Mario’s Creative Movement Session for Actors

Class description from Bard website:

Mario's creative movement class is designed to help artists develop a foundation for story-telling through movement and music connection. Using elements from different dance techniques, this class is perfect for any actors who want to delve into dance to further their artistry and storytelling.

What is Bard Studio and Bard Education? (Taken from Bard website)

“Bard on the Beach is Western Canada’s largest not-for-profit, professional Shakespeare Festival. Presented in Vancouver’s Sen̓ákw/Vanier Park against a spectacular backdrop of mountains, sea and sky, the Festival offers Shakespeare plays, related dramas and special events in two modern performance tents from June through September, with an average attendance of 100,000. The Festival is known for its signature blend of high-quality artistic programming and a welcoming, informal experience for local residents and visitors from around the world. Bard Studio provides free training for theatre professionals at any stage in their career. All classes take place on Mondays at the BMO Theatre Centre. This year’s series celebrates the wide range of talent in our theatre community by featuring guest facilitators from diverse disciplines.”

“Bard Education offers year-round opportunities to play and explore Shakespeare, through programs for youth, emerging theatre artists, and our general community.”

Recent Session: Monday March 11, 2024

6:30 - 9:30 pm
BMO Theatre Centre

Mario's creative movement class is designed to help artists develop a foundation for story-telling through movement and music connection. Using elements from choreography and freestyle, this class is perfect for actors who want to delve into dance to further their artistry and storytelling.

Previous Session: November 27th, 2023

Photo Credit: Max Mehran / Bard Studios

The goal for the creative movement class was for each artist to be able to interpret the music (lyrics & rhythm), then connect and communicate that specific interpretation through movement.

Goal for the Session

What did we work on?

  • We went over how the quality of our movement can enhance storytelling and emotional conviction. For example: If I move quicker and stronger, what emotion will that communicate with my audience?

  • We used freestyle as a canvas for storytelling—Using our own interpretation of the music as a guideline and then communicating it through movement

  • We used choreography as another canvas for storytelling. Along with learning the step of the combo, we used the learned movement quality elements into the steps to further communicate emotion and conviction.