LENOX, MA (May 30, 2024) WAM Theatre announces a series of free Summer workshops. Artists and community members are invited to join WAM’s experienced teaching artists to experiment with techniques of devised theater as a form that encourages empowered creative expression. The free workshops that are now enrolling are: Devising Theatre Online with Nicole Orabona on July 13th via Zoom; Ensemble-Building for Women 65+ with Michael Kennedy on July 16; and Devising Theatre en español with Maizy Broderick Scarpa and Gabriel CiFuentes on July 20th. The first workshop will be held over Zoom. The other two will take place at the WAM Theatre Hub in downtown Lenox. Registration is now open, and applications are due by July 1st.
As the phrase suggests, “devised theatre” is a performance method where the play is “invented” by the performers, rather than constructed from a pre-written script. The process is collaborative: participants use a variety of techniques—which might include writing, improvisation, games, movement, and brainstorming—to create original work. Unlike purely improvised shows, devised theatre uses those activities as tools to come up with material that is then shaped into a planned performance. Each workshop in WAM’s Fall series offers members the opportunity to engage with theatrical storytelling, and community building connections using a variety of devising practices. These special afternoon workshops are free and open to all, regardless of experience level.
“These workshops are the perfect opportunity to spend time with your creative self and to connect with WAM’s mission of arts activism. And with your community!” said Maizy Scarpa. “Join us for a couple of hours to play with free expression and your imagination.”
Devising Theatre Online with WAM Teaching Artist Nicole Orabona returns by popular demand this summer. Hosted on Zoom, this workshop is intended for anyone interested in collaboratively creating performance over the internet. Through a variety of devising techniques, participants will explore the process of creating art and connecting via digital platforms. While this workshop will be taught through the lens of theater, creative artists of other disciplines––as well as anyone ready to discover their creativity––are welcome and encouraged to participate.
“My theatre practice thrives in a collaborative environment,” says Orabona. “During the early isolating days of the pandemic, I was lucky enough to find ways to make art virtually that could fill me with the same satisfaction of rolling around on the floor in a studio. I’m excited to share these practices with the WAMily again!”
People with barriers to in-person workshops (whether due to health, scheduling, transportation or other reasons), and anyone curious about virtual collaboration is encouraged to take advantage of this unique workshop.
Ensemble-Building for Women 65+ is an opportunity for members of WAM’s Elder Ensemble, along with curious newcomers, to be introduced to the devising techniques of experienced teaching artist Michael Kennedy. In over two hours, participants will create original compositions through fun games, ensemble building and story sharing. Kennedy will be joined by veteran WAM artist KD McTeigue. The two will also be directing the Elder Ensemble’s devised performance this coming fall.
“For me, one of the most exciting things about devised theater is that it offers the opportunity to make something meaningful and true based on people’s lived experiences,” explains Kennedy, who will also be directing WAM’s 2024 Elder Ensemble this Fall. “The process of working together in this way creates far more than a production- it creates a deep understanding for each of us that we are not alone. We see ourselves in each other and, as a result, we are reminded of the power of creativity, empathy, and connection.”
Devising Theatre en español is WAM Theatre’s first bilingual offering and has been developed after requests from the Spanish-speaking community in the Berkshires. Offered in partnership with Latinas413 and with the support of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, this workshop will be co-led by WAM’s Director of Community Engagement Maizy Broderick Scarpa (who has extensive experience in bilingual arts education) and Teaching Artist and Native Spanish speaker Gabriel CiFuentes.
“We are fully aligned with WAM in this collaboration because together we can continue offering programming with a focus on women theater artists and/or stories of Latina women and girls,” explains Carmen Baker of Latinas413. This Spanish-language devised theatre workshop “enables participants to harness creativity, yielding benefits such as wellbeing and adaptability.”
The workshops are expected to sell out, and registration is now open. Visit www.wamtheatre.com/workshops/ to reserve your spot or to learn more.
ACCESSIBILITY
WAM is committed to increasing accessibility in theatre and the wider community. Please note the WAM Creative Hub is wheelchair accessible, and caregiver stipends are available to participants. If you incur caregiver costs (babysitters, after school care, adult caregivers etc.) in order to attend a WAM live theatre performance or workshop, you can request a reimbursement. If you have an accessibility need/s to participate fully in these workshops please contact us and we’ll do our best to provide what you need.
AT A GLANCE
Devising Theatre Online with Nicole Orabona
Saturday July 13th, 2024, 2-4 pm
Online, via Zoom
Ensemble-Building for Women 65+ with Michael Kennedy
Tuesday, July 16th, 2024, 3-5pm
WAM Theatre Creative Hub, 55 Main Street, Lenox, MA
Devising Theatre en español with Maizy Broderick Scarpa and Gabriel CiFuentes
WAM Theatre Creative Hub, 55 Main Street, Lenox, MA
Saturday, July 20th 2024, 4:30-6:30pm
Workshops are free to all participants. Registration is open through July 1st. Workshops are expected to sell out. Visit www.wamtheatre.com/workshops/ to reserve your spot or to learn more.
Donations to WAM Theatre’s Community Engagement programs welcome.
WAM COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
WAM Theatre empowers community through art. Community engagement is a central part of our activist mission. Each season, in accord with our main stage productions, we present invigorating conversations, workshops, professional development and devising ensembles that are responsive to the needs of the community and the time in which we are living.
LATINAS 413
Latinas 413 is an organization that currently offers a range of programs throughout the year, workshops, Rest & Reading Book club (circulo de lectura), hikes, camping, arts, and celebrations of our heritage in different cultural events. Created the first bilingual Mentorship Program in Berkshire, setting standards of leadership, unity, and professionalism. Latinas413 Mission is to Ignite the collective power of Latinas to expand their social and economic capital, serving as a bridge to resources available in our county, thereby increasing the representation of the voices, talents, and interests of Latinas across Berkshire County.
Email: info@latinas413.org
Website: Latinas413.org
Text: 413-679-1301
Mail: PO BOX 188, West Stockbridge, MA 01266
TEACHING ARTIST BIOS
Gabriel CiFuentes (he/him) is a Colombian theatre artist and educator in the Pioneer Valley. His artistic focus is on acting, directing, and sound designing. During the school year, he teaches English as a second language to students in the Easthampton school district. He believes that theatre and other artistic pursuits should be a vital component of children’s education. He applies his artistic experience to help others develop a healthy sense of self-esteem, perseverance, and critical thinking.
Michael Kennedy (she/her/hers) is a playwright, director, actor, teacher, and producer based in New York’s Capital Region. Current Role with WAM: Teaching Artist for the Elder Ensemble. Selected Artistic Credits: Michael has written and directed 14 plays and 5 films, addressing multiple social issues, including substance use disorder, racism, classism, housing instability/homelessness, suicide, sex trafficking, anti-war activism, re-entry after incarceration, and caretaking. She has acted in stage productions since she was a teenager, participated as an actor in Forensic Interviewing Training for child sexual abuse for 15 years, and has extensive experience as a Playback Theater conductor. Educational/Childcare Experience: Michael wrote and directed 7 plays with high school students as a teacher with the NYS Theatre Institute Theatre Arts School and SummerStage programs. She is a trainer in Creative Group Work, acting, creating safe spaces for theater work, and group building. Creative Inspiration: Michael is inspired by every artist who is using their work to educate, advocate and encourage audience members to take direct action in their own communities for social justice. Community Engagement/Activist Work: Michael has over 30 years of experience working in both human services and theater. Creative Action Unlimited is the synthesis of her extensive experience working directly with marginalized populations and her experience as a theater maker. Each of the stage and film productions at Creative Action Unlimited are original scripts, developed collaboratively, about specific social issues. In addition, Creative Action Unlimited is the umbrella organization for the Social Justice Artists Collective, a group of artists of various disciplines whose work intersects with social activism. Membership/Affiliations: Founder and Artistic Director of Creative Action Unlimited; member of the Dramatists Guild. Selected Training: BS in Human Development, MS in Community Psychology, extensive training in psychodrama and creative group work. Awards/Proudest Achievements: Michael’s proudest achievement is knowing that, for over 30 years, she designed and developed compassionate, respectful and effective programs for individuals who faced multiple personal challenges, including trauma, addiction, and violence. She is also proud of the collaborative relationships she continues to foster among artists, community organizations and educational institutions. Final Word: After years of admiring the WAM’s mission and commitment to excellence, Michael is honored to be joining the team as a Teaching Artist for the Elder Ensemble. Connect: creativeactionunlimited.com
KD McTeigue (she/her) is an actor from the Hudson Valley. Current Role with WAM: Teaching Artist. Previous WAM Theatre: Helen & others in The New Galileos, MisCast Cabaret singer: ROE, Samsara, The Oregon Trail. Elsewhere: Troy Foundry Theatre, Capital Repertory Theatre, Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble. Film: Dear Helen (dir. Henry Caughey) Television: Diabolical (Investigation Discovery Channel) Training: Kelly Kimball, U-Shin Kim, Will Bryan, Russell Sage College. Awards: Recipient of the Bruce Rainer award for Most Promise in Theatre. Connect: @kdmcteigue.
Nicole Orabona (they/she), is a queer, non-binary, Latinx theater maker who splits their time between a 45-year-old boat in NYC and a 100-year-old house in Berkshire County, MA. Acting: She thrives in collaborative and unconventional environments and has worked on over 30 interactive productions and prestige immersive events for clients that include Netflix and MGM. On-screen you can see them opposite Claire Danes in Hulu’s “Fleishman is in Trouble.” Directing: Nicole is the co-artistic director of Emit Theatre, co-founder of CirqueSaw Productions, and a company member of Infinite Variety Productions and Live in Theater. Awards/Achievements: Member of the 2022 Moxie Arts Incubator cohort, 2023 recipient of Mass Cultural Council Pandemic Recovery Grant, 2023 R.Evolución Latina Doreen Montalvo “Do It Anyway” scholarship finalist. Proud member of AEA. Connect: nicoleorabona.com
Maizy Broderick Scarpa (she/they/any pronouns) is an educator, writer, and theatre artist who is dedicated to building a more just & healthy world by fostering equity in the arts, and nurturing mutually supportive communities. Current Role at WAM: Director of Community Engagement. Previous WAM Credits: Teaching Artist; Actor in Fresh Takes (Port of Entry, Grand Concourse, The Droll, The Tall Girls, Campus Unrest); Selected Teaching Credits Elsewhere: Theatre: Barrington Stage Co, Shakespeare & Company, Hampton Shakespeare Festival, Dorset Theatre Festival, The Buxton School, Taconic High School, Le Chapeau Rouge, StateraConIV. English as a Foreign Language: Lycée Alphonse Daudet; Collège Rene Cassin; The Kurdish Regional Government. Training: NYU/Tisch (Adler & ETW). Awards & Experiences: Named a “Berkshire County Woman Change Maker” by the Berkshire Eagle for International Woman’s Day (nominated by Kristen van Ginhoven); proud member of the Dramatists Guild of North America Selected Artistic Credits: Maizy’s plays have enjoyed productions, readings, and workshops across the United States as well as in Sweden and France. She has performed as an actor throughout the Berkshires and across the Northeast. If you have kids, you may have heard their voice on WBUR’s popular storytelling podcast Circle Round. Inspired by the belief that all humans are artists, she founded Bloom Creativity in early 2020, which helps people unleash their inner artist through playwriting and creative wellness. Connect:maizyscarpa.com / bloomcreativity.com Instagram: @maizyscarpa / @bloom_creativity
WAM SUPPORT:
WAM Theatre’s 15th Anniversary Season is supported by many individuals and foundations including: Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, Berkshire Bank, Brabson Family Foundation, The Feigenbaum Foundation, GKV Foundation, Lee Bank Foundation, the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), Scarlet Sock Foundation, and WomenArts.
The Spanish workshop has been made possible by support from the Berkshires Taconic Community Foundation.
WAM’s season sponsors include Adams Community Bank, Blue Q., Berkshire Roots, Blue Spark Financial, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Garden Gables Inn, Guidos Fresh Marketplace, Handful Photography, Mill Town Foundation, Inc., Health Professional Coaching, Heller & Robbins Attorneys at Law, Interprint, Onyx Specialty Papers, Outpost Productions, RB Design Co., T Square Design Studio, Toole Insurance, a. von schlegell & co, and the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts.
With additional support from Local Cultural Council Grants from the Dalton Cultural Council, Lee Cultural Council, Lenox Cultural Council, Pittsfield Cultural Council, Northern Berkshire Cultural Council, Otis Cultural Council, Sandisfield Cultural Council, and Washington Cultural Council. WAM was also the recipient of recent support from the New England Foundation for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts, and U.S. Small Business Administration’s Shuttered Venue Operators Grant.
ABOUT WAM THEATRE
WAM Theatre is a professional theatre company based in Berkshire County, MA, that operates at the intersection of arts and activism. Now celebrating its 15th Anniversary Season, WAM creates theatre for gender equity and has a vision of theatre as philanthropy. In fulfillment of its philanthropic mission, WAM donates a portion of the proceeds from their Mainstage productions to carefully selected recipients. Since WAM’s founding in 2010, they have donated more than $100,000 to 26 local and global organizations taking action for gender equity in areas such as girls education, reproductive justice, sexual trafficking awareness, midwife training, and more. WAM Theatre has been widely recognized for having a positive impact on cultural and community development in the region. WAM is the recipient of the Creative Economy Standout Berkshire Trendsetter Award and previously, was named Outstanding Philanthropy Corporation of the Year by the Western MA Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. For more information, visit www.wamtheatre.com