The Performance Workshop Want to get more impact out of your material? Many performers feel awkward just trying to stand still or simply walk across the stage. They are not sure what to do with their hands, where to put their feet. They are afraid they will bore the audience so they rush through their lines and routines.

How do you become a commanding presence on stage? The Performance Workshop can help you.

The Performance Workshop is a series of exercises geared toward improving a performer's overall stage skills. The exercises entail the performer executing a routine of numerous functional tasks that one might do during the course of their act, such as greet the audience, demonstrate a prop (candle & matches, cards, etc.) or pull up a chair. It is meant to be a simple approach to developing focus and clarity, and consequently, effectiveness, applicable to just about any performance style.

These exercises are performed first as a group to break the ice a bit, and then again individually. The routine is repeated to about 10 widely varied selections of music which forces the performer to adapt their pacing and delivery to a particular piece of music. The music helps to dictate and influence the style and timing of the performance. Each performer selects two to three songs, (hopefully songs that are furthest from their comfort zone) or they can perform to no music at all.

Spina will review each performance and offer ideas and suggestions on how to improve the presentation. She'll show the performer how to focus their energy and effectively convey their intent to the audience. We'll practice clearly directing the audience to follow the routine so they don't miss a thing, thereby creating more impact for the performance.

We learn by watching others. As Spina works with each individual, you will see the improvement, the before and after, the differences, and the alternative approaches that can be taken.

In the longer workshop, we will also work on dialogue graciously provided by writer Jim Steinmeyer.

In these workshops we utilize general theatrical principles that apply to each and every act, regardless of whether it's magic, improvisation, juggling, dancing, singing, or music. EVERYONE can benefit.

Lectures

Ms. Spina offers lectures on how to improve your stage performance, and how to best present your material. Often, she will seek a volunteer who will share their video for review. Then, we can observe as she points out all the possible ways to improve the act, including pointers on staging, performance, costuming, lighting, music, dialogue, etc. Each individual can apply the same principles to their own act.

Please contact info@spinacreativeservices.com for more information.  Book a lecture or workshop for your studio or local club.