Corporeal Mime looks at the human body as a number of independent and related parts that have the capacity to be responsive, articulate and expressive. We explore the expressive nature of the body, how movement affects acting and how we can express thoughts and emotional life physically. We study alignment, detailed articulation of central body parts and extremities, how we breathe, balance and carry our weight, as well as exercises in physical improvisation based on dynamics in the body -- pushing, pulling, lifting in order to counter weight. This course brings performers closer to feeling an impulse and increasingly into the present moment.

Students in the course will study the following areas:

• Individual, partner and group physical warmup
• Detailed work with objects
• Work movements pushing, lifting and pulling in order to counter weight
• Physical poems by Etienne Decroux and his group
• Integration of text and movement by creating physical context for text delivery
• Laban work and specific related researches
• Short pieces based on in-class explorations, presented to partners and group
  
  This course is appropriate for beginners as well as professionals looking to increase their ability to communicate physically with an audience, such as dancers, actors, clowns, and circus performers.

To register fill out the Registration Form or contact Tooba at (604) 730-5023.

"Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with shades of deeper meaning." -Maya Angelou

Using mainly the Linklater approach, but blended with other approaches to voice and body work, Britta Wenske offers a 4-week session in Voice training this Fall.

In this class you will

• examine your breathing and speech patterns
• learn the basics of vocal anatomy
• find out about the connection between your voice and your personality
• work on range and resonance and vocal confidence
• become more present in your body
• play with clarity of thought and embodiment of text

To register fill out the Registration Form or contact Tooba at (604) 730-5023.

Performance can be described as a string of moments combining to form an engaging story. This course covers the essential elements of performance and the tools for creating truthful, believable moments on stage or on screen. In this two-hour studio class we will develop and strengthen the tools the actor has at his/her disposal: energy, focus, group awareness, spatial awareness and abandonment to the given imaginary circumstances of a scene. Technical skills addressing scene analysis, story structure and playable actions will make you more prepared and flexible for the audition and rehearsal.

To register fill out the Registration Form or contact Tooba at (604) 730-5023.

Contact Improvisation is a dance form based in partnership. In this class the initial warm-up and skill base is developed solo, deepening an understanding of own's one body in relationship to gravity and our first partner "the floor". Much of the learning curve focuses upon attending to sensation, rhythm, dynamics, tone and pathways of the body. The essential elements of expanding and contracting the body 3 dimensionally, the expedient folding and extending of the joints to facilitate moving in and out of the floor, and the cultivation of curiousity in mind and body are integral building blocks. Through skill building excercises and improvisational scores we continue to work with each other. In partnership we tend to presence, communication and the unique interaction of each dance and partner we encounter.

To register fill out the Registration Form or contact Tooba at (604) 730-5023.

Circus Arts Acro training for both beginners and intermediates covers basic tumbling, handstands, juggling, unicycle, rings, balance exercises, hand-to-hand work, weight sharing, core strengthening and stretches, trust exercises, physical warm-up games and static trapeze.

This course takes place at Cirkids (Hastings Street at Renfrew).

To register fill out the Registration Form or contact Tooba at (604) 730-5023.

Core Fitness Training

One hour of physical training twice a week will keep your skills sharp and maintain your endurance. Exercises will vary, combining flexibility and strength training; creative movement and physical improvisation; relaxation and breathing techniques. Come out and sweat/stretch/play/relax!

To register fill out the Registration Form or contact Tooba at (604) 730-5023.

In this class we will explore our own voices and singing in community through different world vocal traditions. We will learn to sing in a group with acapella harmonies, play with rhythm, and learn about traditional vocal styles through listening and participating. The focus will be on communicating, celebrating and opening up our voices to new possibilities. We will draw on many styles including gospel, African, Cuban and Appalachian American.

To register fill out the Registration Form or contact Tooba at (604) 730-5023.

Tooba offers a day-long workshop in physical theatre for people wanting an introduction to acting techniques which use the body as the primary means of expression. Tooba's training combines the emotional authenticity and detail of Grotowski-based acting work with the physical subtlety and beauty of Etienne Decroux's Corporeal Mime.

Studying these subjects simultaneously gives the participant a strong sense of how the various elements of Physical Theatre training interconnect and lead towards a greater depth of experience and range of expression. Participants are introduced to ensemble structures and the tools for creating a safe space of emotional authenticity and techniques for expanding one's artistry.

No previous experience is required.

"Open Access Offer" Register for one Intro to Physical Theatre Workshop and enjoy open access to future Intro classes at no additional cost. Registration is required as space is limited.

To register fill out the Registration Form or contact Tooba at (604) 730-5023.