Mu Training Institute written on a red banner with a navy background.

INTRO TO THE SUZUKI METHOD OF ACTING

with kt shorb

REGISTER
 

CONNECT YOUR ACTING WITH “THE INVISIBLE BODY”

Having recently participated in a two-week intensive at the Suzuki Company of Toga, kt shorb will offer a one-day workshop on June 8 to share some basics of the Suzuki Method of Actor Training, which was developed by acclaimed director Tadashi Suzuki and the Suzuki Company of Toga. Suzuki focuses on developing control of three elements of “the invisible body,”—breath, center of gravity, and energy production. Intensely physical, the Suzuki Method is built around what Suzuki calls the “grammar of the feet,” emphasizing powerful connection between the lower body and the ground. Suzuki draws from traditional Japanese theater, as well as ballet, martial arts, and ancient Greek theaters.

This class is designed for working or aspiring BIPOC artists who are 16 years or older. Participation is limited to 20 artists. Registration deadline is June 3 at 11:59 pm CT.

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

DATE & TIME: June 8 from 12:30-3:30 pm CT

LOCATION: Collide Theatrical Studio (755 Prior Ave N, Suite 2235H, Saint Paul, MN 55104). This MTI course will take place in person with no option for remote/Zoom participation.

COST: $40 MV, with Pay As You Are beginning at $25

EXPECTATIONS & ATTIRE

This workshop is physically intense with a focus on exercises that target the lower body. Activity level is similar to dance or circuit training with periodic breaks. Participants are encouraged to bring a water bottle and a hand towel for sweat.

Participants must wear attire that shows the shape of their knees and elbows. Shorts that fall above the knee are preferred, but tights or slim-fitting yoga pants are fine. Please also make sure to bring sturdy, well-fitting socks, or 100% cotton tabi socks with canvas soles.

Participants are welcome to wear masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 or other communicable diseases, but masks are not required due to the intense respiratory work involved in the Suzuki method.

Please email morgen@theatermu.org with any questions. 

 

MEET THE INSTRUCTOR

KT SHORB (they/them) is a director, actor, and scholar. They are an assistant professor in the theater and dance department at Macalester College. They have trained in physical theatre with Suzuki Company of Toga, SITI Company, and Zen Zen Zo. Directorial credits include: Ottone in Villa, Lucretia, L’incoronazione di Poppea, She Kills Monsters, black girl love: an adaptation project, The Women of __, Carmen, 893 | Ya-ku-za, Scheherazade, and The Mikado: Reclaimed. Their article, “Reappropriation, Reparative Creativity, and Feeling Yellow in Generic Ensemble Company’s The Mikado: Reclaimed,” appears in the Journal of American Drama and Theatre. They also write for American Theatre and have a forthcoming article from Howlround. kt is currently the vice president for the Consortium of Asian American Theaters & Artists, and through 2024, they are Theater Mu’s Arts Research with Communities of Color (ARCC) fellow, which is managed by the Social Science Research Council (SSRC) and funded by the Wallace Foundation.