The Africana Repertory Theatre of IUPUI (ARTI) will sponsor its 2nd Annual “CENTERSTAGE: A Theater Workshop,” from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 22, 2023, at the Herron School of Art & Design, 735 West New York Street, Indianapolis IN 46202.
“CENTERSTAGE: A Theater Workshop” is designed to attract a broad range of theater enthusiasts, from the novice to those pursuing careers in onstage production.
ARTI Co-founder Dr. Khaula Murtadha said the event heightens the capacity for theater to be an effective means of conveying culture, issues and the complexity of life across the African Diaspora. “This is to support and build on the efforts of those who create important narratives that tell our stories on stage in our own voice. We are uniquely positioned to facilitate the merging of various key elements critical to successful theater production.”
The following are workshop sessions offered:
- “THE SHOW” – FOR PLAYWRIGHTS. Attendees will be instructed to create or select an original idea, develop it into a story called the plot, then create the characters, structure and spectacle (visual aspects) needed to tell and show to the audience.
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“THE ACTION” – FOR ACTORS AND DIRECTORS. Movement from beginning to end of the play/story is driven by the skilled actor’s body, voice and imagination, led and instructed by the director’s vision and skill.
- “THE LOOK” – FOR TECHNICAL AND ARTISTIC DIRECTORS. The aesthetic, sound, and visual design are factors that the audience member takes in through the senses of hearing, sight, feeling: set, costumes, lights, sound, properties, make-up, hair design.
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“THE BUSINESS” – FOR PRODUCERS. All of the factors that make it possible for a play to be presented to the public: Budget, fundraising, audience development, space, ticket sales, box office, house management, royalties, contracts, auditions, director, actors, etc. These responsibilities fall within the purview of the producer.
Sessions will run concurrently and will be repeated, allowing each participant to attend two of the topic areas addressed.
CENTERSTAGE workshops will be led by a panel of experienced theater professionals, educators and practitioners who bring a wealth of diverse knowledge and skills. More information and workshop presenters will be announced soon! The Workshop will also feature the director of IUPUI’s Applied Theater program Emilio Robles as a session facilitator.
The event is free to the public, but pre-registration is required. For more information, go to onyxfest.com. Register for CENTERSTAGE at eventbrite.