Converse Theatre Workshop

Tired of being yourself all the time? Come spend a week being anyone you want to be at the Converse Theatre Workshop!

The Program

Participate in an exciting and rigorous coeducational program including acting, movement, playwriting, and vocal strengthening through the creation of original work. Sessions include:

Acting Technique: Acting introduces you to the basics of actor training and includes exercises and theatre games designed to free the actor physically and emotionally while stimulating creative impulses.

Feldenkrais: The Feldenkrais Method® is a form of physical education that uses gentle movement and directed attention to improve movement and enhance human functioning. Through this Method, you can increase your ease and range of motion and improve your flexibility and coordination.

Musical Theatre: Students will learn to relax and sing some of the great songs from the musical theatre in a low-stress, supportive environment. Emphasizes character and strong vocal conditioning while aligning voice and body.

Shakespeare: Taking the mystery out of Shakespeare! Learn how to define and deliver with confidence some of the great Shakespearean monologues.

Scene Study: Perform the great literary roles of the theatre while learning to work with an ensemble. Emphasis is on making bold physical and emotional character choices and feeling comfortable onstage with yourself and your partners.

Improvisation: Learn to think on your feet with challenging situations where the only script is what you create on the spot. Develops performance skills within an ensemble setting.

In addition, the program includes performance opportunities including Late Night Improv in the Laird Studio Theatre, a Shakespearean performance in an outdoor amphitheatre, and the creation of an original Work-in-Progress to be performed in the Hazel B. Abbott Mainstage Theatre.

Converse Theatre Workshop Faculty

	Brent Bateman holds an MFA in Acting from the Florida State University/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training and a BA in theatre from the University of Alaska, Anchorage. He recently performed for the Asolo Repertory Theatre’s 50th anniversary season in Sarasota, Florida. His conservatory credits include Theo Maske in The Underpants, The Accent Actor/Minister in Murder By Poe. In addition to acting, Brent is also a celebrated bass/baritone, a member of Actor’s Equity Association, and co-founder of 2brents Mad Histrionics.
	Brent Glenn is a member of the Theatre and Dance Department faculty at Converse College. He attended Brenau College and Louisiana State University where he received his MFA. Brent is a professional actor, director and designer who has worked for theatres from Alaska to New York and many places in between. Professional credits include Horizon Theatre Company, Atlanta Shakespeare Tavern, and Theatre Emory (Atlanta); The Village Gate, Alice’s Fourth Floor, and Playwrights Horizons (NYC); Playmakers of Baton Rouge and Swine Palace Productions (Baton Rouge); Kokopelli Theatre Company, Out North, and Cyrano’s Playhouse (Anchorage, AK); and his own production company, 2brents Mad Histrionics.
	Megan McFarland has been active in the professional theatre for over three decades. Best known as the original Della in the Della’s Diner musical series, Megan has worked extensively in Atlanta with the Alliance Theatre, Theatrical Outfit, Seven Stages, Georgia Shakespeare Festival, and Theatre in the Square. She has also performed regionally with the Coconut Grove Playhouse in Miami, Virginia Stage in Norfolk, and The Duplex in New York City. Megan has done voiceovers, tv shows and commercials, and films.
	Lavinia Plonka’s 25 years in theatre include many highlights, including eight years as an artist in residence for the Guggenheim Museum, choreography grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, international tours and television commercials for Nickelodeon, among others. Her two books, which explore body language and emotions, have been translated into several languages. Lavinia is director of Asheville Movement Center, where she teaches the Feldenkrais Method® to individuals and groups as well as workshops internationally.

 

Enrollment

The program is open to rising 10th, 11th and 12th graders. Space is limited.

Tuition and Financial Assistance

The Converse Theatre Workshop is designed as a weeklong residential program. Tuition covers residence hall accommodations, all meals, materials and on-campus activities. Early-bird tuition (applications received by March 31) is $675 and regular tuition is $775. A limited number of need-based scholarships up to $200 are available.

How to Apply

Download and print the application
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Deadlines for 2010

March 31
Early-bird application due for $100 discount on tuition

April 15
Early-bird notification of acceptance

April 30
Regular application deadline

April 30
Early-bird non-refundable deposit of $100 due

May 1
Regular applicants notified of acceptance

May 15
Non-refundable $100 deposit due for regular applicants

June 1
Final tuition balance due for all applicants

The following must be submitted:

• A completed application
• Financial Support Application (if you wish to be considered for assistance)
• 2 letters of recommendation from instructors, one of which should be from a theatre teacher or professional with whom the student has performed

For more information, contact:

Brent Glenn
Converse College Department of Theatre and Dance
(864) 596-9183
brent.glenn@converse.edu