ReBels Advanced (aged 18+)

Whether you are trying out a new hobby or levelling up your skills - ReBels Short Courses are perfect for you!

Then sign up for ReBels Advanced classes! Expand your skills and learn all sorts of artforms from clowning, to Physical theatre to stand up comedy.

Summer 2024

Advanced Acting Technique with Charlie Cornforth 

22nd April - 20th May

The Advanced Acting Technique series shall encourage participants to develop their acting toolkit.

Informed by Charlie’s fourteen years spent training in theatre and performance, the workshops shall draw on knowledge from various sources including, but not limited to, Stanislavski, Brecht, Grotowski, Meisner, Gecko Theatre, Frantic Assembly and Lost Dog.

Workshops will start with effective well-being practices such as exploring detailed warm-up, cooldown and repair-focused techniques informed by yoga and qigong.

The main body of the workshops will explore how to take traditional script work to the next level. Breaking down specific scenes from plays such as A View From The Bridge and Man of La Mancha and reconstructing them in a postmodern style.

About the practitioner:

Charlie is a multi-modal dance theatre teacher who specialises in developing performer training processes designed to promote healthy masculinity. He has spent fourteen years developing a multi-modal performer training practice. Inspired by academic methodologies of autobiography/ethnography, practice as research and post-structuralist gender studies, he uses a combination of creative techniques drawn from acting, movement, stage combat, live art, martial arts and yoga to research and make theatre about the experience of unhealthy masculinity

Throughout his time working and training in Plymouth, he has worked alongside multiple organisations and practitioners. Including but not limited to Exim Dance Company, Barbican Theatre, Creative Curiosities, Effervescent, Plymouth University, Theatre Royals - With Flying Colours and Yskynna.  

He now runs his own company – Crumbling Rocks Theatre – a company that uses performer training as a device to address unhealthy experiences of masculine identity and promote healthy masculinity.  

Advanced Movement for Actors, Directors & Performers

24th April - 22nd May

Unlock the full potential of your physical expression in our "Advanced Movement for Actors, Directors & Performers" class. Led by experienced practitioner Charlie Ranken, this dynamic and immersive 5-week course is designed to elevate your performance skills through the exploration of advanced movement techniques.

Throughout the course, participants will delve deep into the intricacies of movement, focusing on key themes such as Awareness, Observation, and Emotional Athleticism, while building resilience for Artistic Health. Drawing from a rich tapestry of methodologies, including elements from Laban Fundamentals, EgoCentric and Allocentric space, and Chris Evans techniques using Breath and Rhythm, participants will explore the Kinesphere and expand their movement vocabulary.

About the practitioner:

Charlie's journey in Movement and Dance spans over two decades, beginning with her formative years at Cornwall Youth Dance Company in St. Austell at the age of sixteen. From there, she forged her own path in the arts industry, proudly establishing her own dance group in a Village Hall in North Petherwin, Cornwall, just a year later. Charlie navigated her way through the dance world with passion and determination.

After completing her BA Hons in Dance at Chichester, Charlie embarked on various ventures, including the initiation of a successful not-for-profit dance center in West Sussex, which flourished with over 100 students. Her journey continued with immersive experiences, including training with The Jasmin Vardimon Company for a PG with Dancer and Actors, and contributing as Director, Assistant Director and Choreographer for productions at The Theatre Royal, Plymouth. These pivotal career moments ultimately inspired her to pursue a Masters in Contemporary Performance Practices.

Charlie's dedication to championing the importance of movement in actors is unwavering. She firmly believes that movement deserves equal recognition and focus alongside other facets of actor training. Her rich experience working with actors and dancers across various platforms has been instrumental in shaping her creative practice.

From mentoring 1st to 3rd Year students at Plymouth Conservatoire to collaborating with The Theatre Royal, Plymouth's Young Company and Quirk Theatre in Exeter, Charlie has thrived in Movement Direction and Training. Her passion for nurturing talent and fostering creativity continues to drive her forward in her journey as a movement professional.

@charliefudgecake instagram

@charliemayranken facebook

www.charlieranken.com

Sculpture for Wellbeing: Exploring various forms 

3rd June - 1st July

Jasmine is a Plymouth based freelance Designer and Sculptor for theatre and live events. After completing her BA (Hons) degree in Design for Performance, she has worked on theatre productions, music festivals, live events, and public installations both in the Southwest and further afield. Her work mainly consists of building props, puppets and set pieces. Jasmine also works as a Creative Practitioner, facilitating design and sculpture workshops in schools and community hubs. 

In a busy and often stressful world, Jasmine would like to enable people to use these sculpture classes as a way of exploring and learning some techniques which can be taken home with you.

These workshops will focus on a different form of sculpture each week, utilising materials from clay to willow to wire. They will be an opportunity for complete beginners to try something new, as well as offer tips and tricks which may be new to existing sculptors.

Inclusive Movement: Dance Jam!

12th June - 10th July

Over the term we will learn, create and move together. Each class will feature a series of exercises, phrases and creative tasks designed to be adaptable for your needs and support your unique dance practice. Sessions will include proper good tunes and a chilled atmosphere. The classes are open level and suitable for those with experience in dancing as well as those who are wanting an introduction into movement. Come have a jam! 

About the practitioner:

Laura is a freelance dance artist, practitioner and researcher based in the South West. She graduated with a BA (Hons) in Dance from De Montfort University in Leicester, before moving to Plymouth to complete her Masters in Performing Training. She is currently a final year PhD candidate at the University of Plymouth, focusing on access-first and inclusive dance training in higher education. As a dancer and facilitator Laura has worked with companies such as Far Flung Dance Theatre, Assembleth Theatre and The Barbican Theatre Plymouth.