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Ensemble members share stories, memories, ideas and thoughts with each other in a brainstorming session.
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1
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Members then bring in written stories, monologues, or more specific research to propose specific ideas for pieces.
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2
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During workshop/rehearsal, members divide into smaller groups (2-4 people) and experiment with adding movement, chorus, additional characters and other stylistic devices to the stories. The responsibility of these smaller groups is to find two or more dramatically different approaches to present the idea/story.
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3
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Versions of the story are "presented" or "pitched" to the rest of the ensemble, who critique and comment on the proposal. Often, different actresses will "try on" the same role to further expand and explore the possibilities of the subject and style of the piece.
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4
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Once the ensemble has chosen a "format", the scene is improvised several times (with the game of "character musical chairs" that we described above). The women who are watching write down character traits, story concept and themes, and any dialogue that stands out (at times particularly lively workshops have been videotaped).
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5
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The scenes are then scripted by an ensemble member and presented to the group in an "official" version
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6
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Creating doesn't stop there. Our rehearsal process remains open. Although actors work from the script in a relatively traditional manner, the entire process involves on-going discussion and collaboration from the ensemble. A couple of times, a finished scene or two were not finalized until a few hours before opening.
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7
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This is our "official" teatro luna process when developing original works, but we continue to refine and expand it to fit our needs, practicing our techniques in on-going workshops that include both established Teatro Luna members and newer Artistic Associates and Friends.
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