Each of our 4 ensembles is on a unique adventure this semester, building skills, trying new things, and most importantly enjoying some much needed PLAY!
Read on to see what we got up to in Week #2:
Sunday Ensemble
This week was all about Characters for the Sunday Ensemble. They played with how characters move in games like Suzuki Faces and Milling. They played with how characters relate to each other in a Tableaux activity (photos below). And they even started creating some original characters that they’ll develop throughout the semester.
It’s been really exciting to see each other in person again and we are loving the great, active participation from actors like Peter, Colin, and Eli!
Monday Ensemble
This week’s theme was “Ensemble Building”. In addition to some games like Mirroring and Elephant/Alligator (pictured below), the group got started on an important project. This semester, each actor will create a visual journal documenting their journey. Every member of the ensemble has a large posterboard, and they will add details each week as they respond to different check in questions, reflect on activities, and learn more about themselves and each other. They kicked off the project this week by tracing each other’s outlines on their posterboards and decorating their self portrait with some facial features and small details.
Monday Virtual Ensemble
This week was all about placemaking for the virtual ensemble. In the game Spaceship, we travel to different planets and imagine what we might find there and how we would respond. It’s always a treat to land on a planet made entirely of Ice Cream - what flavor would you choose? Alena was psyched to discover a hill of chocolate chip ice cream!
After getting their imaginations pumping, they worked in teams to design a map of some magical places - “Most Interesting California” and “Lava Falls” that will serve as the setting for their characters’ adventures this semester.
The virtual ensemble shows off maps and compasses they colored in preparation for Settings week!
Tuesday Ensemble
This week, the Tuesday team dug into characters, exploring how different characters move and sound. After a check in sharing some of their favorite characters, they moved on to games like Here to There and Ride Share which let them try on some different movement qualities and emotions. Then they explored 4 key archetypes which will set them up for next week’s theme: Shakespeare!
Matt drives Somer and Justice in an emotional game of “Ride Share”
Our teaching team also got a special treat: Samuel F’s mom (aka Cuca Cucina) catered a delicious lunch with savory tomato tarts, fresh salad, and even some Topo Chico!
Thanks for lunch, Floersheimer fam!
Dance Party
We’re also stoked for the return of our Weekly Zoom Dance Parties! Everyone from all 4 ensembles is invited to log in on Wednesday nights to dance and laugh with each other to some favorite tunes. It’s a great chance to see our friends from other groups….and to get some cardio! This week’s theme was Broadway Showtunes.
