December 20, 2008

Jessica Smith      posted 20 Dec 2008, 05:02 PM / edited 21 Dec 2008, 09:57 AM

“Making Theatre” with John Bolton, acclaimed Australian director: Jan 25 – 30 2009 

If you have the whiff of an idea about a new show or a solid foundation to build on, this workshop will open avenues to unleash its theatrical potential. It could be your life story, something based on a story you have heard or read, a text, an adaptation or a theme you wish to explore. Your inspiration might also come from a visual, aural or design base. It could be a solo, duo or group project. Using physical improvisations, vocal and character exercises and games of rhythm and space we will approach each subject in a safe and rigorous environment where feedback is both positive and analytical.

We have flown John over for this incredible workshop which has been the jumping off point for many devised shows including Strange Resting Places and Ship Songs. There are only four places left to fill and are going to go like hotcakes.

We are doing this a bit differently, staying the whole week out at a Scout Camp in Wainuiomata, like a retreat. The people doing it range from students in their final year at Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School to experienced professionals out in the industry.

We would appreciate you to include a few words about why you would like to do this workshop and any experience you have, please email jessicasmith85@gmail.com  (Cost approx $450 which includes accommodation, food and the training).

John Bolton has been creating theatre over the last thirty years. He has co-created and directed many shows that have been invited to festivals and theatres throughout the world. His work on life stories includes Odyssey with Andreas Litras which was invited to Adelaide, Melbourne, and The Bite Festival at the Barbican in London and I don’t Wanna play House with Tammy Anderson which was invited to Dublin, Hong Kong and Ten Days On the Island in Tasmania. He has adapted Grimm Fairytales with graduating students at The VCA, directed and devised dance pieces with Kage Physical Theatre and made a two person Hamlet in Melbourne which won a Fringe First Award. He co-created an adaptation of Salmon Fisher Boy with Dan Scollay which was awarded two Green Room Awards (Melbourne Critics awards) for Best Production and Best Direction.

He was Head of Acting at the Victorian College of the Arts between 2002-2006 where he was awarded the 2005 Teaching Excellence Award. He was awarded the 2002 Kenneth Myer Medallion for services to Victorian Theatre.