Chicago Street Theatre | Adult Workshops

Adult Workshops

Welcome to our vibrant & unique program!

On-Line Workshops

ON-LINE WORKSHOPS

DEMYSTIFYING METHOD — The Origins, Legends and Truth behind one of the most famous acting techniques in history – October 2 (7:30-9 pm)

“Acting then, is learning to be private in public.”~ Lee Strasberg

Heath Ledger died from “method acting.” Unfortunately, too many people think Method is all about wallowing in emotion: pain, self-pity, self-indulgence, being out of control, and selfishness. Time and time again when people label what some actor has done to prepare for a role, they call it ‘method.’ Unfortunately, this is not accurate. It is not a dangerous system of acting that is unrepeatable and created specifically for film. It’s derived primarily from the work of Stanislavski, Eugene Vahktangov, and Meyerhold, and it can be used without making trips to the mental hospital. It is the most misunderstood, misrepresented and mis-taught of all acting techniques. Log on and discover the truths and expose the myths with Lisa Formosa-Parmigiano — a Life Member of the Actors Studio.

AUDITIONING TECHNIQUES FOR CAMERA – October 15 (7:30-9:00 pm)

If you’re interested in learning a world-renown technique, come out and experience Michael Shurtleff’s, 12 GUIDEPOSTS. The famed Broadway and Hollywood casting director launched the careers of Streisand, Redford, Vereen, Tomlin, Midler and Hoffman. His ‘tips’ were transformed into a system and are taught at all the top theatre training programs. Don’t miss this opportunity to not only learn how to stand out at an audition, but how to be dynamic in the role once cast. His Guideposts apply to ANY and ALL material. Participants should come prepared with a short monologue that does NOT have to be memorized.

EXPLORING DIRECTING – November 6 (7:30-9:00 pm)

Have you ever wanted to direct and were not sure how to begin? This Workshop will introduce foundational concepts and the elements that go into a Director’s Breakdown.

Master Classes

IN-PERSON MASTER CLASSES FOR SPRING

BUILDING A CHARACTER FROM THE ‘OUTSIDE-IN’ – February 8 (7:30-9 pm)

“The actor is at one and the same time both the artist and the tool of the art.” ~ Vera Mowry Roberts

The primary tools actors use to create characters are their body and voice. In this Workshop, participants will discover what their ‘points of origination’ are and explore ‘altering’ these in order to move and sound more like the character and less like yourself. If you feel as though every character you’ve ever played is just ‘you’ saying different words, this Workshop will provide the opportunity to go beyond the ordinary and begin creating extraordinary characters with their own unique sound and movement.

UNCOVERING SUBTEXT – March 12 (7:30-9 pm)

“Talking is something that’s nothing more than ink. You have to transform it into behavior.” ~Robert Duvall

The beauty of text is truly the meaning of the words. When an actor is challenged to say one thing but mean something entirely different, how do you play both, at the same time, in a believable way? This exciting Master Class will emphasize the technique of unspoken behavior — communicating the meaning “underneath” the text. If you think you’re already playing subtext, come out and refine your skills.

BEING ALIVE ON STAGE – Making Exceptional Choices – April 15 (7:30-9 pm)

“Your talent lies in your choices.” ~ Stella Adler

People do not talk because they feel, they talk because they want. These ‘wants/needs’ are what an actor translates into an objective. Accomplishing the objective of any large task is chaotic if approached from its entirety rather than taken step by step. These process “steps” in a script are beats. The beats within a scene are composed of the actions which, step by step, strive to accomplish that objective. In this enlightening Master Class, participants will discover “three elements to a formula,” (objective, obstacle, action) and the “six ingredients and two spices,” that contribute to unique, interesting choices and, most importantly, how to PLAY these choices in a performance, creating a believable character.

Members Studio

What would you attempt artistically, if there were no boundaries?

“The vision of the Members Studio is to inspire and enrich the artistic community through a thought-provoking, risk-taking exploration in a supportive environment of artistic peers.”

How many times have you wondered what it would be like to practice outside of rehearsals and without the pressures of production? Are there roles you would have taken more risks with, if you had time to explore? Are you someone who has always wanted to act, director, or write, but didn’t know where to begin and felt silly attempting it?

The doors of the Members Studio at Chicago Street will be open in the spring and we invite you to unlock your creativity and join our passionate commitment. The Studio is designed to provide an arena where artists from all backgrounds and experience gather monthly to celebrate craft and support process. If you are a veteran, it is the place to challenge your comfort zone and elasticize your boundaries. If you are a novice, it is the place to gain experience and discover your abilities. If you are an avid arts supporter, it is the place to garner insight. All who participate will walk away having learned something.

New Works Series

As part of the Studio, through the dedication of our Resident Playwright Jim Henry, we are pleased to also offer our New Works Series, featuring a staged reading of a “new work,” by a local playwright.

Sessions are scheduled on alternating months and are free and open to the public.

Upcoming Events

None scheduled. Please check back.

If you are curious, but not sure what the Members Studio/New Works Series involves or how to sign up to present and share work, please feel free to contact our Director of Education, Lisa Formosa-Parmigiano via email for more information.