Road Show: Into the Truck…Out of the Truck Bruce Halliday
Saturday, July 6th  8:30- 11:30 am  (note early start time)

Gee You Have a Nice Voice: An Introduction to Working as a Voice Performer Douglas Newell
Saturday, July 6th 1:30- 4:30 pm

This introductory workshop provides participants with information about the many markets and the skills needed to work in Voice Over Performance. You’ll also get the chance to stand up in front of the microphone and deliver…with your efforts recorded on tape for future playback and review…plus accolades and tremendous applause!  Participants should come with the following things:

1. Two copies of a 30 second excerpt from your favourite story. Please have the story text typed up, double-spaced, and printed by computer or typewriter. If transcribed by hand, please print in upper and lower case letters, double-spaced. It's important that your hands are free to perform, holding a book will inhibit your performance. One copy is for you, one copy is for the workshop director. Make it a story that you love and love to tell.
2. Two text copies of a 15-25 second commercial taken from the air, preferably from the radio as opposed to television. Listen to the radio, tape some commercials and then transcribe them. Same format as the story text. Anything goes...have fun.
3. Something to take notes on - I suggest a three ring binder to keep any handouts and to hold your story and commercial text.
4. Pen, pencil and eraser...the tools of any Voice Performer.
5. Comfy clothes...we will be doing a short warm-up so be prepared to move.
6. A 60 minute blank cassette tape - 90 minute is okay, 60 minute preferred.
7. Some bottled water - can't let those vocal cords get dehydrated!
8. Learning is by doing so come prepared to be brave, to be bold and especially, to be silly.

Requirements: A smock, apron or old clothing, come prepared to get dirty! Although some tools will be available, please feel free to bring your own basic set: scissors, X-acto knife, glue gun, pencils, cloth tape measure, etc.

Acting Stream: Come to One; Come to All  Robin Kelley
This series of three workshops will be given as an evolving "stream" of ideas. Registration for all 3 sessions is not required, but is recommended.  Maximum registrants – 16

(Part I) Get Loose and Connect
Monday, July 8th  9:30 am- 12:30 pm

This workshop will focus on loosening up and connection in preparation for rehearsal or performance. We will be working as an ensemble using theatre games and specific physical and vocal exercises. For actors and directors, this work promotes spontaneity, relaxation, and connection within the group. Wear comfortable clothing.

Here registrants will dive into the world of fantasy creation and character development. Focus is on using the simple and readily available materials as well as discussion and demonstration of more specific trade products. Wigs, extensions, and pieces…when to/ when not to. How to age gracefully…or not. Let your imagination run wild! (Note: due to time constraints, this course is geared towards those with a working knowledge of the basics of hair styling and make-up artistry or have taken Stage One.)

What is funny anyway? How come some words or actions make us practically incontinent, while other jokes and routines fall flatter than yesterday’s flapjacks? And why is flapjack funnier than pancake? Why is pancake funnier than French toast? Speaking of the French, why do they think Jerry Lewis is so funny? Well, at least we’ll try. Comedy 101 will attempt to create, explain or simply just illustrate the why and how of comic acting, timing and physicality. We’ll explore the mysteries of comic improv, and then try to figure out why some of the best comedy is rehearsed and rehearsed, set, changed and rehearsed some more, until you would think that all spontaneity had been squeezed out like an old J-cloth. We’ll explore language, both verbal and body, text, situation, and the role of the straight person. We’ll create scenarios that are serious in nature and work them to bring out the inherent comedy. One thing is certain we’ll laugh. So bring your funny bone and an open mind, be prepared to be laughed at, and with. We’ll explore low comedy and high, and all that falls between. And there’s a lot that falls between.

Hocus Focus: The Magic of Lighting Design  Bruce Halliday
Tuesday, July 9th  8:30- 11:30 am (note early start time)

Learn the basics of lighting and lighting equipment. Starting with safety, maintenance, care and usage to hands-on work to create a great visual image. Registrants will learn how to use up to date equipment, assist in demonstrating some new gadgets as well as some old ones. Topics covered include how to focus a light, what type of light to use for a particular look, the use of gobos, gels, and colour, and how to create simple but dramatic effects.  Maximum Registrants 20

Laugh… I Thought I’d Die!: The Mysteries of Comedy Explained  Ian Forsyth
Tuesday, July 9th  9:30 am - 12:30 pm repeat of Monday afternoon course

What is funny anyway? How come some words or actions make us practically incontinent, while other jokes and routines fall flatter than yesterday’s flapjacks? And why is flapjack funnier than pancake? Why is pancake funnier than French toast? Speaking of the French, why do they think Jerry Lewis is so funny? Well, at least we’ll try. Comedy 101 will attempt to create, explain or simply just illustrate the why and how of comic acting, timing and physicality. We’ll explore the mysteries of comic improv, and then try to figure out why some of the best comedy is rehearsed and rehearsed, set, changed and rehearsed some more, until you would think that all spontaneity had been squeezed out like an old J-cloth. We’ll explore language, both verbal and body, text, situation, and the role of the straight person. We’ll create scenarios that are serious in nature and work them to bring out the inherent comedy. One thing is certain we’ll laugh. So bring your funny bone and an open mind, be prepared to be laughed at, and with. We’ll explore low comedy and high, and all that falls between. And there’s a lot that falls between.

Acting Stream: (Part II) Character Development through Labanotation Robin Kelley
Tuesday, July 9th  12:30- 4:30 pm

This interesting technique is a very physical and vocal approach to finding character. A Uniquely different way of working. Participants are asked to come with a prepared piece of text; a short monologue or even a nursery rhyme will suffuce. Wear comfortable clothing.

Master of the House; First to Arrive, Last to Leave, and Everything in Between: Successful Stage Management  Sandy Halliday
Tuesday, July 9th  12:30- 4:30 pm   

Have you ever wondered who keeps a show in check or translates the artistic vision to nuts and bolts issues? A true artist, through communication, negotiation, and inspiration the stage manager sets the tone of a rehearsal and helps the actor, director, and designer realize the best possible performance. Participants will discover the scope of the stage manager's duties and learn some effective tools to make their job easier.

Acting Stream: (Part III)  Second Life.....What to do besides stand and talk  Robin Kelley
Wednesday, July 10th  9:30 am- 12:30 pm

Geared for actors and directors who are frustrated with the lack of physical action onstage. We will work with personalizing the character relationship to the environment, blocking, moving the text in the body and following impulses.

Vision to Reality: Creating the Imaginary World on Stage through Set Design  Allan Stitchbury
Wednesday, July 10th  9:30 am- 12:30 pm

This course will take you through the design process from conception to opening night. Together you will explore the facade known as design. You will be guided through an exercise that will open your eyes to new ways of looking at a script. You will discuss the designer/director relationship and what the role of a designer is. You will also cover an overview of the tools, tricks, techniques and materials.

Out of the Closet & Onto the Stage: Costume Transformations Vivien Frow
Thursday, July 11th  9:30 am- 12:30 pm

A Demonstration of re-cutting stock into the weird and wonderful. Converting modern clothes into period. Be inspired to rush back to your theatre group and start creating. (Supplies recommended: Paper and pen or pencil. Vivian also recommends bringing a camera)

Shakespeare 101: Just what IS the Bard about? David Lewis
Thursday, July 11th  9:30 am- 12:30 pm

Zounds! Do you think, like Holofernes (in LLL), that Shakespeare "draweth out the thread of his verbosity finer than the staple of his argument"? Just what is the Bard about? This workshop will enlighten you to the language, the rhythms, cadence and poetry in Shakespeare.

Intro to Screenwriting: Craft and Market Keith Digby

Thursday July 11th 9:30am-12:30pm and 1:30pm-4:30pm (2 block session)

This workshop guides the aspiring screenwriter through the act of writing: format, structures and style, an analysis of successful scripts, plus marketing tips for your own writing. Although it is not mandatory, anyone considering this course should rent and watch “Tootsie” and “Witness”.   (Must register for both three hour blocks of instruction. Laptop optional.   Please contact TheatreBC Office for software recommendations.)

No Place To Hide: Interactive Theatre  Scott Fidyck
Thursday, July 11th  1:30- 4:30 pm

Stretch your imagination and give the seat of your pants a flying lesson. Interactive theatre is fun, involved, spontaneous and crazy. This "no holes barred" workshop covers everything from theatre sports - Whose Line is it Anyway? hi-jinks, to murder mysteries, Tony and Tina's Wedding fun, and the ever popular melodramas and pantomimes. Bring your sense of humour, your adventurous spirit and join the fun.

There's a clown in almost every Shakespeare play. More than just a comic part, Will Shakespeare's clowns speak to the heart of the matter, and like the Chorus in ancient Greek plays, can break the 'fourth wall' to speak directly to the audience. We'll explore the convention of the clown, and meet some of the best of them.

FRIDAY, July 12

Sound It Out: Sound Design…"it's not just for the movies"  Robin Boxwell
Friday, July 12th  8:30- 11:30 am (note early start time)

Starting with pre show music through to sound FX's. Sound can set a mood or cause an effect unlike any other. In this course we will cover designing from the script. The technology behind creating sound effects. Basics of: mixing live/pre-recorded and setting levels. The designers role, communication and how it all bundles together to enhance the production

Bard to Braveheart: Stage Combat with Weapons  David Lewis
Friday, July 12th 9:30 am - 12:30 pm 

This workshop will focus on basic principles of theatrical combat with historical commentary with demonstration fights performed. Participants are invited to try their hand at swordplay under the guidance of the instructor. Emphasis will be placed on safety and kinesthetic technique of broadsword combat. This hands-on course requires comfortable clothing. (Please review notes recommended for prior Stage Combat Workshop; bottled water and paper and pen recommended.)

Every Club Needs New Directors....Don't Be Afraid, Give It a Shot!  Shadow Foster
Friday, July 12th 9:30 - 12:30 pm

It seems to be a common need in community theatre -- new directors. This workshop will encourage novice directors and those who would like to try their hand and challenge them to go for it! Take that challenge and direct a play! From script analysis to detail. Guide your cast to the performance level.

This three hour hands-on workshop shows you how to develop an inventory of publicity materials beginning with a thorough understanding of the script right to critical reviews from the media. Once all materials have been identified, you will develop a comprehensive Publicity Strategy that can implemented in your community, for your theatre. Media relations and brainstorming for specific mediums is a focal point.

Every Club Needs New Directors....Don't Be Afraid, Give It a Shot!  Shadow Foster
Friday, July 12th 1:30 - 4:30 pm SOLD OUT!!! repeat course added in morning (9:30 am - 12:30 pm)

It seems to be a common need in community theatre -- new directors. This workshop will encourage novice directors and those who would like to try their hand and challenge them to go for it! Take that challenge and direct a play! From script analysis to detail. Guide your cast to the performance level.