| Ensemble Theatre Training

The Ensemble Theatre Training Program teaches a dynamic, multi-faceted approach to developing original work. European, Asian and American performance techniques focus on ensemble creativity, physical and emotional spontaneity, and methods for discovering new sources of inspiration. The program is ideal for undergraduate theatre students and early-career professionals.

(Jen DeJoy)	(Jeremy Sher)
Left: A rehearsal of The Storm, an original work in progress, based on Shakespeare's The Tempest. Right: Todd Tressler in "The Ocean Doesn't Want Me Today", a site-specific performance on the château grounds.

You will study with (and train alongside) the Ardeo Theatre Company, a professional ensemble in residence at the Château de St. Julien. Company members become your teachers, mentors, and collaborators. Master teachers and guest artists round out the curriculum, leading workshops on dance, clowning, improvisation, voice, and solo performance.

We have a very strong student to faculty ratio - no more than 6:1; the student to company ratio is even better with a maximum of 2:1. As your time with us unfolds, you will find yourself becoming part of an artistic community, developing your work, learning from professionals and your peers, and sharing the experience of life in the French countryside.

Course Descriptions

Body and Voice (3 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.

Performance Technique (6 credits Theatre)
Specifically modeled after the resident company's developmental process, this is the core curriculum of the Ensemble Theatre Training Program. Performance Technique includes a series of distinct intensives, each of which focus 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.

Rehearsal and Performance (3 credits Theatre)
In small self-directed student ensembles, guided by the Ardeo faculty, you'll apply the skills and techniques you learned in Performance Technique toward the development of a short theatrical piece of your own making. This course runs during a final intensive period at the end of the semester, and culminates in a night of public performances.

French Dramatic Literature (4 credits Theatre - optional French credit)
Taken in joint session with students of the French Studies Program, this course surveys French dramatic literature and performance theory, exploring movements and literary figures within their contemporary political, economic, religious and social contexts. A major movement or time period may also be selected for a semester of focused study. This is a reading intensive course.

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.

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 performance in the château theatre or in site-specific locations throughout the estate grounds.

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 trips will enrich your experience of being in France. In addition, one international excursion will be planned. Field trips and excursions are taken with the students of the French Studies program.

Admission Requirements
Applicants must have completed at least 3 semesters at an accredited college or junior college, or the equivalent; GPA under 2.5, or less than 3 semesters of college require special permission for program acceptance. Prior coursework or experience in theatre required. French language skills are helpful but not required. Applicant interviews are conducted by phone.

For more information about Ardeo education programs, please send email to Assistant Education Director Jodi Beckwith at jodi@ardeo.org or call us toll free at (877) 486-6604.

Westminster College processes Ardeo student applications on a rolling admissions basis. Enrollment at Ardeo is limited. Qualifying students will be notified of acceptance when their completed application has been approved. Ardeo accepts applications for each of the four upcoming terms. You may apply online, or mail a completed application to: Ardeo Theatre Project, P.O. Box 23355, Seattle, Washington, 98102-0655.

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