NACL now accepting applications for training retreat

HIGHLAND LAKE, NY — The NACL is now accepting applications from 12 artist—performers, directors and theatre makers—to come to NACL for one week this summer to train and live at the NACL theatre and artists’ residence on Highland Lake, located in the woods two hours from New York City.

Drawing from a continuum of experimental techniques that includes the ensemble work of Denmark’s Odin Teatret, Canada’s Primus Theatre, and the research of Jerzy Grotowski, NACL has built upon these sources to develop a unique approach that awakens each artist’s potential to maximize the expressive use of body, voice, imagination, experience, memory and intellect to create compelling performance work. Training proceeds along three main tracks: the Animal Work—vigorous physical exercises to expand physical presence, impulse, expressivity, and “the center” of the actor; the Vegetable Work—vocal training that focuses on vocal resonators and on the work of group singing in harmony; and the Mineral Work—generating material for performance. Tapping into his or her own creative and individual fire, each retreat participant will create performance material that will eventually be montaged into a final presentation that culminates the retreat.

This retreat is designed for those interested in ensemble theatre, solo work, devised performance, physical theatre adaptations, experimental and original theatre creation. The physical training is vigorous but should not dissuade those with little or no experience. In the past, writers, directors, teachers, dancers and actors have participated. Please note that the living situation is communal (a 1920s Catskills summer boarding house) and everyone is asked to participate in scheduled meal and clean up duty.

Tuition costs $600 for workshops, housing and organic food.

To apply please send a detailed letter (snail mail, please) about yourself that includes your experience, age, and why you are interested in this retreat, to NACL Theatre, 110 Highland Lake Road, Highland Lake, NY 12743.

For more information please call 845/557-0694.