Empty Space / Inspiration

Empty__Space | “Inspiration”

September-Workshop with Ragnar in NYC

open space

“Today, emptiness is an uncomfortable challenge to the director and the writer, as well as to the actor. Can a space be left open, beyond all one thinks, believes and wishes to assert?” –Peter Brook–

When
Sunday September 16th, 2018
12:00 – 4:00pm (studio opens at 11:45am)

Where
Lucid b&w

@ LUCID BODY HOUSE
230 Lexington Ave
Between 33rd & 34th St.
Subway: 6 Line. 10 min walk from: B, D ,F, M, N, Q, R, W, S,
4, 5, 7 & Metro North. 15 min walk from: 1, 2, 3, A, C, E, LIRR

The Workshop
What is there when there is nothing? In a space not filled with achievement, plans or identities: Who or what shows up? – Welcoming the Unknown, we will explore what the space will offer the performer, when we open up to Emptiness. In giving expression to what comes to visit we may find what Michael Chekhov called: inspired acting.

Material
Please bring a text that
* is a monologue, or other (dramatic) text, 1-2 minutes long.
* is a text you definitely want to work with
* is a text you definitely don’t want to work with

Tuition
The tuition is $80 (/ $50 for members of Ragnar’s Scene-Study Class). This includes a free audio-exercise* after the workshop. Upon acceptance into the workshop, a $30 deposit is required to hold your space. The remaining amount ($50) is due on the day of the workshop. (*If you are unable to make the workshop, but wish to receive the audio-exercise only, please inquire.)

Faculty
RAGNAR FREIDANK has been on faculty at The New School’s Acting Program in NYC for the past 10 years. He is one of the featured teachers and co-director of the acclaimed DVD series Master Classes in the Michael Chekhov Technique, produced by the Michael Chekhov Association (MICHA). He directed the award-winning narrative film Beautiful Hills of Brooklyn, starring Joanna Merlin, executive producer Bob Balaban. You can read more on our faculty page.

How to Apply
To apply, please send us a short message and Ragnar will contact you. Class size is limited.

Testimonials
Ragnar is an artist, both as a teacher and as a director. He is on an impassioned and relentless search to discover ways of connecting the actor with his own resources.
(JOANNA MERLIN, Broadway, film, TV actress; author of ‘Auditioning, An Actor Friendly Guide’)
Being in a rehearsal hall or studio with Ragnar is a constant source of clarity and inspiration; it is a keenly observed exploration into the heart of the matter, or certainly somewhere in that vicinity. (BRENT CARVER, actor, Tony Award for ‘Kiss of the Spiderwoman’)
Ragnar is an incredibly generous, curious, and imaginative teacher, who knows how to help illuminate character and motivation and help you move forward as an actor.
(DIANE DAVIS, Broadway and television actress)
Through Ragnar, I found a freedom in my work that I didn’t know was possible. He has completely changed the way I see the craft and who I am in it, and I am the richer for it.
(MIKAELA MARTIN, actress, Australia)
Ragnar’s work, based on the brilliant explorations of Michael Chekhov, is very much his own. He is an excellent listener and willing collaborator and I cannot speak too highly of the man and the teacher.
(MICHAEL HOWARD, actor, director, acting teacher, founder of the ‘Michael Howard Studios’, NYC)

More Information
For additional information feel free to contact us.

Audio Session on Expanding-Contracting [excerpt]

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Title Image: Photography by Yuan-rong Liao Anderson