Below is a list of some of the workshops being offered during the MTA Festival.  We hope you will take advantage of these opportunities during the MTA weekend.

Friday

Creativity in the Classroom.  Led by Katrina Byrd.  Byrd will conduct a workshop on how to implement creativity in the classroom. The workshop will give participants useful, hands on ideas on how to implement the arts (acting, teaching, dance, singing) while teaching the basic subjects. The workshop will also include tips on how to create a creative discipline plan. This is an interactive workshop.

Riches From Rags. Led by MJ Etua.  An integrated lesson of art, science, and theatre, that challenges participants to create costumes and accessories from trash…yes trash!  Participants will have a limited time to scavenge and create a wearable costume from anything they find. Students participating in the 10- Minute Play Festival may find this to be a valuable resource.

Nail That Audition. Led by Hardy Koenig.  Offered by SETC’s Hardy Koenig, this session presents step-by-step tips on guiding student actors to a successful audition.  The interactive workshop discusses the ins and outs of auditioning in general with specific information on picking a piece, preparing for the audition and what to do during the audition and how to handle call-backs.  There will also be information on SETC’s professional, undergraduate and graduate school auditions.

Sword Fighting. Led by Steve Nabors.  This two hour participation workshop will provide attendees with the basics of using weapons safely on stage.  Each student will use a weapon provided by Nabors.  Due to the limited number of weapons, participants must pre-register in the lobby of the Lyric.  Limited seating available. Register early.

The Actor as Storyteller.  Led by Kathryn Lewis .  Balancing acting and the story. What is the actor’s responsibility to the story? An interactive workshop to explore the answers to this question, including exercises and lots of fun.

Ward Emling, Mississippi Office of Film and Culture, Bureau Manager Film and Culture, presents an informative session about film in Mississippi. Emling will provide information on past and future film projects, how to get involved and tips for acting in film. 

Saturday

Jerre Dye, will conduct a directing workshop.  Description forth coming.

Get That Part:  The Art of Auditioning.  Led by Sue Ellen Gerrells .  Based on Michael Shurtleff’s groundbreaking and informative book, “Audition”, this interactive session provides an opportunity for attendees to experience different audition styles (improv, interview, cold reading) and explore strategies for doing their best at auditions.

Social Networking for Community Theatres.  Led by Kay Armstrong.  This round table discussion will provide an opportunity for community theatre members and others the opportunity to discuss and explore ways they use or can use social networking tools as marketing tools. 

Stand Up With Shakespeare.  Led by Chris Roebuck.  The one-hour workshop is designed to destroy the myth that Shakespeare’s language can’t be understood.  Students will get up on their feet, read and participate in scenes selected from Shakespeare plays read in the high school curriculum.

Stimulus/Impulse/Response Led by Tim Matheny.  This physical workshop that explores the foundation of “moment to moment acting.” The heart of good acting is deeper than the delivery of lines and blocking. It is effective communication based on the principle of stimulus, impulse, and response. This workshop will incorporate theatre games, exercises, and short improvisations to illustrate the subject matter.

Inner Life Movement. Led by Christopher Schager.  This workshop is a culmination of different movement techniques designed to assist the performer to enhance the true “inner life” of a character. This workshop will reinforce the importance of a performer’s duty to portray a character through physicality, the often forgotten or ignored aspect of character which completes a “whole” performance. This class also requires clothing for movement and an open heart. 

Improv.  Led by Opie Cooper. Cooper reprises his ever-popular improve workshop.

Break It Down! Led by Paul Cook.  Images, ideas, thoughts, and vocal variety in a monologue. Students participating in this workshop should come with a monologue typed or written out.

Prop Swap. Led by MJ Etua and Brenda Mayo.  This workshop will explore ways to make props from different found and recycled materials. Teachers can use the information for in integrated lesson with science (Ecology, Earth Science, etc…)  Participants are encouraged to share ideas on innovative prop making techniques.

Sword Fighting. Led by Steve Nabors.  This two hour participation workshop will provide attendees with the basics of using weapons safely on stage.  Each student will use a weapon provided by Nabors.  Due to the limited number of weapons, participants must pre-register in the lobby of the Lyric.  Limited seating available. Register early. Repeat from Friday. 

Keeping the Drama in Your Work and Out of Your Life. Led by Gary Garrison.  This is a two-hour workshop.  Often times we reach a road-block in our writing and become frustrated as the creative process comes to a screeching halt. Time passes and we can’t find our way to begin the story, end the story or to resolve the sagging middle. This workshop will answer questions of how to move past the problem of when the writer is the primary obstacle to finishing the play. Rediscovering inspiration, pushing past writer’s block, dealing with criticism and turning off the internal critic are some issues that will be addressed.