'Working with Helen has helped me find more confidence in my work, inspiration as well as new ways of working that are simple, yet incredibly profound and effective.'
Nadja Mathern UK & EU, actor.
‘Helen has helped me lay a path made of my own hard work and creativity.
She not only leads, but cultivates artists to think freely, and create something they will forever hold dear.'
Jada Griffin, USA, actor.
Hello there!
I'm really excited about this new series of workshops. They build on years of experience directing actors in traditional and devised theatre, identifying what liberates actors and movers to be their best creative self.
For actors wanting to truthfully interact with the set and movers who want to expand their use of design items, directors, designers, creatives and anyone who is curious about moving in their body and with the furniture, I've designed three short intensives that can be taken individually or as a course. These movement workshops aim to give you confidence in your body and joy in your unique way of moving.
Workshops take place online, from the comfort of your own furniture, it's the best way to have the furniture we need! And taking forward one of the positive discoveries of the last few years - working online increases accessibility and diversity. Because my emphasis is on providing frameworks for your personal movement style I encourage people with different mobilities to attend. Any questions, please do email.
Read on for full details!
Helen :-)
'Helen has an impeccable ability to inspire creative exploration & foster connection among artists over online platforms.'
Sydney Reddish, USA, actor.
ORLANDO University of South Florida 2020
Kali Theatre and Drama Studio London Summer School 2018
Rehearsal for TEACH Edinburgh Festival 2019
WHY PARTICIPATE?
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*Experience joy and confidence in your body and its movement.
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*Increase your movement vocabulary.
*Break out of old movement habits.
*Gain new tools for creating unique movement material in relation to design items or for site-responsive performance.
*Develop skills to truthfully embed characters in their stage set/physical environment.
*Be part of a supportive group of creatives.
*Have fun and play.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Each workshop consists of a warm-up, group exercises, personal exploration, work in breakout rooms, individual feedback and group discussions.
My interest is in the unique movement of each individual body. If you're an experienced mover then bring these skills to the group - if you have limited mobility or are more happy with text, then this is a space for you to get comfortable with and celebrate your body and movement! The emphasis is on your unique journey.
My approach is a synthesis of many different techniques, for this workshop series I'm drawing particularly on Anne Bogart's Space Viewpoints and Laban Choreology. Depending on the specific workshop this is mixed with visualisation practice and techniques from naturalist theatre.
You don't need a lot of space for these workshops, a living room or bedroom is ideal. You do need a chair and an internet connection for zoom. Wear comfortable clothes.
HELEN TENNISON
Helen is a director, writer, teacher and theatre maker. In 2019 she won an Edinburgh Fringe First for her aerial production 'Everything I See I Swallow' about intergenerational feminism and shibari. her directing experience includes work for the Arcola, Southwark Playhouse, Theatre Royal Winchester, Guildford's Yvonne Arnaud, Belgrade Theatre and Shakespeare's Globe.
From 2015-17 she was Co-Artistic Director, Head of Two Year Acting at Drama Studio London. She regularly directs for Creation Theatre and has just returned from touring Scandinavia with the award winning Dirty Corset (devised), Bang Average Theatre. Helen is currently an Artistic Associate of the Bathway Theatre and Associate Lecturer at Goldsmiths University. She is developing a new show, 'Doggerland', supported by ACE and Het Zuidiljk Toneel, Netherlands.
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Viewpoints training with Anne Bogart & Training Ensemble Nederlands. Laban training with Laban Centre UK & Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies, New York. Directors training with Katie Mitchell & Told by an Idiot.
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More info on my website: https://htennison.wixsite.com/helentennison
'Helen's directing process is from a holistic perspective, where craft and creativity is aligned in the actor and blends seamlessly with the artistic creation. Furthermore, her pedagogical approach to the work always ensures that the creatives are continually morphing and merging their own talents and skills. You will never enter and leave the endeavour the same entity with Tennison at the helm.'
Gigi Strehler, UK, actor.
..'She would ask questions, offer suggestions and provide thoughtful feedback to help me develop my performance and continually bring myself to the role. I always felt in safe hands working with Helen'
Mark Rush, UK, Actor, Artistic Director Shakespeare's Wanderers.
'Helen is without a doubt one of the most brilliant, innovative, intuitive and creative people I’ve ever met.'
Kristina Kourkoulos , USA, actor, director.
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YOUR BODY AND THE FURNITURE PART 1
YOUR CREATIVE BODY
The focus is on you, making discoveries about your body, getting comfortable with your uniqueness and gaining the tools to get creative with your body in relation to the furniture.
NOVEMBER 13th & 14th
2-5pm UK (3-6pm CET / 9am-12 EST)
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YOUR BODY AND THE FURNITURE PART 2
TOUCH AND STORY
How much is said in the way we touch an object?
What stories do we tell with our physical relationship to the furniture of a room?
Gain the skills to tell clear stories in your bodies relationship to objects.
DECEMBER 11th & 12th
2-5pm UK (3-6pm CET / 9am-12 EST)
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YOUR BODY AND THE FURNITURE PART 3
CREATING PERFORMANCE MATERIAL
Tools to build movement material for performance, suitable for all bodies.
JANUARY 8th & 9th
2-5pm UK (3-6pm CET / 9am-12 EST)
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PRICE
£52 per workshop
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You don't need a lot of space for these workshops, a living room or bedroom is ideal.
You do need a chair and an internet connection for zoom.
Wear comfortable clothes.
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BOOKINGS
Email helenshopefulspecimens@gmail.com
to reserve you place or ask questions
or contact me using the form below
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Look forward to hearing from you!
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Helen :-)
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