

SERIES 1 8 Feb - 11 April, Wednesday nights from 6:30 to 9:30pm
SERIES 2 18 July to 26 September (including 1 week break 8 August)
WHERE Griffin Offices, 13 Craigend St, Kings Cross
COST $480 (limited to 15 participants)
TO ENROL Complete this form
Note: Series 1 & 2 have exactly the same content, and are not sequential

ADVANCED PLAYWRITING: FREE ADAPTATION WITH HILARY BELL

This course focuses on the writing of an original play loosely based on an existing classic. Writers are given an enduring dramatic work from which they write their own – fresh, relevant and personal – new, full-length play. The idea behind this approach is two-fold. Firstly, it gives the writers a sense of complete creative freedom, along with the security of a fail safe structure. Secondly, through the deep investigation of a classic work, the writers absorb an understanding of how all the elements of drama are effectively employed.

Griffin’s playwriting courses will be led by playwright and educator Hilary Bell. Hilary’s plays include Wolf Lullaby, Memmie Le Blanc and The Mysteries: Genesis (with Lally Katz). 2012 sees premieres of The White Divers of Broome for Black Swan / Perth Festival, The Splinter for Sydney Theatre Company, Victim Sidekick Boyfriend Me for the National Theatre’s Connections Program in London and Mrs President for Anchorage Opera. She is a member of playwrights’ company 7-On. In the USA, Hilary taught dramatic writing at New York University, The University of the South and Wesleyan University. She has been teaching for Griffin since 2005, as well as at NIDA, the ATYP and for various schools and communities.

SERIES 1 2 May to 4 July, Wednesday nights from 6:30 to 9:30pm
SERIES 2 17 October – 19 December
WHERE Griffin Offices, 13 Craigend St, Kings Cross
COST $560 (limited to 12 participants)
TO ENROL Complete this form
Note: Series 1 & 2 have exactly the same content, and are not sequential.

WEEKEND INTENSIVE WITH KATE GAUL

Spend two intense days indulging in the challenges and riches of text based theatre.  Taking excerpts from contemporary playwrights as diverse as Enda Walsh, Mark Ravenhill, Caryl Churchill, Daniel Keene and Lally Katz,  Kate will direct actors to find entry points, explore imagery, relationships, conflict and how to embody the drama on stage. Bring your imagination, and willingness to play.

Kate Gaul is one of the independent theatre industry’s heavyweights, having produced work at many major theatres, including Company B, Ensemble, Sydney Theatre and Melbourne Theatre Company. Recent shows include As You Like It and The Seagull for Siren Theatre Co, Beautiful for Mudlark Theatre (Tasmania) and The Cunning Little Vixen for Sydney Chamber Opera.  In 2012 she directs The New Electric Ballroom by Enda Walsh as part of Griffin Independent. 

WHEN 7 – 8 April, 2012
WHERE Rex Centre, Kings Cross
COST $225 (limited to 14 participants)
TO ENROL Complete this form 

If you have any questions about the content of the classes listed, call Belinda Kelly in the office on 9332 1052 or email belinda@griffintheatre.com.au.

For more information on upcoming workshops and open auditions keep checking the Griffin website or visit Artist Blog.