‘Light and Shadow Improv Theater’

‘Light and Shadow Improv Theater’

Wed Aug 1st from 5:30-7:30pm

$12 in advance, $15 at the door

maximum students 12

Instructor Bio:

Mollie Wolf taught Visual and Performing Arts in the Rochester City School District for many years including improv, puppetry, creative movement, shadow plays, and happenings. She has directed plays for young and old. As part of her Art Education degree she studied a wide variety of fine art media. Her paintings have been exhibited at the Memorial Art Gallery, Strasenburgh Planetarium, The Key Gallery in Manhattan, and many other venues.

Mollie’s unique form of ‘light and shadow improv theater’, has delighted audiences in Rochester, Buffalo, and private parties.

Utilizing silhouettes large and small, we will improvise within the framework of a familiar story - creating audio-visual jazz. Mollie’s unique art form blends the genres of movie making and live theater. It extends what we think of as a shadow play- objects on the lens of an overhead are projected onto the back of a screen and actors and performers interact with these projections. Our play is based upon the framework of a well-beloved children’s story-The three Little Pigs’.

In this workshop students will learn:

• How to set a stage to implement this artform within their own discipline and artform.

• What types of objects and props work best to further the plot and encourage creative improvisation on the theme.

• How to animate objects being projected on the back of the screen.

• To interact with projections, props, and their fellow actors-- bringing the story to life.

• Students will gain experience as a projectionist and as an assistant. A narrator in front-of-the-screen will serve as director of the show.

• Gain a new understanding using scenery and lights as tools to make their performances unique.

In the workshop the students will work with Ms. Wolf to create a 15-minute piece for the Saturday Night Showcase. No acting experience is required, but come prepared to incorporate your chosen art, and to surprise yourself.

This workshop is accessible to everyone, aged 12 or older, with or without performance experience, of any artistic or performing discipline. Students of various backgrounds and abilities are encouraged.

If you are unable to participate in the performance Saturday night, please discuss this at the class so Ms Wolf can accommodate your needs.