TOWARD A DYNAMIC THEATRE
THE 2023 DELL'ARTE INTERNATIONAL SUMMER INTENSIVE

Dates: July 3 - 21, 2023

Join the artists at Dell’Arte for an investigation into the creation of original and dynamic physical theater! The first class of each morning, students will engage together in movement practices and the influences of the natural world. For the remainder of the class day, they will then split  off into one of two specialization tracks, chosen by the student upon registration:  Mask Making & Performance or Dynamic Ensemble Theater.

Classes meet 5 days a week; there will be 6.5 hours of class time each day, plus rehearsals outside of class. Students will work each week in small ensembles on themes assigned for a Friday laboratory showing and faculty critique. On July 4, there will be a half day of classes.

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.

Faculty

Tony Fuemmeler, Estela Garcia - Mask Making & Performance
Julie Douglas, Ming Hudson - Dynamic Ensemble Creation
Cleo DeOrio - Dance & Movement
Espaço Mendes - Daily Practice & Capoeira

Faculty Bios

Track 1: Mask Making & Performance

Each week will involve time in the mask studio and the acting studio.

Week 1:  VOLUME, PLANE & EXPRESSION

A clear print from multiple angles, a proposal for unity with the actor’s body. A form that is potentiated by observation of the world and proposes a life on stage. Exploration of the ways the physical realities suggest internal truths.

WEEK 2: CASTING, REFINING & COLORS

Connecting to the truth of the form through multiple processes of building and painting. Investigating and iterating impulses of the mask in the hand, on the body, and in space.

WEEK 3: TRANSFORMATIONAL CHARACTER PLAY

From observation to impulse to creation to embodiment. A study of the physical play of the body in support of the mask.  Body, breath, beats, life. Discovering the dynamic fullness of a sculptural gesture in the moment and the scene.

Track 2: Dynamic Ensemble Theater

Week 1: Awareness, Availability, Responsiveness

A clear print from multiple angles, a proposal for unity with the actor’s body. A form that is potentiated by observation of the world and proposes a life on stage. Exploration of the ways the physical realities suggest internal truths.

WEEK 2: DYNAMIC MOVEMENT

Whole body engagement with natural forms and forces via movement and gesture; foundations of the physical actor’s presence and resonance in the space of the stage. The stage is a mysterious and living realm, a poetic space.

WEEK 3: THE PLAY OF CHARACTER

From studies of the natural world–its forms, forces, rhythms – to the discovery of character. The physical play of the body in time and space, leading to characterization, dramatic action and ensemble devising.

Tuition & Fees: $1645


Partial scholarships for Humboldt County residents and for BIPOC students are available at checkout.
Note: Discounts cannot be combined

Please email tawny@dellarte.com for more information!

Housing

We have a local landlords listing that we share with students after they are registered.
We also recommend searching on Airbnb or similar sites for housing.

Dell’Arte housing has a limited number of rooms with queen beds and shared amenities [note: this option is currently full].

You can also join the Dell'Arte Summer 2023 Facebook group and connect with others to share housing costs.

Register Now

The Summer Intensive is aimed at those with some performance experience, but registration is open to anyone. Classes will be rigorous, and include necessary 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.

Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Information Form < > < >Payments Made Here

COVID Policy

Proof of full vaccination  (which includes a booster) is required for all students. If you are not vaccinated please email our School Administrator, Tawny Foskett (tawny@dellarte.com), to pursue an exemption.

Arrival Information

Flights and Airports

Direct flights to the Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV) are served by several major cities…
San Francisco, California (SFO)
Denver, Colorado (DEN)
Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS) 
Los Angeles, California (LAX)
Phoenix, Arizona (PHX)
Burbank, California (BUR)

If you are arriving at the Arcata/Eureka airport (ACV), you can take a shuttle service called Door-to-Door Airporter at 707-839-4186 ($25)

If you are arriving at the San Francisco Airport (SFO), you can take the Greyhound Bus to Arcata. Bus tickets can be purchased online or at the station. The Greyhound bus station in San Francisco is located at 200 Folsom St. Be sure to take the bus to Arcata, CA.
To reach the Greyhound bus station from the airport, use the local transit called BART (the schedule for the BART trains is here:
http://www.bart.gov/). 

Local Taxi/Cab Services

(To avoid long wait times… Call as soon as you land!)

  1. (707) 599-3391 (Louie)
  2. (707) 822-4742 (Plaza)
  3. (707) 442-4551 (City)
Bus

If you are arriving at the Arcata bus station you can call Plaza Cab at (707) 822-4742 ($25-30)

Travel Guide

For information regarding appropriate attire, school policies, and other information please read
the 22-23 Student Handbook & Catalog
REFUND POLICY

A full refund and the processing fee ($25) will be offered through May 22, 2023.  A cancellation occurring after May 22, will only be eligible for a 25% refund of the tuition cost. No refunds are made after the intensive starts.

"It completely changed me... I feel like my body and spirit stitched together." - 2017 Summer Intensive Student