Dates, Times, and Locations are subject to change.

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP

How and why do we talk and think with our hands? This workshop is for dancers thinking about movement & metaphor, actors searching for a new approach to text, linguists seeking embodiment, or even someone new to performance who wants a way in!

We'll start with an exploration into the different categories of gesture as defined by various researchers, and then begin to rework these definitions through movement. Then, we'll take a peek at making original performance pieces with our new tool kit of gestures. Our methods draw from a mix of dance, drama, clown, object theater, and ensemble devising.

This workshop is informed by scholarship presented at the International Society of Gesture Studies in 2022 with a mission to turn academic thought into theatrical ACTION!

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Lou Sydel makes performance that connects the linguistic study of gesture to experiences of queerness. Lou is the artistic director of Gesture Theater, a devising company of trans clowns, dancers, actors, and puppeteers. His curatorial work can be found at PhysFest, WestFest Top Floor, and Dance Parade. Lou is the co-founder of slowDANCE, a dance organization with a process forward mindset, where he produces monthly workshare potlucks with collaborator Lucia Gagliardone. Lou dances regularly with the Ellen Robbins Alumni company at New York Live Arts. He trained in mask work and clown at the Accademia Dell’Arte in Italy, and interdisciplinary performance theater at Bowdoin College. Notable performances include Arts on Site, Triskelion Arts, La MaMa Puppet Slam, Celebration Barn Theater, Brooklyn Art Haus, The Center at West Park, Edinburgh Fringe, and the International Society for Gesture Studies.

All artists welcome. No prior experience is necessary. Limited Space Available.