Performer Training Retreat

NACL is now accepting applications for our summer 2010 training intensive, taking place June 6th to the 13th, 2010.
Retreat participants (performers, directors, theatre makers) live and eat at the NACL artists’ residence and train intensively with NACL and guest teacher Ker Wells in the church-turned-theatre on scenic Highland Lake (located in the woods 2 hours from New York City).

What is NACL performer training?
Drawing from a continuum of experimental techniques that includes the ensemble work of Denmark’s Odin Teatret, Canada’s Primus Theatre, and the research of Jerzy Grotowski, we have built upon these sources to develop a unique approach that awakens each artist’s potential to maximize the expressive use of body, voice, imagination, experience, memory and intellect to create compelling performance work.
The Animal Work
Vigorous physical exercises designed to expand physical presence, impulse, expressivity, and “the center” of the actor.
The Vegetable Work
Vocal training that focuses equally on the possibilities found within each actor’s many vocal resonators and on the work of group singing in harmony.
The Mineral Work
Generating material for performance. Tapping into his or her own creative and individual fire, each retreat participant will create performance material that will eventually be montaged into a final presentation that culminates the retreat.

Who should do this?
This retreat is designed for those interested in ensemble theatre, solo work, devised performance, physical theatre adaptations, experimental and original theatre creation. The physical training is vigorous but should not dissuade those with little or no experience. In the past, writers, directors, teachers, dancers, and actors have participated.

Tuition is only US $675 for workshops, housing, and food (an all-inclusive price for the full week!)

To Apply
Please send us a detailed letter (snail mail, please) about yourself that includes your experience, age, and why you are interested in this retreat. We will reply to everyone who applies. Upon acceptance, a non-refundable deposit of $250 will be required to hold a place at the retreat.

Accommodations and Meals
All participants will be housed at the beautiful NACL residence next door to the theatre. NACL Residence is communal. Cooking and meal clean are shared duties led by NACL co-director (and talented chef), Tannis Kowalchuk.

Arrivals and Departures Occur on Sundays
We can pick people up at the train or bus stations. Normally visitors either drive or take a train or bus from New York City. The trip takes about 2.25 hours.
click here for directions

"Doing the morning physical work was like experiencing acting on an anthropological level. I realized that my body is an intelligent life form--my limbs have intelligence. I learned that my voice is a living organism--it has a physical life. The empowerment to create my own work was amazing! I want to bring the two worlds together in my own work--performing a role in a play, but striving for true artistry and a truth in the making of it."
-- Amy Lammert, actress, AEA, 2002

“It’s been such a glorious, terrifying and magical experience. Thank you so much for changing my work and my approach to it for the better.”
--Steven Furmaniuk, actor Winnipeg, Canada, 2005

“What a gift to share your home, your theatre, creativity, meals, joy, and laughter. Thank you for having these glorious retreats for so many to gather and get inspiration of mind, body, and soul together. PS--Especially thank you for the opportunity to find my voice.”
-- Andrea Ariel, choreographer, Austin, TX, 2004, 2005

Send Application Letter to:
Tannis Kowalchuk
NACL Theatre
110 Highland Lake Rd.
Highland Lake, NY 12743