Reflection Three: Transitions
Reflection Three of my Facebook contributions (found here).
Over the past few weeks we’ve been focusing on transitions–the space between acting beats–and I have to say, I’m once again amazed how easy they are to overlook (even after 9 years of working in the studio, I’m still discovering deeper and deeper layers of understanding)! Kari always reminds us that our tendency is to be “action oriented,” and since turning our attention to transitions, it became clearer than ever how true that is! It’s ironic that transition time is so easily forgotten when you consider how vital it is. When I allow myself to just take the time I need, there’s absolutely nothing like it! I had the pleasure of working with a long-term colleague during an improvisational structure in class, and one of the reasons I felt our work was so satisfying for both us and the audience was because we respected and embraced our own and each others’ transitions. There were moments we worked ourselves into dramatic situations that had come to a rest, and by keeping those moments alive and letting them resonate, we gave ourselves time to size up both where we were and what the audience needed next. By specifically focusing on this transition time we were able to see options that we would have otherwise overlooked. It’s moments like these in the studio that hammer in the truth that “theatre lives in the transitions.” Read More
Reflection Two: Packets
Reflection Two of my Facebook contributions (found here).
Theatre is storytelling. And one of my favorite things about training at the Margolis Method Center is that we get to make theatre every day. Every exercise we are confronted with challenges us in some aspect of technique to hone our craft as theatre artists. Our training approaches the craft of acting like a diamond—a whole entity with many facets—and on any given day we explore a single facets as part of the greater whole. Even when focusing on a singular concept, we never lose focus of the actor’s primary need: to tell a story. Read More
An Introduction and Reflection One: Objects
What follows is an introduction as well as my first reflection for a series of reflections I’m doing for the Margolis Method Center’s Facebook page. Expect more to come!
Greetings Facebookers! My name is J, Hanson, and I’m pleased to be composing a series of reflections on training here with the Margolis Method Center in beautiful Barryville, NY. I will be writing about my personal challenges and breakthroughs in the studio as well as those of the group at large, and I would be thrilled if folks would pipe in with their own thoughts on the morsels I bring up. But first, a brief personal history.
“In Search of Tonto Blue” in Minneapolis, MN
“In Search of Tonto Blue” has hit Minneapolis with rehearsals and two performances coming up May 21st & 22nd at the amazing Illusion Theater. This space is near and dear to my heart, having done so many productions here with the Margolis Brown ADAPTORS. The staff is great, the lobby is beautiful, the backstage is awesome, and there isn’t a bad seat in the house. It’s so great to perform in this gem of a theater for our base here in Minneapolis.
“In Search of Tonto Blue” in Atlanta, cont’d
Here at 7 Stages rehearsing for our second performance. Opening night was a thrill! I really cannot say enough great things about the people here with 7 Stages. They are all so skilled, upbeat, helpful, flexible, and friendly!
We’re making a few tweaks to the show that I really think will give it even more polish. Atlanta’s amazing, and I cannot wait to hit up my home crew in Minnesota next!
“In Search of Tonto Blue” performance in Atlanta, GA
Media from the ad for In Search of Tonto Blue
PHEW! Been a wacky year with some personal set backs but I find myself on the road with the amazing Margolis Brown ADAPTORS yet again! This time with the new show “In Search of Tonto Blue,” a wild ride on stage with the amazing Tony Brown and Gregory G. Schott. Alas, I was injured and unable to do much to add to the show on stage, so I’m instead working with the sound and video–and there’s a lot of it! The show is rich with original music, songs, and some dazzling video media. We’re currently on our last day of rehearsal at 7 Stages in Atlanta, with the world premier happening tomorrow. The space is great, the people at 7 Stages are so friendly and helpful, and the weather is gorgeous. What more could you ask for on tour? After a 4 performance weekend, we truck off to our faithful fans in Minneapolis, MN to perform at the Illusion Theatre, one of my absolute favorite spaces.
“Sneak a Peek” performance in Minneapolis, MN
COMING UP!
One night only! Rehearsals are going well and we can’t wait to reconnect with our amazing fan base in the Twin Cities!
“Munch a Bunch Fundraising Brunch…”
“… and help us beat the economic punch!”
We hosted a quirky, performative fundraising brunch in the Margolis Method Center‘s home of upstate NY. Donors were treated to a rich 1950′s environment, archetypal character/servers, and ongoing performances by Margolis Method Center actors. Catering generously provided by Jill’s Kitchen of Narrowsburg, NY.
Many thanks to our wonderful fans and supporters who make our ongoing artistic efforts possible!
“Sneak a Peek” performance in Oneonta, NY
The tour of our “Sneak a Peek” performance continues! We had an astounding experience at the Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta, NY. It’s a relatively new space with some amazing renovations still underway. Hopefully this will be the beginning of a long and fulfilling relationship between the Margolis Brown Adaptors and the Foothills Performing Arts Center! The weather was gorgeous, the town utterly charming, and the audience was very supportive and moved during our post-performance talk back session. Next on our plate? The tour continues! We’re working on a performative fundraiser and then it’s off to Minneapolis, MN!
“Sneak a Peek” performance in Narrowsburg, NY
I performed this past weekend along with other company members, long term students, and summer students of the Margolis Method Center, at an improvisational performance event in Narrowsburg, NY. The goal was to introduce the audience to our creative process by showing them various levels of improvisational structures that we use to create theatre. Along with insightful introductions and commentary by Master Teacher and Artistic Director of the Margolis Brown ADAPTORS, we kept the stage alive and the audience on the edge of their seat with the excitement that comes with live improv and actors at work. We intend to produce more such events in the future, with times and dates to be announced. A heartfelt thanks to all who were able to attend. It is always a pleasure to connect with communities and take them behind the scenes in the creative process.