Theatre students and the Apprentice Players, exclusively, will be given the opportunity of learning from an expert in the field of twenty-first century independent theatre in the second set of master class workshops arranged by Cultural Affairs. On Monday, October 24, Melanie Armer comes to the stage of the William and Helen Richards Theatre at Orange Hall to present Finding Story and Character through the Physical Body.

                                                                                                                                                                                                             Melanie Armer

She will explain the methods of developing character and the story. “Traditionally these have been divided into two types: ‘inside-out’ and ‘outside-in’.” Melanie’s core work in devising physical theater is 'outside-in'. She states, “Although language is a strong method of communication with an audience, the body can articulate as much information and emotion when used in tandem with or juxtaposition to language in performance.” She will demonstrate how this is accomplished through collaboration which she believes “is at the heart of artistic excellence.” Then, during the session, Armer will put students and actors into collaborative situations using her outside-in method.

                                         Nerve Tank Show

Collaborations are key to the success of ensemble-driven work such as her audio drama podcasts, the first of which, Dreamland necessitated the gathering of voice actors and sound engineers. For their efforts, her company, Nerve Tank, received a nomination by the Audio Verse Awards for Best Audio Play of 2019.

Armer has taken her BA in Theater from the University of Massachusetts and grown her knowledge and organizational skills as a producer, a production manager, a dramaturg, a creator of audio dramas, and a bicoastal director. She continues, “We collaborate with actors, designers, and other skilled creatives in a spirit of artistic adventure.”

So, be ready for an adventure in theatre that expands the mind to utilize the body in creating story.

The workshop is scheduled in three sessions: from 1 to 2:15pm and 2:30 to 3:45pm and 7 to 9:30pm.

In addition to her theatre work, Melanie Armer is a successful steel sculptor.

Questions may be directed to cultural@sunyorange.edu.