Work/Joy Balance: Improv for Business Professionals

If all the world’s a stage, how well do you perform when you’re in the spotlight? Overcome stage fright, connect to your message and find the powerful, persuasive language necessary to win your case—whether you’re a lawyer, business leader or public official. Participants will explore storytelling as well as vocal and physical expression in a relaxed atmosphere that allows participants to build confidence and improve presentation skills through “rehearsal.”

Performance Art Creation

In this class we will cover a brief history of “Performance Art” starting from the early Dadaists and then examine current artists and the use of performance art today. We will experiment with site-specific work, durational material, and happenings. Students will make their own piece of work and develop an accompanying conceptual philosophy.  We will create an event at an SF Venue to culminate.

Ensemble Dance Theater Creation

During Blue’s 20 years of  creating Performance Art and Dance Theater she has developed her own style and discipline for performance creation. Her philosophy of  ”performer as creator” has been the inspirational source for the hundreds of shows she has produced with performers of all ages.  She strives to empower the artists, actors and dancers she works with, helping them to harness and shape their creative energy.  In this workshop she will show you how to put together an ensemble of performers, create a collaborative piece of Movement Theater and decided on your goals for moving forward as and artist in the field of performance.

We will experiment with group process, starting with character, collaborative script building,  “the Look” of the show, working with musicians and avoiding ego conflicts. Finally, we will consider the role of the director as witness and editor.

Exercises, work and discussions from this class will be come part of Blue’s the research and documentation for her book on ensemble based theater creation titled Collaborators: the Art of Ensemble Theater

Dancers Who Write

Some dancers who dance beautifully also possess the ability and think and write beautifully.  This class explores ways of companioning dance and the written word. We will create new choreography and writing in the class using the exercises and techniques Blue has developed while working with her dance theater ensemble Auzzura Productions.  We will experiment with different styles of movement and text to determine how to find the strengths and weaknesses in a structure, while developing a critical eye for powerful work. The class will culminate with an evening of performance

Dance Meditation

A gently guided tribal celebration of the Mystery of life! No dance experience required! Joining us in the dance of nourishment and awakening. Experience an embodied exploration of love and illumination. Let yourself move and be moved. We will dance through the Elements, feeling the grounding of Earth, flow of Water, Passion of Fire and Ecstasy of Air. Experience the brilliance of being fully alive and engaged with your community through music and motion.  Based her study of Nepalese and West Sumatran dance, in combination with her modern dance background, Blue has created a dance experience that integrates elements of ancient movement, free-form expression, meditation, activated imagination and subconscious storytelling.

Voice of the Muse

Artists often wonder; Why do I want to be artists when it means I may struggle financially?  Shouldn’t I be doing something more practical that earns money?  Can I be both my artistic self and a successful earner?  What is this energy inside of me that I call a soul and why does it drive me to make art? In this class you will find the strength to accept your calling and legitimize the “Voice of the Muse” both for yourself and for those who may stand in the way of your calling. Through a series of interviews and exercises you will begin to take yourself seriously and establish a foundational philosophy for your life as an artist. We will culminate with each student presenting a lecture/demonstration of  “ My Epiphany Story.”

Solo Dance Theater Creation

Students will start by developing their own script ideas, character, and concept through improvisation and automatic writing.  Each student will then begin to create a performance piece. You will learn exercises to enhance your virtuosity, physicalizing your monologue  and work with props in a more fundamental way. Topics will include: getting out of your own way; writing and improvising; the narrator as a character; the difference between psychology and art, and relating to the audience. The class will culminate in an evening of performances.

Directing

In this course, students will look at the job of the Theater Director, and practice the art of launching a production.  Subjects include: concept, script analysis and working with a “production team”.  Students will lead a practice production meeting presenting their ideas and articulating the ”look and feel” of the play i.e. music, set, and costume elements. You will be asked to present mock sketches, visual material, and a rehearsal schedule and then take questions from your “production team.”

The main focus of the course will be working on the text, to explore different techniques for achieving the desired performance. Each student will work on either a Shakespeare play or a modern classic. Work will be presented in class.

This class will work in tandem with and acting class.

Mothering on the Edge of Art

As a mother you focus most of your energy and brainpower on your children. Yes, it’s a necessity, but as your children grow you are now ready to re-enter the world with new depth. You want to exercise your mind and reclaim your ability to have articulate conversations about fascinating subject matter. Post-motherhood you are changed, you are wiser, and there is something different about you. In this class you will discover the newly expanded version of yourself. You will also step out of the role of “Mama” all together and try on totally different characters. Using classic theater games, free form writing, body awareness techniques and dance you will once again access your imagination. With your inhibitions freed you will begin to see your future more clearly.

In this class you will use big words and beautiful movements to create a non-traditional piece of theater. All mothers who have the desire to find their artistic selves, and increase their confidence will experience the empowering effects of creating theater. This is an opportunity to re-invigorate your body, mind and soul.

As a mother of two, Blue understands the commitment and sacrifice that mothers make for their children. She knows the importance of finding and/ or enhancing your creative path in addition to your responsibilities as a mother.  Drawing on techniques she uses to create ensemble theater pieces blue leads mothers on the path of ritualized theater performance. A provocative and joyful journey. Food for the soul.

Acting

Develop a basic understanding of the fundamentals of acting. Through exercises and scene work, students are introduced to the elements of dramatic action, text analysis and character development, as well as tools for releasing inhibitions and expanding your vocal and physical range.

Theater Teaching Apprenticeship Program

You are ready to take your love of acting to another level and share what you have learned with the next generation of young theater enthusiasts.  The apprenticeship program will help you; understand the importance of preparing age appropriate curriculum, handle behavioral issues, develop class room management skills and interface with students & parents in a positive way.

This class is held in conjunction with a children’s or elder’s  theater class lead by Blue. Students of the apprenticeship program will help prep for the class, assist in those classes and then have an hour of debriefing following the sessions. You’ll receive 3 curriculum outlines, for different age groups, and the knowledge to create your own thematic class material.

Sharing Wisdom, Theater for Elders

At the head of the table sits the “Elder” the person in the family that has experienced life the longest.  This class will focus on gathering wisdom from Elders, framing their words for a performance and documenting the process.

Director Erica Blue has work with actors and non-actors of all ages to create theater pieces that reflect each individual’s own story. In this class she sets out to help older students gather and communicate the lessons they have learned. Extraordinary elders have important stories to recount about love, work, the environment, and conflict resolution.  We will create a booklet of stories that accompanies the performance we prepare for family and friends. The performance will be filmed to enable students to share their wisdom with the next generation.

Please contact me for a list of children’s classes the I teach.