Burning Coal to Present Three Aerial Theatre Workshops This October

Burning Coal Theatre Company will present three workshops in Aerial Theatre techniques taught by members of Only Child Aerial Theatre.

The workshops are Introduction to Embodied Storytelling with Nicki Miller (Sunday, October 25th from 5 to 7 pm), Apparatus as Environment with Nicki Miller (Saturday, October 31st from noon to 2 pm) and Straps Conditioning and Fundamentals (Intermediate Level Class) with Samantha Sterman (Sunday, October 25th from 11 am to 1 pm).

Classes will take place at Burning Coal's Murphey School auditorium, 224 Polk Street, Raleigh, NC. Each class is $45, or $80 for two classes, or $130 for three classes. To register, or for additional information, contact Burning Coal at 919.834.4001. Details will be available soon at burningcoal.org.

ABOUT THE CLASSES:

Introduction to Embodied Storytelling with Nicki Miller
Sunday, October 25th from 5 to 7 pm - $45

For acrobats, dancers, actors and movers this two-hour workshop is an open level environment in which we will explore the metaphor and intention in expressive movement. How do we give choreography context and meaning? Using a basic sequence of choreography on the floor as a template, we will layer on different intentions, qualities and scenarios to discover the ways even one phrase of movement can mean a multitude of things. This class will be primarily ground-based and end with a brief introduction to aerial hammock and silks. Ideal for dancers and actors interested in owning their bodies as a tool for expressive performance. Aerialists are welcome to attend!

Maximum 10 students

Apparatus as Environment with Nicki Miller
Saturday, October 31st from noon to 2 pm - $45

This two-hour workshop removes the convention of apparatus as device for acrobatic tricks and takes aerialists into a deep and inventive creative space. Using our imaginations and a series of playful exercises, we will explore the limitless metaphors available to us with aerial apparatus and choreography. This workshop is great for aerialists with some experience who are looking for ways to strengthen their acts, approaches to aerial choreography and performance presence. Prerequisites: Please come with a short sequence of familiar aerial movement/choreography that you are comfortable repeating a few times. Aerialists of all disciplines welcome!

Maximum 8 students

Straps Conditioning and Fundamentals (Intermediate Level Class) with Samantha StermanSunday, October 25th from 11 am to 1 pm - $45

This two-hour workshop covers the fundamental conditioning exercises and progressions for building well-rounded straps technique. With a particular focus on developing safe and stable one-arm skills, positions we will work on include meathook, back planche, nutcracker (middle), and beginner prep for side planche/flag. The intention of the technique taught in this workshop we will be to develop good wrist and shoulder technique for dynamic sequences (ie. switches) and tips for proactive shoulder care. This is an intermediate-advanced workshop for students with a solid aerial background (no straps experience required!). Strength prerequisites include: rope or silks climbs (2 in a row), straight arm inversions, at least 3 chin ups.

Maximum 6 students

ABOUT THE TEACHING ARTISTS:

Nicki Miller is co-founder of Only Child Aerial Theatre and director of Only Child's ASYLUM at Burning Coal Theatre. She has trained, performed and choreographed aerial work in New York, California and Toronto; and most recently trained with Leo Hedman, artist and coach at the National Centre of Circus Arts in London.

Samantha Sterman is a performer and collaborator for Only Child's ASYLUM at Burning Coal Theatre. She has trained and performed in New York, Seattle and Boston; and is now a straps student of Victor Fomine in Montreal.

Burning Coal Theatre Company is an intimate, professional theatre located in downtown Raleigh. Currently in its 19th season, Burning Coal has grown over the years to become one of the most influential and respected professional theatres in the southeastern United States. Its mission calls for the creation of art that is literate, visceral, affecting. In November 2014, Burning Coal toured David Edgar's Iron Curtain Trilogy with its company of 38 mostly North Carolina-based artists to London's Cockpit Theatre for a three-week run, garnering a four-star review from The Guardian's Michael Billington, considered the dean of London theatre critics. Burning Coal has also toured to New York City, Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston, SC, and cities across North Carolina. Its education program, WillPower, is among the most active and respected in the state. For more information, contact managing director Simmie Kastner at 919.834.4001 or visit www.burningcoal.org.

To post a comment, you must register and login.