Join the artists at Dell’Arte for a three week investigation into the power of the body in space, the connections of theater to place, and the expressive power of the actor-creator. 

Daily classes typically include dynamic movement, ensemble work, dance, and mask work. We build skills in the actor's availability, response, and creative imagination. On a weekly basis, there are classes held in either the forest, the beach, the river, etc as a way to study and embody natural forces. This study promotes the development of a transformational actor who can hold space on a variety of stages. There are also weekly performance assignments based on the work in the classes that week; small ensembles engage with the prompt and prepare original work for sharing and feedback on Fridays. 

The benefit of the program extends not only to original, dynamic physical approaches but also the work of the interpretive actor. The annual Summer Intensive will be a part of the festivities of the summer including our Baduwa’t Festival and many other events. Come be part of the festivities! 

COURSE OF STUDY

The work of the actor-creator arises out of silence, darkness and empty space, moving into ensemble play and the actors’ ability to devise original work for the stage. The skillful, dynamic and easeful use of a performer’s body and voice is at the core of our curriculum. 

This training aims towards the creation of visceral, actor-centered theatre that crosses stylistic boundaries and informs classic as well as contemporary, original, and/or adapted works.  This physical theatre Intensive is appropriate for actors, dancers, directors, teachers, and designers.

FACULTY

This year’s Summer Intensive is led by Julie Douglas, Tony Fuemmeler, Estela Garcia, Cleo DeOrio, and Espaço Oliveira.  Read Bios

SCHEDULE & CLASSES

There will be an Orientation for New Students on Sunday, July 13. This will be in the afternoon and provide an introduction to our spaces and local amenities. It is also a wonderful opportunity to meet fellow students before beginning the intensive the following morning. 

Classes meet 5 days a week; there will be about 6.5 hours of class time each day, plus some rehearsals in the evenings. Students will work each week in small ensembles on themes assigned for a Friday laboratory showing and faculty critique. The first class of each morning, students will engage together in movement practices and physical conditioning. The remainder of the class day will be spent in various modalities focused on physical awareness, the creative power of the body in space, and ensemble development. Once a week, students will travel as a class to a location in the stunning outdoors of the redwood coast and explore the inspiration of the natural environment. 

Students will be able to spend free time exploring the forests, coasts, rivers and mountains of Humboldt County or attending some of the overlapping Baduwa’t and Folk Life Festivals in Blue Lake.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

The Summer Intensive is designed for emerging and working theater artists—actors, dancers, directors, teachers, and designers—but registration is open to anyone. Students must be 18 or over. Classes will be rigorous, and include evening rehearsals. Participants should expect a mix of experience levels among their fellow students and that all will benefit from the group's varied abilities. Instruction will be given in English.

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

To begin registration for the summer intensive, complete the short  Admission Survey.  This includes a couple of statements from you (written or video submission) on your interest as well as related background and experience.

Upon review, you’ll be emailed a link to make your payment and secure your spot. If a payment plan is needed, you can arrange that with our School Administrator at schooladmin@dellarte.com.

Applications for the Physical Theater Intensive close on June 30, 2025, or when the class is filled.

PAYMENT & LOGISTICS

Tuition : $1800.00. 
Early Bird (by April 2):  $1445.00         

A deposit of $600.00 or a full payment will be required to secure your spot in the intensive. Links for all payments will be emailed to you after we've reviewed your answers to  our admission survey.

Two partial scholarships are available for students of the global majority (those identifying as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color). These are for a 50% reduction of tuition. Qualifying applicants may request a partial scholarship in the admission survey.

Payment plans are negotiated on a case by case basis. Full tuition must be paid by June 30. Please email our School Administrator Beth Johnson, at schooladmin@dellarte.com if you have further questions before proceeding.

REFUND POLICY

This policy is in place to ensure our ability to continue offering high quality programs such as our Physical Theatre Intensive to performers near and far. Registered students faced with the unfortunate need to drop a course for any reason may request a refund of tuition paid. The following are important dates to be aware of.

Through June 2, 2025, Physical Theatre students may receive a full refund of tuition paid, minus a $25 processing fee.
From June 3, 2025 to July 13, 2025, Physical Theatre students are only eligible for a refund equal to 25% of tuition paid.

No refunds will be granted once the course has started on July 14, 2025.

FAQs 

For information regarding appropriate attire, school policies, and other logistics, see our frequently asked questions PDF. Still have questions? Contact the School Coordinator at schooladmin@dellarte.com or by phone at +1 707-502-2276.

For information about housing options and travel, visit this page.