Program Dates/Times

Thursday, July 6 - Wednesday, July 12, 2017

10 am - 6 pm daily

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Location

Nola Studios

Studio 1, 10th Floor

250 W 54th St, 11th Fl, New York, NY 10019

Less then 5 minutes from N Q R E B D 1 2 trains 

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Program

VPT’s seven-day intensive program in midtown, Manhattan provides a unique approach for beginners in the art of Playback Theatre. We employ traditional and innovative methods in the rehearsal studio to teach and strengthen skills including listening, story construction, acting, ensemble work, embodied expression, and musical improvisation. This training is outcomes-based  and will culminate in performances at venues in New York City.

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We believe Playback Theatre elevates each story for personal growth, relationship-building, leadership development, and social change. Our collaborative approach and experiential learning process, delivered through performances, workshops, and trainings, has been offered to students of all ages, people from diverse backgrounds and abilities in academic, rehabilitative, social service, healthcare, community and business settings. This training is designed to provide essential playback theatre skills and a chance to apply them with VPT's local partnering organizations who represent underserved communities in NYC.

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Who Will Benefit

This training provides all the basics of Playback Theatre and requires no previous experience. It is not only meant for Actors to increase the ability to listen and be present onstage, but goes beyond artistic expression. Social Workers, Therapists, and Mental Health Care Providers are invited to a community-based environment where they can be the person who is being listened to and supported. Educators and Teaching Artists will learn to incorporate embodied learning into their classrooms to increase student engagement and emotional investment. Activists and Organizers will develop their skill set to expand their abilities to hold conflicting points of view and experiences.  

 

Our approach will increase your ability to empathize and connect in a direct and intimate way, whether you are working on Broadway, in a community center, or in a classroom.

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• Discover a new level of listening, holding space, shaping stories and authentic dialogue through the arts.

• Work in a ensemble based environment while creating your own community with other participants.

• Receive a wide range of improvisational skills including music, movement and our company's unique approach to Playback Theatre.

• Learn a variety of methods of engagement with audiences, students and clients to build trust and connection in a collaborative setting.

• Interact with local communities and explore the application of Playback Theatre for healing, education and social justice outside of traditional performance spaces. 

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The program will be led by Artistic Director Randy Mulder and assisted by the various artistic partners of Village Playback Theatre.

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About The Instructor

Randy Mulder is the Artistic Director and co-founder of Village Playback Theatre. A graduate of New York University’s Drama Therapy Master’s program, he is on faculty at Kansas State University, School of Music, Theatre and Dance and at The New School’s Creative Arts and Wellness Program in New York City.  Randy has presented and trained nationally and abroad in South  America and Europe.

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Randy is passionate about infusing the arts and personal storytelling for change to empower individuals and strengthen communities and businesses.​