INTRODUCTION TO MOMENT WORK

3 HOURS

Students train in the basic devising technique of Moment Making. They create individual moments that explore gesture, light, sound, and architecture, becoming natural observers of the poetic and narrative potential of the elements.

A shorter introductory class can be offered for 90 minutes.

MOMENT WORK LEVELS TRAINING 1 - 3

25 Contact Hours

In Level 1 training, students become dexterous in working with the individual elements of the stage: lights, sound, costumes, props, and movement, engaging in an immersive generative process to discover theatrical language and form. Students utilize the Tectonic feedback method of analyzing theater to inspire their imaginations, and to ignite both their creative and critical thinking.

In Level 2, students learn ways to construct narrative through layering and sequencing techniques. Using the elements, they explore dynamic change and dramatic tension and begin to work with text. Students discover the inherent theatricality of their subject matter and the elements best applied to bring their content to life.

In Level 3, students discover the dialectical relationship between content and form. Building on Levels 1 and 2, Level 3 introduces the play-making process of Tectonic Theater Project, a workshop model that puts the elements of the stage on an equal playing field with the text. Students create short sequences that are narratively sound, dramatically driven, and theatrically innovative.

All rates assume a maximum of 25 students - for more than 25 students, an additional Tectonic Trainer will be added. Travel, accommodations, and per diem are additional costs.

NOTE: Tectonic is committed to making our workshops accessible to students. Please inquire if a sliding scale is needed.

CREATING NEW WORK THROUGH RESIDENCIES

50 contact hours

Following the Levels 1-3 training, schools may partner with Tectonic to create original devised pieces or apply Moment Work to an existing work or adaptation. Students are guided through the Devising and Dramaturgy process created by Tectonic artists whose work includes: The Laramie Project, Laramie: Ten Years Later, and Here There Are Blueberries, among hundreds of other Devised Works created with students.

2024 - 2025 Trainings and Residencies include:

• University of Arkansas: MFA theater program, original play, “Bookends,” performed as part of the Arkansas New Play Festival at TheaterSquared, a play created from interviews and lore about a local bookshop.

• Drew University: Mr. Burns: a post-electric play by Anne Washburn staged using Moment Work.

• Clemson University: “Call my Name: The Play” -- Scholar Dr. Rhondda Thomas adapts her vast archival research project, “Call My Name,” to the stage. Dr. Thomas has spent over a decade searching for and discovering seven generations of Black history at Clemson, a predominantly white institution built on a former plantation.

HERE THERE ARE BLUEBERRIES WORKSHOP

Students will read and study the play with one of the original creators/company members, then train in Moment Work with a focus on creating original work from historical sources.

THE LARAMIE PROJECT WORKSHOP

Tectonic Theater Project visits schools that are producing The Laramie Project to train the students in Moment Work, answer questions about the development of the play and its characters, and assist in the rehearsal process.

VIRTUAL WRITERS WORKSHOPS [VIRTUAL]
Tectonic provides mentorship and exercises to assist students in creating original work for the stage. This virtual work can be scheduled as a weekend or week-long intensive, or be offered as a virtual playwriting class over the course of a semester.

ZOOM WITH A TECTONIC COMPANY MEMBER [VIRTUAL]
An entry-level discussion about Tectonic Theater Project, our plays, and Moment Work, conducted virtually or in person.

TECTONIC + THE LARAMIE PROJECT [IN PERSON OR VIRTUAL]
Tectonic also collaborates with Judy and Dennis Shepard and the Shepard Foundation. Speaking engagements to coincide with productions of The Laramie Project, can also be organized between Tectonic and the Shepard Foundation.
Please inquire for more information.

MOISÉS KAUFMAN [IN PERSON OR VIRTUAL]
Tectonic Theater Project founder and Artistic Director Moisés Kaufman is also available for speaking engagements and discussions about the company and his work.
Please inquire for more information.

PRE-SHOW DISCUSSIONS [IN PERSON OR VIRTUAL]
Audience talk-backs and discussions about any of our works can be conducted virtually or in person.
Rate does not include travel, accommodations or per diem.

Note: Tectonic is committed to making our talks accessible to students. Please inquire if a sliding scale is needed.