Improvisation Assembly: Practice in Action

Improvisation Assembly: Practice in Action 

July 23 - 26, 2020 | 11am - 6pm EDT 

DESCRIPTION 

In this workshop we investigate the relationship and interdependence of solo practice and ensemble/collective action using the lens of improvisation. Over the course of the four days, the artistic integrity of each voice is sharpened in conversation with the whole and a dialogue emerges as individual aesthetics meet, interact, and expand.   

While the central thrust of the Architect’s research is grounded in movement, the unique nature of this workshop as a virtual gathering makes space to include improvisers for whom movement isn’t a primary practice. We are excited to work with a wide range of folks, including but not limited to: musicians, writers, visual artists, somatic practitioners, and community organizers. 

Unlike our in-person gatherings, and intensive-style movement workshops, there are no technical or movement prerequisites to participate. If you are keen to explore improvisation as a practice of embodied attention, we would love to welcome you to this workshop.   

Fresh perceptions and new choices are set in motion each day through provoking, open-ended questions and guided somatic practices co-facilitated by The Architects. Using Zoom as our primary platform, we will move in and out of: 

• guided solo explorations
• ensemble research
• time spent writing 
• time spent offline/outside in solo research 
• breaks for integration 
• dialogue both as a full group, and in breakout sessions. 

In order to get the most out of this workshop, you’ll need: 

• access to a smart phone or computer, with a reliable internet connection 
• access to an indoor space you can move around in; this doesn’t have to be huge, but big enough that you can say, swing your arms, or safely stretch your body out on the floor 
• clothes you feel comfortable moving around in  
• a notebook    

COST  

The Architects recognize that our collaborative research in improvisation is all the more powerful when we are able to practice with an expansive range of bodies, experiences, and intelligences.  To that end, we have a sliding scale fee structure, and ask that you pay at the highest level you are able. We also invite you to share this application with those in your communities that you think would benefit from and contribute to the collective work, regardless of their ability to pay.  

$200 For those whose livelihoods have been Covid-affected 

$300 For those whose livelihoods are unaffected by Covid 

$400+      For those with institutional funding and/or intergenerational wealth  

All proceeds above the cost of facilitator and administrative fees will be split between: 

1.  Establishing a Scholarship Fund for this and future Architects workshops, and  

2.  A donation to a social justice organization to be determined during the workshop. 

     This donation will be made on behalf of the collective body of this Improvisation Assembly.   

No one will be turned away for lack of funds.  If you need financial assistance beyond the scope of the sliding scale, please email us at architectsimprovise@gmail.com, and we will do everything we can to secure you a spot in the workshop.   

Please note: We are unable to process refunds after July 20.