“Tectonic Theater Project is a monumental and pioneering voice in American theater. Their work gracefully merges the political and the poetic to excavate truths about the human condition.”
- Lynne Nottage, Pulitzer Prize-Winning Playwright
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.
TRAINING PROGRAMS
Introduction to Moment Work
4 hours / $1,500
Students learn the origin story of Moment Work and are trained in the basic technique of Moment Making. They create individual moments that explore gesture, light, sound, and architecture, becoming natural observers of poetic and narrative potential of the elements.
LEVEL 1: Elements of the Stage
20 Hours / $3,500
In Level 1 training, students become dexterous in working with the individual elements of the stage both solo and in groups. Students utilize the Tectonic feedback method of analyzing theater from a structuralist perspective. Igniting both their creativity and critical thinking, students engage in an immersive generative process to discover theatrical language and form.
LEVEL 2: Writing Performance
20 Hours / $3,500
In Level 2 of the training, students learn / discover 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 in their moment making. Students discover the inherent theatricality of their subject matter and the elements best applied to bring their content to life.
LEVEL 3: Constructing Narratives
40 Hours / $7,000
In Level 3 of the training students discover the dialectical relationship between content and form. Building on Levels 1 and 2, Level 3 closely follows 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. Experimenting with organizing principle, students create short sequences that are narratively sound, dramatically driven, and theatrically innovative. Levels 1, 2, & 3 provide the basis for the broad use and application of Moment Work to tell stories, to explore character, or to explore pre-existing plays and theatrical adaptations.
Total Training Levels 1-3: $15,000
All rates assume no more than 20 students - for more than 20 students, an additional Tectonic Trainer will be added. Travel, accommodations and per diem are additional costs.
Sliding Scale is available. Please contact the Institute.
“Moment Work is an invaluable method for exploring existing work and devising new plays from scratch. A uniquely diverse and imaginative process.”
MOMENT WORK & MFA PROGRAMS
Moment Work has been used as core devising curriculum for ensemble based cohorts in acting, directing, playwriting and Masters programs (MFAs) across the country. The core Moment Work curriculum consists of:
YEAR ONE
Introduction to Moment Work and LEVEL 1: The Elements of the Stage
LEVEL 2: Writing Performance
LEVEL 3: Constructing Narrative
YEAR TWO
Ensemble created original work or Thesis Development solo work Parts 1, 2, and 3
Students are guided through a process to generate original work, either together as an ensemble, or invidually as part of their solo thesis performances. In both cases, students work together in development. This hands-on mentorship happens over the course of three workshops: the first is exploratory, the second is generative, and the third combines writing and moment work leading up to performance.
RESIDENCIES
Creating Short Original Works
60 hours
Students work with Tectonic instructor(s) to choose a subject matter. Tectonic instructor guides the students in creating a content portfolio which may include: questionnaires, interviews, non-fiction sources, images, music, and original writing. Students then share or present their content for group discussion. Students work individually and in groups to create moments inspired by the content. Tectonic instructor guides the students in constructing a short piece(s) based on their content and moments.
Cost: $10,000
The intial stages of this lab can be conducted remotely. Prior Moment Work training Levels 1 and 2 are encouraged but not required.
If this residency leads to a production, the total number of increases to 80 hours.
Cost: $14,000
WORKSHOPS BY
FOUNDING COMPANY MEMBERS
The Moment Work Institute is thrilled to offer a series of master classes and workshops taught by Tectonic Theater Project’s founding company members. The wide-ranging roster of offerings includes workshops on everything from songwriting to making theater from interviews and creating theatrical adaptations of existing works. Click below for a full listing of current offerings, teaching artists, and pricing.
VIRTUAL OFFERINGS & SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
The Moment Work Institute's Speaker Series enables us to join you on your campus for engaging and thought-provoking lectures, talks, and discussions. Tectonics’ speaker roster includes company members who have created original work: Leigh Fondakowski, Barbara Pitts McAdams, Amanda Gronich, Jimmy Maize, Scott Barrow, and more. Common topics include:
The history of Tectonic Theater Project, Moment Work, and The Laramie Project
Theater as a catalyst for social change
Life as a creative artist
$2,500 +
Rate does not include travel, accommodations or per diem. A travel rate of $50/hr may be included.
TECTONIC + THE LARAMIE PROJECT
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 Shepards.
Please inquire for more information.
MOISÉS KAUFAMAN
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
Audience talk-backs and discussions about any of our works, conducted virtually or in person.
1 Hour Session / $1,000
Rate does not include travel, accommodations or per diem. A travel rate of $50/hr may be included.
ZOOM WITH A TECTONIC COMPANY MEMBER
An entry-level discussion about Tectonic Theater Project, our plays and Moment Work, conducted virtually or in person.
1 Hour Session / $500
“Moment Work has become the foundation of my devising methodology: these practices elevate the theatre maker’s ability to precisely articulate their artistic intentions, which makes for strong devisers as well as actors, directors, designers and playwrights.”
- RICH BROWN, Professor, Physical Acting & Devising at Western Washington University