CenterStage
Theatre workshop topics will span the spectrum!
CENTERSTAGE is a series of workshops offered annually, free of charge to the community, designed to expose participants to professional guidance and development in Black theatre. Workshops are led by a panel of experienced theater professionals, educators and practitioners who bring a wealth of diverse knowledge and skills. Registration is required. Through engaging activities, ARTI CenterStage workshops provide a wide range of opportunities for participants to nurture their talents, sharpen their skills, and deepen their knowledge. Join us at our next workshop event!
CenterStage was launched in 2019 through inspirational dialogue characterized by lively exchanges between local theater enthusiasts and seasoned veterans of the lndy stage community during an interactive reception at the Madam C.J. Walker Legacy Center. The event served as a public ‘coming out party’ for the sponsoring Africana Repertory Theatre of IUPUI (ARTI). More importantly it created an energetic forum for spirited, informal, heartfelt conversation on the past, present and future of Black theater in Indy. Multigenerational thespians voiced frustrations on the difficulty faced on their theatrical journeys. Notable icons of Central Indiana offered constructive insight as well as their concerns. The discussion ended with unanimous commitments to build on and sustain the momentum generated. That momentum gave birth to what we now call CenterStage.
The CenterStage workshop convenes a broad range of Black theater enthusiasts, from the novice to those pursuing equity or looking for ways to reach higher levels of live stage production. Each participant will be able to attend two different workshops. All the sessions will be interactive with presenters. The following are workshop sessions that will be included:
- THE SHOW. Playwriting and editing; directing; more effective and forceful acting. Methods for creating strong stories – conveyed with maximum impact on stage.
- THE BUSINESS. Production development and setting timelines, budgeting, auditions, venue/box office concerns, fundraising, grant opportunities and marketing.
- ACTING PLUS. Beyond conventional acting. Theatrical performances related to choreography, musical production and spoken word.
- THE TECH. Exploration of techniques, technology and opportunities in lighting and sound, as well as video technology and special effects.
- THE LOOK. The stage vision that accents the presentation. Artistic direction; set design and construction; props; make up and costuming. Sessions will run concurrently and will be repeated, allowing each participant to attend either two of the topic areas addressed.