Drew Vidal's Contemporary Violence Workshop

Tuesday night's Contemporary Stage Violence workshop with the amazing Drew Vidal was a 150-minute triumph of hugging, grasping, pushing, pulling, crawling, leaping, smashing, sweating, shirt-stealing action. Rather than try to describe such physical goings-on, I thought I'd just post some pictures to show you what you missed!

After an evening of instruction and exploration, the participants split into pairs to create and choreograph their own pieces of stage violence, little plays all by themselves. I filmed the results:

Thanks so much to Drew for teaching, and to Andy, Daniel, Jacquie, Karen, Lelia, and Ronnie for their enthusiastic participation.

Next up on January 15 is another night of physical acting with David Hall, all the way from England. Check this space for details soon!

December Workshop: "Contemporary Stage Violence" with Drew Vidal

Contemporary Stage Violence
with Drew Vidal
Tuesday, December 11, 7:00-9:30 PM. $20

This class will offer both beginning and experienced actors an opportunity to learn hands-on how contemporary violence is created onstage. As the focus will be on contemporary theatre, participants will be working unarmed and untrained. In addition to learning techniques for performing stage violence safely, participants will take away a unique approach to choreographing their own stage fights.

Instructor Drew Vidal has worked extensively as an actor and fight choreographer in Chicago, Richmond, and Washington D.C. Drew choreographed the combat for the Richmond Shakespeare Festival's acclaimed production of Henry IV, Part 1 last summer. His work can be seen in Washington D.C. all season long at the Shakespeare Theatre's productions of The Taming of the Shrew, Tamburlaine, and Edward II.

Participants should be attired in clothes that do not restrain or hide movement, with soft-soled shoes not worn outside. Any jewelry should be left at home, and contacts worn or glasses fastened.

15 students maximum. High school age and older. Cost: $20.

Richmond Shakespeare’s Training Department is dedicated to enriching Central Virginia’s theatre community by providing affordable, topical training in the theatre arts that is both accessible to beginners and useful to professionals.

All classes and workshops are held at Second Presbyterian Church (5 N. 5th Street).

Participants should bring a bottle of water and dress for moderate physical activity.

Call Andrew Hamm at 804-232-4000 or email Andrew@richmondshakespeare.com to make your reservation!