CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

It is through the dialogue between Suzuki and Viewpoints, these two, very distinct, yet complimentary approaches to the art of acting that the philosophy and technique of SITI Company is continually explored, revitalized, and articulated.

One of the most important aspects of SITI's work is the teaching of our training techniques, to actors and theater artists throughout the United States and the world. Each year we find ourselves in studios, working with old friends as well as a constantly growing number of new faces. In addition to the workshops, SITI members are on the faculties of such institutions as The Juilliard School, New York University, and Columbia University.

The Viewpoints and the Suzuki Method of Actor Training are two distinct methods of actor training used in building and staging SITI productions. SITI Company members have been trained by Anne Bogart and Tadashi Suzuki and are uniquely qualified to introduce and train other theater artist in these challenging and innovative methods.

Summer Intensive

Sixty actors, directors, designers, choreographers, writers, and dancer are invited to take part in an intensive workshop that includes hard physical work, theoretical research, and the generation of new work by each participant.  The program’s objective is to develop courageous theater artists who are able to integrate into their work new influences from many disciplines.  Five days a week, the morning classes consist of the Viewpoints and the Suzuki Method of Actor Training. 

The Suzuki Method is a rigorous physical and vocal discipline for actors, created by renowned theater artist Tadashi Suzuki and his company.  The method is designed to regain the perceptive abilities and powers of the human body.  Drawing on a unique combination of traditional and innovative forms, the training strives to restore the wholeness of the body as a tool of theatrical expression. 

The Viewpoints is a technique of improvisation first articulated by choreographer Mary Overlie who broke down the two dominant issues performers deal with – time and space – into six categories.  She calls her approach, The Six Viewpoints.  Her work represents a non-hierarchical post-modern approach to theater training.  Since that time, Artistic Director Anne Bogart and SITI Company have adapted the Viewpoints to serve as a basis for their training.  The Viewpoints allows a group of actors to function together spontaneously and intuitively and to generate bold, theatrical work quickly.  It develops flexibility, articulation and strength in movement and speaking, and makes ensemble playing really possible. 

Afternoon classes alternate between Anne Bogart’s Composition class and additional aspects of training and creation including voice, movement and dramaturgy.  Major theories from art forms such as music, painting and architecture are applied to the creation of new work for the stage.  This work involved cross-disciplinary co-operation and application of new ideas and approaches.  Each participant is expected to generate compositions.  The remainder of the evenings and weekends are spent in rehearsals, symposia, or specially arranged classes with guest artists. Participants are expected to attend all classes and be available for weekend rehearsals on campus. SITI’s training is physically challenging.  Applicants should come in good health and be prepared to work hard.  Those who have questions or concerns regarding their participation should contact the workshop office and their own physician.   

This program is hosted by Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY. For more information and to download a copy of the application form, please visit the Skidmore website. Or download the application here. 

New York Training

Training Intensives are offered at SITI Company's New York studio in the Spring and Fall.   The structure and duration of these workshops vary with each session, however the focus remains on training in the Viewpoints and Suzuki Methods of Actor Training.   Classes are available for beginning and advanced students.   The dates of these training sessions vary according to SITI's touring schedule.  

To be sent a brochure, email inbox@siti.org.