28th Annual William Inge Theatre Festival
Workshop and Panel Descriptions
(Check Frequently for updates and changes)
All workshops are accessible with a Daytime Pass or a Director's Pass.
Playwriting and Screenwriting
A Complex Evening Discussion. A discussion of the previous night's plays by William Inge. Featuring directors, Karen Carpenter and Jon Sidoli, and members of the cast. Thursday 9:00 AM
Art and Issues: Can you do both?: Writing political, ecological, biographical or other issue-oriented plays can run the danger of getting lost in factual data or preaching from the pulpit. Playwright Marcia Cebulska will draw on her own experience to lead a discussion on how to avoid the pitfalls of issue-oriented writing and raise the issue play to an artful experience. Thursday 10:45AM
Becoming Emily Dickinson: For writers and actors. The workshop explores the art of portraying a well-known person. Actor/writer, Barbara Dana, shares her process in preparing to play Emily Dickinson in The Belle of Amherst (summer, 2009 in Canada) and in researching the poet for her latest novel, A VOICE OF HER OWN: Becoming Emily Dickinson (HarperCollins, 2009). Participants explore their own process. Pictures and music round out this "how to" of bringing a famous person to authentic life. Ms. Dana is an author, playwright and actress who starred in the original production of William Inge's "Where's Daddy" on Broadway. Taught by Barbara Dana. Saturday 3:45 PM
Characters Have Bodies: Taught by this year's winner of the Otis Guernsey New Voices in American Theatre playwrights award. Writers will explore the physicality of character through free writing and improvisations to develop rich, complex and vivid characters for the stage. Taught by Carlos Murillo. Sat. 9:00 AM
Connections. Whether you are a writer starting or in the middle of a project or an actor wanting to explore playwriting, you already possess, deep inside you, everything you need to jumpstart your art and bring forth your unique voice. Through a series of in-class exercises, this workshop is a roadmap to the wonder of the unconscious mind and the thrill of creation. Taught by Arlene Hutton. Thursday 2:15 PM
Diagram of a Paper Airplane Discussion. A discussion of the previous night's new play by Otis Guernsey New Voices award-winner, Carlos Murillo. Featuring the playwright, director and members of the cast. Friday 9:00 AM
Director Playwright Collaboration. A look at the different methods of collaboration on a new play. Exploring the roles of the various collaborators as a play is transformed from page to stage. A variety of directors and playwrights discuss their processes. Playwrights include: Marcia Cebulsa, Richard Hellesen, Arlene Hutton, Lynne Kaufman, Carlos Murillo. Directors include: Karen Carpenter, Peter Ellenstein, Eric Rosen, Luke Yankee. Friday 2:15 PM & Sat. 9:00 AM
New Play Reading, WHAT KEEPS US GOING, by Barbara Dana!: Elizabeth Wilson & Barbara Dana, actors from the original Broadway productions of the William Inge plays, PICNIC and WHERE'S DADDY? read a new play about life in the theatre. A discussion follows, "How does one maintain an ongoing professional career as an actor?" Bring questions for these two friendly theatre, film and TV veterans! Saturday 10:30 AM
Not "The End": The Nuts and Bolts of Play Submission: You've finished writing that play—now what? The How, Where and When of submitting scripts for development and production, including a look at submission strategies, query letters, e-mail and internet marketing, and the care and feeding of literary managers...Taught by Richard Hellesen. Saturday 2:15 PM
Why Get Paid for it When You Can Give it Away for Free?: A discussion about getting one's work out to the public in an era of internet connectivity and economic recession. During a time in which novelists are putting their work online and short films are available on Youtube, how should playwrights respond? Are we returning to a "gift economy" in the Arts? Taught by Marcia Cebulska. Friday 3:45PM
Writing from the Senses: When we write from our senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch) our work comes vividly alive. In this workshop, participants will begin with an interactive exercise that will awaken their senses and then write a monologue inspired by the experience. Please bring paper and pen. Taught by Lynne Kaufman. Thursday 9:00 AM
Writing Historical Characters: Playwright, Lynne Kaufman, has written plays featuring such historical luminaries as Carl Jung, Sigmund Freud, James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, Georgia O'Keeffe and Charlie Chaplin. In this workshop, using her own work as a starting point, she will discuss the reasons for writing about 'real life' historical characters. The benefits and the difficulties are examined. The roles of research and imagination are explored as are the lines between facts and truth. This workshop is primarily a lecture and discussion. Saturday 10:30 AM
Acting and Performing
Auditioning for Television: This workshop will offer various opportunities and scenarios illustrating what it's like to audition for primetime television shows using audition material. All materials will be provided. Taught by Daniel Tatar. Thursday 10:45AM
Becoming Emily Dickinson: For writers and actors. The workshop explores the art of portraying a well-known person. Actor/writer, Barbara Dana, shares her process in preparing to play Emily Dickinson in The Belle of Amherst (summer, 2009 in Canada) and in researching the poet for her latest novel, A VOICE OF HER OWN: Becoming Emily Dickinson (HarperCollins, 2009). Participants explore their own process. Pictures and music round out this "how to" of bringing a famous person to authentic life. Ms. Dana is an author, playwright and actress who starred in the original production of William Inge's "Where's Daddy" on Broadway. Taught by Barbara Dana. Saturday 3:45 PM
Building a Character: Developing a technique for creating rich and compelling characters. Mostly consisting of ìlearning to askî and ìstart to answerî questions, which lead to more questions. The aim is to develop characters the actor knows, empathizes with and ultimately loves. Participants MUST BRING MONOLOGUES OR SCENES TO WORK ON. Come ready to explore in a safe and encouraging atmosphere. Taught by Patricia Randell. Saturday 3:45 PM
Connections. Whether you are a writer starting or in the middle of a project or an actor wanting to explore playwriting, you already possess, deep inside you, everything you need to jumpstart your art and bring forth your unique voice. Through a series of in-class exercises, this workshop is a roadmap to the wonder of the unconscious mind and the thrill of creation. Taught by Arlene Hutton. Thursday 2:15 PM
Finding the "Sweet Spot": Scenes and Monologues. What makes some scenes and monologues cause sparks, while others just lie there? Alan Safier will personally coach your prepared material with special attention to specifics in characterization and physicality, finding the "arc" and the "red line," exploring circumstances, and finding the "sweet spot" in your scene or speech. Participants are invited to bring in well-worked and memorized scenes or monologues for coaching. Friday 9:00 AM
Making it in New York. Several performers share their experiences in trying to be in the theatre in the big Apple. Liz Morton, Amanda White, Kelly Sullivan. Friday 9:00 AM
Movement for the Stage: Join us for an exploration of some basic movement concepts in the theatre. Through the use of some dance technique, physical storytelling and Viewpoints, we will work on a sampling of movement practices that may be valuable in ensemble-building, rehearsals, and character development. Please wear comfortable/relaxed clothing. Amanda White. Thursday 9:00AM, Saturday 3:45PM
Scene and Monologue coaching: Professional coaching of scenes and monologues for actors or students who wish to bring in prepared pieces. These workshops will be taught by a variety of our guest artists including Elizabeth Wilson and Barbara Dana Thursday 10:45 AM
Starting Out in New York: a lively discussion about having a fun, full, financially-secure life as an actor in New York whether you're "making it" or not. Taught by Liz Morton. Saturday 10:30 AM
Ten Rules for a Brilliant Audition: In these challenging times, we all need to have the sharpest skills possible. Actor/director/producer Luke Yankee will show you how to master any audition or job interview for the rest of your life. Thursday 3:45 PM
Voiceover: How is voiceover acting different from stage acting? What are the tricks of the trade to doing dialogue commercials? Do I have the right kind of voice to make it in the business? Alan Safier, one of the busiest voiceover actors in Hollywood, takes you through the ins and outs of the v/o world. Participants will have the opportunity to work on real commercial copy and be coached by one of the best in the business. Taught by Alan Safier. Thursday 2:15 PM
Yoga Warm Up: Start your day with a focus, energy stretching and relaxation in a gently guided yoga workshop. Bring clothes to move in and a yoga mat if you have one. Taught by certified yoga teacher Kelly Webber, ICC's vocal music instructor. Thurs. & Fri. 8:00 AM
Musical Theatre
Auditions and Song Preparation: Please prepare and bring 24-32 bars of an audition song for coaching with Broadway performer and Artistic Director or Music Theatre of Wichita. Taught by Wayne Bryan. Friday 2:15 PM
Musical Theatre Audition: Please prepare and bring 24-32 bars of an audition song. Participants will learn how to audition for a musical. Learn how to breakdown an audition song, finding specifics and deepening connects with the chosen material. taught by veteran Broadway performer. Taught by Kelly Sullivan. Thursday 9:00 AM & Sat. 9:00 AM
Musical Theatre Audition—Song Interpretation (how to act and sing a song): Please prepare and bring 24-32 bars of an audition song for coaching with this famed singer/actress, who created the role of Luisa in "The Fantasticks, "the Longest-running musical of all time! Taught by Rita Gardner. Thursday 10:45AM
Musical Theatre Coaching: Please prepare and bring 24-32 bars of an audition song. Get coached by Tony Nominees. Taught by Martin Vidnovic (Thursday 2:15 PM) and Susan Watson (Friday 9:00 AM).
Musical Theatre History. A walk through America's original artform: Musical Theatre told in video music and a rich and entertaining narrative by one of the most knowledgable musical theatre practicioners in America, Broadway performer and Producing Artist Director of Music Theatre of Wichita, Wayne Bryan. Thurs. 3:45 PM
Directing
A Complex Evening Discussion. A discussion of the previous night's plays by William Inge. Featuring directors, Karen Carpenter and Jon Sidoli, and members of the cast. Thursday 9:00 AM
Diagram of a Paper Airplane Discussion. A discussion of the previous night's new play by Otis Guernsey New Voices award-winner, Carlos Murillo. Featuring the playwright, director and members of the cast. Friday 9:00 AM
The Directing Process. An exploration of the process and techniques used by a working professional director as she moves a script through casting and design meetings into the rehearsal room and onto the stage. Karen Carpenter. Thurs. 3:45 PM
Director Playwright Collaboration. A look at the different methods of collaboration on a new play. Exploring the roles of the various collaborators as a play is transformed from page to stage. A variety of directors and playwrights discuss their processes. Playwrights include: Marcia Cebulsa, Richard Hellesen, Arlene Hutton, Lynne Kaufman, Carlos Murillo. Directors include: Karen Carpenter, Peter Ellenstein, Eric Rosen, Luke Yankee. Friday 2:15 PM & Sat. 9:00 AM
Production
Grey Gardens – from quirky documentary film to even quirkier Broadway musical: A panel about the journey of shows to the Broadway stage. Taught by Will Willoughby. Sat. 2:15 AM
Realizing ideas: How to find that winning idea and what to do with it once you've found it. Taught by Will Willoughby. Fri. 2:15 PM
State of the Theatre (Friday): The Arts, Cultural Policy and Advocacy: What's the value of the arts to our country? What role can theatre play in our national dialogue? How can cultural policy, and those who love the arts, make a difference? Gigi Bolt, Teresa Eyring, Llewellyn Crain, Moderator Jackson Bryer. Friday 3:45 PM
State of the Theatre (Saturday): American Theatre: Mapping the Future: You name it, it's changing! Society. . . the economy. . . the arts. How's the theatre field responding today? And how is it charting the path to tomorrow? Gigi Bolt, Teresa Eyring. Saturday 10:30 AM
General Theatre
Autograph Signings: The official autograph signing session takes place following the conversation with Tom Jones on Friday. Books and CD's are available for purchase at Registration. Along with Mr. Jones, other writers and performers include: New Voices winners Carlos Murillo, Lynne Kaufman. Also Barbara Dana, Marcia Cebulska, Richard Hellesen, Arlene Hutton, Ralph Voss and Luke Yankee. Friday 12:00 Noon
Creating Your Own Life: In this powerful and transformative workshop, get clear on what you want and need to create in order to live your own best life now. Through guided meditations, visualizations and stress-releasing exercises, learn how let go of the fear and be the star you were meant to be in any arena! Taught by Luke Yankee, an actor, director, teacher, coach and motivational speaker. Saturday 2:15 PM
Grey Gardens – from quirky documentary film to even quirkier Broadway musical: A panel about the journey of shows to the Broadway stage. Taught by Will Willoughby. Sat. 2:15 AM
Elizabeth Wilson: My Life in Theatre and Film: Tony winner and Theatre Hall of Fame member, Elizabeth Wilson, talks about her sixty-plus years in theatre and film, while showing video clips from a selection of her work, and answering questions about her remarkable life on stage and screen. Friday 2:15 PM
Networking 101: Classes, training programs and jobs teach us how to be good actors and directors. You may be the best in your group, but without knowing how to market yourself and utilize networking tools to your advantage, you'll lose the jobs to someone else who already knows! While focusing on acting, this workshop teaches skills that can easily be applied to any career. Taught by Daniel Tatar. Friday 3:45 PM
Realizing ideas: How to find that winning idea and what to do with it once you've found it. Taught by Will Willoughby. Friday 2:15 PM
The Scholars Conference: The presentation of four papers on William Inge, Jones and Schmidt and the American Theatre. Moderated by Conference Chair, Jackson Bryer. Sat. 2:15-4:00 PM
Special FX for the Theatre: What to do When You Have Big Demands and a Small Budget: A seminar on basic theatrical special effects you can create yourself. Taught by Esquire Jauchem, Co-Founder of Jauchem & Meeh, Special Effecrts, NYC and Co-Author of Special Effects for the Theatre published by A.C. Black, London. Esquire has created effects for some of the largest theatrical productions in the U.S. including the burning of Moscow (WAR & PEACE by Prokofiev, American Premiere), the burning of Troy (LES TROYENS by Berlioz), and SINGIN' IN THE RAIN on Broadway. Thursday 2:15PM
Starting Out in New York: a lively discussion about having a fun, full, financially-secure life as an actor in New York whether you're "making it" or not. Taught by Liz Morton. Saturday 10:30 AM
State of the Theatre (Friday): The Arts, Cultural Policy and Advocacy: What's the value of the arts to our country? What role can theatre play in our national dialogue? How can cultural policy, and those who love the arts, make a difference? Gigi Bolt, Teresa Eyring, Llewellyn Crain, Moderator Jackson Bryer. Friday 3:45 PM
State of the Theatre (Saturday): American Theatre: Mapping the Future: You name it, it's changing! Society. . . the economy. . . the arts. How's the theatre field responding today? And how is it charting the path to tomorrow? Gigi Bolt, Teresa Eyring. Saturday 10:30 AM
Technical Theatre
Special FX for the Theatre: What to do When You Have Big Demands and a Small Budget: A seminar on basic theatrical special effects you can create yourself. Taught by Esquire Jauchem, Co-Founder of Jauchem & Meeh, Special Effecrts, NYC and Co-Author of Special Effects for the Theatre published by A.C. Black, London. Esquire has created effects for some of the largest theatrical productions in the U.S. including the burning of Moscow (WAR & PEACE by Prokofiev, American Premiere), the burning of Troy (LES TROYENS by Berlioz), and SINGIN' IN THE RAIN on Broadway. Thursday 2:15 PM
Arts Education
Musical Theatre History: "The Musical Play: America's Greatest Homegrown Art Form"—an examination of American culture as reflected in the musical comedies and plays from 1866 to the present. Taught by Wayne Bryan. Thurs. 3:45 PM
The Scholars Conference: The presentation of four papers on William Inge, Jones and Schmidt and the American Theatre. Moderated by Conference Chair, Jackson Bryer. Sat. 2:15-4:00 PM
About William Inge
All About Inge—Inge Collection: Inge's biographer, Ralph Voss, discusses Inge's life and works and the materials in the William Inge Collection, used by researchers from around the world. Taught by Ralph Voss. Thurs.& Fri. 3:45 PM, Sat. 9:30 AM
A Complex Evening Discussion. A discussion of the previous night's plays by William Inge. Featuring directors, Karen Carpenter and Jon Sidoli, and members of the cast. Thursday 9:00 AM
The Scholars Conference: The presentation of four papers on William Inge, Jones and Schmidt and the American Theatre. Moderated by Conference Chair, Jackson Bryer. Sat. 2:15-4:00 PM
William Inge, The Interview: a play on reality by Walter Willison adapted from interviews with William Inge: Attend a seminar with William Inge, himself, as he visits Independence, Kansas, for one last time, in 1972. Though the "visit" to Independence never took place, the interviews did. Compiled from private interviews between 1971-73 (including previously unpublished material) by Tony nominee, Walter Willison, who also stands in for Inge, with Barbara Dana, star of Inge's final Broadway play, WHERE'S DADDY, as The Interviewer. Highlighted in the interview are the playwright's frank comments, made during the final years of his life. Topics include growing up in Independence, Kansas during the early part of the 20th century, teaching, the real life inspirations for his characters, the theatre and the State of the Art during his lifetime, personal and professional relationships, and his private lifestyle choices. Presented by Barbara Dana and Walter Willison. Friday 3:45 PM