| Ensemble Theatre Training-Summer Program

SUMMER PROGRAM 2002
June 24-August 11

Ardeo Theatre Project offers an intensive summer program in Ensemble Theatre Training at the Château de St. Julien. Program participants share in a lively and demanding curriculum while enjoying the experience of a summer in France. The seven-week course provides eight college credits. Features of the summer program include:

SUMMER PROGRAM COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:

Performance Technique-Summer Session (6 credits Theatre)
Specifically modeled after the resident company's developmental process, this is a condensed version of the Ensemble Theatre Training Program core curriculum. Performance Technique includes a series of distinct intensives, each of which focuses on character, improvisation, text, and devising from different perspectives. Together, these different approaches stimulate individual creativity within an ensemble, and introduce innovative methods for generating original theatre. You will explore specific theatrical techniques and styles, including mask, unconventional approaches to text, Viewpoints, composition, image work, storyboarding, movement scores, and non-traditional forms of improvisation. During a final intensive section, small self-directed student ensembles use these skills and techniques toward the development of a short original theatrical piece. The course will culminate in a night of public performance.

Body and Voice-Summer Session (2 credits Theatre)
This course reflects Ardeo's commitment to the development of the performer's body as an instrument of their art. Through the daily study of a physical discipline, such as Yoga, T'ai chi, Centering, Skinner Releasing Technique, Ensemble Movement, or Contact Improvisation, you will be challenged to improve your stamina, strength, flexibility, physical grace, and self-confidence. Students will also receive an introduction to the proper use of the voice, and engage in activities that explore sound, breath, and vocalization. This course is taken side-by-side with members of the Ardeo Theatre Company.

Language Workshop-optional
Theatre students have the opportunity to participate in French language instruction, offered at various levels. The Language Workshop focuses on active learning within a cultural context to help you develop practical oral language skills.

Class Journals
Students are required to keep a class journal throughout the semester to provide a record of participation and progress, as well as demonstrate evidence of artistic and personal growth. Journals are collected and reviewed by faculty members throughout the semester.

Please note that course offerings are subject to change.

Program Highlights

Company Mentors
During orientation week, you will be paired with a member of the Ardeo Theatre Company who will be your mentor during the training. Mentors offer support and advice to students on professional and personal goals. You will meet with your mentor regularly to discuss their artistic work, your own growth as an artist, or any other topic that comes up in these informal conversations. This non-faculty relationship enriches the experience of working side-by-side with a professional theatre company.

(Jen DeJoy) Company members and theatre students collaborate during the Theatre Marathons.

Theatre Marathons
As the grande finale of orientation week, you will spend 18 hours developing, rehearsing, and performing an original piece of theatre together with faculty, Ardeo Company members, and your peers. During the Marathon, all other classes and activities are put on hold while we focus on this intensive development and rehearsal process. The process culminates in a staged performance in the château theatre or site-specific locations on the estate.

Cabarets
On Friday nights throughout the semester we open up the stage for live performance: poetry, music, readings, original writing, solo and ensemble work, or performance pieces in progress. This is an opportunity for you to collaborate with Ensemble Theatre Training students, French students and company members. These informal evenings are open to the entire château community.

Master Classes & Guest Artist Workshops
Master artists are invited each semester to lead classes in specialized techniques such as Suzuki, Commedia dell'arte, Butoh or Clown. In addition, throughout the semester, other professional artists visit the château to offer workshops and seminars in their fields of expertise. For more information on master classes and workshops, please visit the Guest Artists page.

Seminars
On Monday evenings throughout the program, we offer workshops, panel discussions or seminars given by company members and guest artists. Topics include practical aspects of a professional career such as auditions and self-production, and non-performance components of production such as directing and dramaturgy.

Field Trips
The château is located in the beautiful and historically rich region of La Vienne. Once a week, you will visit places and institutions of significance to French history, art and culture. Whether you are exploring the rustic villages, farms, churches, and abbeys in our area, the historic city of Poitiers, the majestic castles and vineyards of the Loire Valley, the towers and beaches of La Rochelle, or the avant-garde theatre scene in Paris, our weekly excursions will enrich your experience of being in France. Field trips are taken in joint session with the students of the French Studies program.

Daily Schedule

This is an example of a typical schedule for the summer program. Exact schedules are subject to change.

For information on accommodations, meals and recreation, please see Student Life.

TUITION AND FEES

Tuition includes study materials, and theatrical supplies, as well as travel and entrance fees to historic sites, and other outings. Accommodations include 3 meals each day, private room (unless a double room is requested and available, in which case room and board fees adjust to $1,700), and use of available facilities on the property. A $500 nonrefundable deposit is due upon acceptance to secure your position in the program. The remaining balance of $5,450 is due one month before the program start date.

For information on admission requirements, financial assistance and travel planning, please click here.

Château de St. Julien 2 rue du Château 86800 St. Julien l'Ars, France 33(0) 5-49-01-05-76 (Ph) 33(0) 5-49-01-99-14 (Fx)
PO Box 23355 Seattle, WA 98102-0655 (Toll Free) 877-486-6604 206-720-6029 (Fx)
ardeo@ardeo.org