John Freeman: Open scenes

Dramatic material is based on cause, action, and consequence. In acting, characters always want something from someone – words and actions become tools used to achieve their objectives.

Using open scenes, participants will explore character relationships, objectives, obstacles, tactics, and choices, as well as how emotions can be expressed through movement, posture, pace, and silence.

In this two-stage workshop, participants are encouraged to make clear and sometimes risky interpretations and let their actions be shaped by their scene partner’s responses. The second stage focuses on listening and partner interaction through Meisner’s repetition exercises.