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Movement Specialties - Details

Movement Specialty Description ATME Specialist
Action Theatre Action Theater is an improvisational physical theater training and performance method created by Ruth Zaporah.
  • Heather Harpham
Alexander Technique

Website for the Alexander Technique Center for Performance and Development. Tom Vasiliades, the Center's Director, offers classes, workshops and training in the Alexander Technique and Movement for Actors; coaching professional actors on Broadway and Off-Broadway, and regionally.

  • Lee Soroko Savannah College of Art and Design
  • Cathy Madden University of Washington, Seattle
  • Jennifer Mizenko University of Mississippi
  • Sarah Barker University of South Carolina
  • Joan Schirle Dell'Arte International
  • Tom Vasiliades, The New School for Drama and NYU
    www.atcpd.com

Alignment/Release Work Various exercises and methodologies for encouraging appropriate alignment and finding release of excess tension.
  • Judith Chaffee Boston University www.commedia-dell-arte.com
  • Bruce Lecure University of Miami, FL
  • Roberta Otten-Mason Lansing Community College, MI
  • Kurt Heinlein Missouri State
  • Marianne Kubik, University of Virginia, markubik@virginia.edu
Authentic Movement A way to explore active imagination through physical action. Movers improvise and explore spontaneous gestures and movements with their eyes closed, following inner impulses in the present moment  
BodyMind/Somatics Mind/body disciplines featuring the developmental work of Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen and the International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Ass. of Dr. Martha Eddy
  • David Barker Arizona State University
  • Keland Sher
  • Marcia Douglas University of Maine
Butoh A post World-War II Japanese style of theatrical dance which presents enigmatic connections between mind and body in peacefully violent, painfully intimate images of personal and cultural issues.  
Choreography The art of creating and arranging movement for theatre and dance.
  • Judith Chaffee Boston University www.commedia-dell-arte.com
  • Joann Browning University of Delaware
  • Jennifer Mizenko University of Mississippi
  • Roberta Otten-Mason Lansing Community College, MI
  • Sara Romersberger Southern Methodist University, Dallas
  • Christina Landis
    College of Charleston, SC
  • Yoav Kaddar SUNY New Paltz
  • Andrew Vorder Bruegge Winthrop Unversity
  • Roberta Otten-Mason Lansing Community College
  • Jean Wolski Eastern Illinois University
  • Marianne Kubik, University of Virginia, markubik@virginia.edu
Clowning and Circus Skills of physical comedy (trips, falls, props, etc), creating a clown character, and circus skills (juggling, unicycle, trapeze, tightrope)
  • Jonathan Becker www.theater-masks.com
  • Kevin Otos Elon University
  • Richard Rand Purdue University
  • Keland Sher
  • Lloyd Caldwell Oklahoma State University
  • Davis Robinson
    Bowdoin College
  • Ronald Wilson
  • David Gaines
  • Patricia Gallagher UC Santa Cruz
  • Ken Elston George Mason University
  • Jonathan Becker Ball State University www.theater-masks.com
  • Tom Casciero, Towson University
  • Karin Abromaitis, George Washington University,
    Georgetown University

Commedia dell'Arte A 16th-17th c. style of Italian street theatre emphasizing stock characters, physical stunts, and improvised text.
  • Judith Chaffee Boston University www.commedia-dell-arte.com
  • David Watson University of Hartford, Hartt Theatre School
  • Jonathan Becker www.theater-masks.com
  • Kevin Otos Elon University
  • Richard Rand Purdue University
  • Davis Robinson
    Bowdoin College
  • Ronald Wilson
  • David Gaines
  • Ralph Hall University of Iowa www.iowatenttheatre.org
  • Ken Elston George Mason University
  • Joan Schirle Dell'Arte International
Conditioning and Acrobatics Skills for strength, flexibility, agility, stamina, balance, and rolls, falls, lifts, handstands, cartwheels, etc.
  • Judith Chaffee Boston University www.commedia-dell-arte.com
  • Lloyd Caldwell Oklahoma State University
  • Yoav Kaddar SUNY New Paltz
  • Brian Byrnes University of Houston
  • Jonathan Becker Ball State University www.theater-masks.com
  • Marianne Kubik, University of Virginia, markubik@virginia.edu
Contact Improvisation Physical Improvisations with a partner, emphasizing centering, lifts, falls, and taking risks.
Continuum A way of exploring movement, sound, and breath, developed by Emilie Conrad, emphasizing undulating spirals, non-patterned movement, and sensations of breath and sound.
  • Karin Abromaitis, George Washington University,
    Georgetown University
Creative dramatics Games, poems, improvisations, eurythmics, and acting stories.
  • Jo Tomalin San Francisco State University
  • Jean Wolski Eastern Illinois University
Dance Includes Jazz, Tap, Modern, Ballet, Ballroom, Contemporary styles, Ethnic, Folk, Social, and Musical Theatre.
  • Judith Chaffee Boston University www.commedia-dell-arte.com
  • Joann Browning University of Delaware
  • Jennifer Mizenko University of Mississippi
  • Christina Landis
    College of Charleston, SC
  • Yoav Kaddar SUNY New Paltz
  • Andrew Vorder Bruegge Winthrop Unversity
  • Patricia Gallagher UC Santa Cruz
  • Roberta Otten-Mason Lansing Community College
  • Jean Wolski Eastern Illinois University
  • Marianne Kubik, University of Virginia, markubik@virginia.edu
Decroux A form of mime called Corporal Mime, developed by Etienne Decroux, influenced by Charles Dullin and Jacques Copeau, emphasizing the body as a means of expression and drama.
  • Daniel Stein Dell'Arte International www.dellarte.org
  • Ronald Wilson
Ethnic Drama Kabuki, Noh Theatre, African Theatre  
Feldenkrais A system of exercises developed by Moshe Feldenkrais to give greater functional awareness of the self through movement.
  • Sheila Gordon Missouri State Univ.
  • Bob Feldman
Grotowski Physical Theatre A physical approach to creating and performing theatre developed by the Polish director, Jerzy Grotowski, emphasizing rigorous exercises demanding full control of the body and voice.
Improvisation/Theatre Games Extemporaneous theatre making through games and explorations.
  • Judith Chaffee Boston University www.commedia-dell-arte.com
  • Richard Rand Purdue University
  • Davis Robinson
    Bowdoin College
  • Jo Tomalin San Francisco State University
  • Heather Harpham
  • David Gaines
  • Bob Feldman
  • Ken Elston George Mason University
  • Marcia Douglas University of Maine
  • Tom Casciero, Towson University
Impulse work Finding sources for commitment to actions and responses.
  • Davis Robinson
    Bowdoin College
  • Ronald Wilson
  • Sarah Barker University of South Carolina
  • Tiza Garland University of Florida
  • Tom Casciero, Towson University

Laban/Bartenieff A comprehensive system to observe and teach components of physical action and movement expression, based on the work of Rudolf Laban and Irmgard Bartenieff, clarifying dynamics of the body in space and time.
  • Stefan Sittig www.stefansittig.com
  • Joann Browning University of Delaware
  • Jennifer Mizenko University of Mississippi
  • Roberta Otten-Mason Lansing Community College, MI
  • Casey Sams University of Tennessee
  • Stacy Alley Arkansas State University
  • Andrea Weber
  • Ted Morin
  • Jo Tomalin San Francisco State University
  • Deborah Sanchez Broward Community College
  • Tiza Garland University of Florida
  • Roberta Otten-Mason Lansing Community College
  • Barbara Adrian Marymount Manhattan College
  • Tom Casciero, Towson University
  • Marianne Kubik, University of Virginia, markubik@virginia.edu
Lecoq Theatre training of Jacques Lecoq teaching control of gesture and movement through melodrama, human comedy, tragedy, buffoons, and clown.
  • Sara Romersberger Southern Methodist Univ.
  • Jon Sherman
    www.sprungtheatre.com
  • Jonathan Becker Ball State University www.theater-masks.com
  • Davis Robinson
    Bowdoin College
  • Jo Tomalin San Francisco State University
  • Ronald Wilson
  • David Gaines
  • Ralph Hall University of Iowa www.iowatenttheatre.org
Margolis Method A dynamic approach to theatre making and training, developed by Kari Margolis and Tony Brown, to strengthen the vital connection between physical and vocal expression.
Martial Arts Systems of training for combat, fitness, discipline, self-defense, and meditation, including Tai Chi Chuan, Aikido, Karate, Taekwondo, and Wushu.
  • Kevin Dillon Semo University, MO
  • Brian Byrnes University of Houston
Masks Study of neutral, emotional and character masks, and maskmaking.
  • Judith Chaffee Boston University www.commedia-dell-arte.com
  • David Watson University of Hartford, Hartt Theatre School
  • Bruce Lecure University of Miami, FL
  • Jonathan Becker Ball State University www.theater-masks.com
  • Richard Rand Purdue University
  • Davis Robinson
    Bowdoin College
  • Jo Tomalin San Francisco State University
  • Ronald Wilson
  • David Gaines
  • Deborah Sanchez Broward Community College
  • Patricia Gallagher UC Santa Cruz
  • Ralph Hall University of Iowa www.iowatenttheatre.org
  • Sarah Barker University of South Carolina
  • Robert Radkoff Ek Florida State University
  • Brian Byrnes University of Houston
  • Ken Elston George Mason University
  • Joan Schirle Dell'Arte International
  • Marianne Kubik, University of Virginia, markubik@virginia.edu
Meditation Practice of focusing the mind and body through quienscence in mental and physical exercises.
  • Kevin Dillon Semo University, MO
  • Bob Feldman
Meyerhold/Biomechanics A system of actor training developed by Vsevolod Meyerhold, focusing on learning gestures and movements as a way of expressing emotion.
  • Annette Thornton Lawrence University
  • Sheila Gordon Missouri State Univ.
  • Marianne Kubik, University of Virginia, markubik@virginia.edu
Mime Study and use of gesture and movement to create character, mood, emotions, and actions without sound.
  • David Barker Arizona State University
  • Davis Robinson
    Bowdoin College
  • Daniel Stein Dell'Arte International www.dellarte.org
  • Ronald Wilson
  • Bill Bowers NYU-The Steinhardt School www.Bill-Bowers.com
  • Ralph Hall University of Iowa www.iowatenttheatre.org
  • Bob Feldman
  • Ken Elston George Mason University
  • Sheila Kerrigan
  • Tom Casciero, Towson University
  • Karin Abromaitis, George Washington University, Georgetown University
Movement for Singers Training processes in alignment/release, expression, physical awareness, dance, and stage combat for vocal performances.
Musical Theatre Training for theatre that combines music, songs, dance, and acting.
Physical Characterization Learning various exercises and methodologies for creating and clarifying the physical life of a character.
  • Judith Chaffee Boston University www.commedia-dell-arte.com
  • Bruce Lecure University of Miami, FL
  • Kevin Dillon Semo University, MO
  • Richard Rand Purdue University
  • Roberta Otten-Mason Lansing Community College, MI
  • Sara Romersberger Southern Methodist Univ.
  • Davis Robinson
    Bowdoin College
  • Jo Tomalin San Francisco State University
  • Yoav Kaddar SUNY New Paltz
  • Ronald Wilson
  • Sarah Barker University of South Carolina
  • Brian Byrnes University of Houston
  • Roberta Otten-Mason Lansing Community College
  • Ken Elston George Mason University
  • Joan Schirle Dell'Arte International
  • Marcia Douglas University of Maine
  • Sheila Kerrigan
  • Tom Vasiliades, www.atcpd.com
  • Karin Abromaitis, George Washington University, Georgetown University
  • Marianne Kubik, University of Virginia, markubik@virginia.edu
Physical Theatre Ensemble Developing and performing new works of theatre from various sources such as adapted texts, autobiographical material, myths, culture, and politics.
  • Jon Sherman
    www.sprungtheatre.com
  • Davis Robinson
    Bowdoin College
  • Daniel Stein Dell'Arte International www.dellarte.org
  • Ronald Wilson
  • David Gaines
  • Ralph Hall University of Iowa www.iowatenttheatre.org
  • Robert Radkoff Ek Florida State University
  • Joan Schirle Dell'Arte International
  • Tom Casciero, Towson University
  • Marianne Kubik, University of Virginia, markubik@virginia.edu
Performance Art Creating and performing work of an individual or group involving a particular time, space, and a relationship between the performer and the audience, often avant-garde or conceptual in nature.
Period Styles Study of mannerisms, clothing, social attitudes, dances, economic and political conditions influencing the world of a play prior to 21st century.
  • Judith Chaffee Boston University www.commedia-dell-arte.com
  • Stefan Sittig www.stefansittig.com
  • Bruce Lecure University of Miami, FL
  • Jennifer Mizenko University of Mississippi
  • Kevin Otos Elon University
  • Ted Morin
  • Christina Landis
    College of Charleston, SC
  • Ronald Wilson
  • Andrew Vorder Bruegge Winthrop Unversity
  • Sarah Barker University of South Carolina
  • Jennifer Martin University of Missouri, KC
  • Ken Elston George Mason University
  • Karin Abromaitis, George Washington University, Georgetown University
  • Janice Orlandi, Actors Movement Studio,
  • Marianne Kubik, University of Virginia, markubik@virginia.edu
Pilates The Pilates Method is a physical fitness system developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates, encouraging use of the mind to control the muscles, focusing on the core postural muscles of the torso for breath and alignment.
  • Joann Browning University of Delaware
Self Use Various methodologies to improve one's awareness of how one uses movement, breath, and voice in art and in life.
  • Judith Chaffee Boston University www.commedia-dell-arte.com
  • Joan Schirle Dell'Arte International
  • Marcia Douglas University of Maine
Solo Performance Creating and performing in which the playwright is the performer.
  • Richard Rand Purdue University
  • Heather Harpham
  • Ken Elston George Mason University
  • Joan Schirle Dell'Arte International
  • Lloyd Caldwell Oklahoma State University
  • Tom Casciero, Towson University
  • Karin Abromaitis, George Washington University, Georgetown University
  • Marianne Kubik, University of Virginia, markubik@virginia.edu
Stage Combat Specialized techniques for armed and unarmed conflict giving the illusion of physical combat without causing harm to the performers.
  • Stefan Sittig www.stefansittig.com
  • Bruce Lecure University of Miami, FL
  • Lee Soroko Savannah College of Art and Design
  • Kevin Dillon Semo University, MO
  • David Barker Arizona State University
  • Kurt Heinlein Missouri State
  • Mark Ingram
  • Al Foote III
  • Andrea Weber
  • Ronald Wilson
  • Andrew Vorder Bruegge Winthrop Unversity
  • Tiza Garland University of Florida
  • Robert Radkoff Ek Florida State University
  • Brian Byrnes University of Houston
  • Ken Elston George Mason University
  • Jonathan Becker Ball State University www.theater-masks.com
  • Karin Abromaitis, George Washington University, Georgetown University
  • Marianne Kubik, University of Virginia, markubik@virginia.edu
Stretching, strength, and relaxation Various exercises for improving flexibility, strength, and release of excess tension in the body.
  • Judith Chaffee Boston University www.commedia-dell-arte.com
  • Joann Browning University of Delaware
  • Roberta Otten-Mason Lansing Community College, MI
  • Yoav Kaddar SUNY New Paltz
  • Ronald Wilson
  • Bob Feldman
  • Roberta Otten-Mason Lansing Community College
  • Marianne Kubik, University of Virginia, markubik@virginia.edu
Subtle Energies Exploring and applying subtle energies of the human psyche and physiology as they relate to the experience of consciousness, healing, human potential, and the actor in training and performance.
  • Jennifer Martin University of Missouri, KC
  • Ronald Wilson
  • Marcia Douglas University of Maine
Suzuki Physical training method of Tadashi Suzuki with special emphasis on the feet, legs, and pelvis to develop consciousness of the body's communication with the ground and to learn to speak powerfully even when one keeps silent.
  • Cathy Madden University of Washington, Seattle
Viewpoints A technique of improvisation that provides a vocabulary for thinking about and acting upon movement and gesture in time and space, first articulated by Mary Overly and later developed by Anne Bogart.
  • Judith Chaffee Boston University www.commedia-dell-arte.com
  • Diana Moller-Marino University of Hartford Hartt School of Theatre
  • Andrea Weber
Williamson Technique A form of physical training for actors developed by Loyd Williamson in which explorations through the five senses reinforce interactions of the body with people, places, and things of the imaginary world.
  • Ted Morin
  • Deborah Robertson Northern Illinois University
  • Janice Orlandi, Actors Movement Studio,
Yoga A system of spiritual and physical exercises (postures) emphasizing breath, strength, flexibility, balance, and meditation.
  • Judith Chaffee Boston University www.commedia-dell-arte.com
  • Kala Monroe
  • Christina Landis
    College of Charleston, SC
  • Ralph Hall University of Iowa www.iowatenttheatre.org
  • Bob Feldman
  • Ken Elston George Mason University

last updated 19 May, 2008

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