Teaching Resume

To read student testimonials -Click Here-

Physical Theatre Boot Camp™

This class is taught in connection with a production where actors must learn the techniques of physical theatre acting in a short period of time. This practical approach to Physical Theatre Performance has included ensemble acting, mask performance, puppet manipulation, physical acting, character development, clowning, slapstick and the development of original performance material.

• "Scapin," Radiant Theatre, Portland OR
  -Instruction in Commedia performance, mask performance, improvisation, ensemble building, slapstick, clowning, audience interaction
  -To see pictures of this workshop -Click Here-
  
  
• "A Servant of Two Masters," The Oakridge School, High School Theatre Dept. - Arlington TX
  -Instruction in Commedia performance, mask performance, improvisation, slapstick
  -To see pictures of this workshop -Click Here-
  
  
• "Oedipus," NOCCA Riverfront, New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, High School Theatre Department - New Orleans LA
  - Instruction in mask making, mask performance, Improvisation, Greek mask performance
  
  
• "Son of Light," Triangle Productions, - Summer Youth Production, Portland OR
  -Instruction in mask performance, physical theatre style, script development
  
  
• "Dangerous Stages," Theatre Theater, Portland OR
  -Instruction in Commedia performance style
  
  
• "The Tempest," Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, Bloomsburg PA
  -Instruction in physical theatre style, mask performance, slapstick, clowning, development of original material
  
  
• "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead," Pacific Art Center Theatre, Eureka CA
  -Instruction in ensemble building, physical theatre style, puppet manipulation, improvisation

Performance Workshops
(see also: Physical Theatre Boot Camp workshops above)

• Bradley University, Peoria IL
  Physical Theatre and Mask Performance
  -To see pictures of this workshop -Click Here-
  
  
• Loyola University, New Orleans LA
  Physical Theatre and Mask Performance
  
  
• A Child's Eye Playhouse, Summer Theatre Camp (ages 10-14,) Portland OR
  Physical Theatre and Mask Performance
  -To see pictures of this workshop -Click Here-
  
  
• The Young Players, Bethany Elementary (grades 3-5,) Beaverton OR
  Beginning Acting and Improvisation
  -To see pictures of this workshop -Click Here-
  
  
• The Young Players, Maplewood Elementary (grades 3-5,) Portland OR
  Beginning Acting, Improvisation, Ensemble Performance, Writing Original Performance Material
  
  
• The Young Players, Beaver Acres School (grades 3-5,) Beaverton OR
  Beginning Acting, Improvisation, Ensemble Performance, Writing Original Performance Material
  
  
• The Young Players, Hiteon School (grades 3-5,) Beaverton OR
  Beginning Acting, Improvisation, Ensemble Performance, Writing Original Performance Material
  
  
• Bloomfield School, co-taught with Jane Epperson (Grammar School,) Arcata CA
  Beginning Physical Theatre Performance

Mask Making Workshops

• Bradley University, Peoria IL
  -To see pictures of this workshop -Click Here-
  
  
• NOCCA Riverfront, New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, High School Theatre Department - New Orleans LA
  
  
• Ink People Center for the Arts, Eureka CA
  
  
• Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, Bloomsburg PA
  
  
• A Child's Eye Playhouse (Age 10-14,) Portland OR
  - To see pictures of this workshop -Click Here-
  
  
• Triangle Productions, Summer Youth Production (High School Age,) Portland OR
  
  
• Eureka High School, Eureka CA
  
  
• Arcata Community School (Continuation Jr. High,) Arcata CA
  
  
• Arcata Parks and Rec. (Grammar School Age,) Arcata CA
  

Marketing for Performing Artists

Beginning marketing and business skills tailored to the needs of performing artists.

• Arcata Economic Development Corporation
• Dell'Arte School of Physical Theatre
• Portland Regional Arts and Culture Council
  

Preparing Your Work for Presentation

Beginning marketing and business skills tailored to the needs of professional artists.

• Portland Regional Arts and Culture Council, co-taught with Jan Rimmerman

Polymer Clay Sculpture Workshops

• Ink People Center for the Arts

Student Testimonials:

(Physical Theatre Boot Camp for "Dangerous Stages") “I’ll start with applauding her dive-right-in approach. Her gentle and no-nonsense demeanor is at the same time inviting and inspires respect. The physical work was immediately appropriate and helpful. This work really dropped me into my body. The workshop was also excellent in jarring me out of my comfort zone, challenging me to stretch for more risky, interesting choices.”

- Mark Twohy, graduate of Physical Theatre Boot Camp training for performers

(Physical Theatre Boot Camp for "A Servant of Two Masters") “Commedia was a style so foreign to anything we've ever done here at Oakridge. We needed someone with the expertise to come in and give us a sense of the authentic Commedia style. The students developed a great confidence in themselves and in the style. So much so, that we left a great deal of the script up to improv. The workshop gave me the confidence in my actors to let them sort out a great deal of the show themselves. It almost became organic. Alyssa gave us the ability to apply the style to tell the story.”

- Michael Newberry, Director of Theatre, The Oakridge School

(Physical Theatre Boot Camp for "The Tempest") "Her skills and creativity have earned her the respect and enthusiasm of the entire cast. She’s excellent at introducing new concepts to the cast and crew."

- James Goode, Artistic Director of the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble

(Physical Theatre Boot Camp for "Dangerous Stages")“She’s a miracle worker! Alyssa was able to whip 11 untrained actors into a Commedia Troupe in just a few hours. The Commedia segment turned out to be one of the best and most satisfying parts of our play.”

- Myra Donnelley, Producer

(Mask Making Workshop) "I just wanted to thank you for such a wonderful experience. I really did appreciate your time and commitment. I felt like I learned quite a lot and the challenge was very stimulating. I hope for the chance to work with someone as inspiring as you again. Once again, thank you."

- Rich G., Graduate of Bradley University Mask Making Workshop

"The workshop (Marketing for Performing Artists) was helpful because it forced us all to focus on our art as professionals, to think in terms of how to maximize our efforts to make more money and expand our horizons. It all starts with goals, writing down one's dreams and then sharing them with others. To get an idea of how realistic those dreams sound.

It's very easy to get frustrated and feel all alone in this art world. The workshop helped me, and I think the others, feel a lot less lonely and instilled some pride, too. Beyond the psychological aspects, it gave us some tools for pricing, publicizing and networking that could pay dividends, too. Thanks for offering the workshop. I look forward to the next one."

-Jeff DeMark, solo theatre performer

"The Marketing for Performers Course, facilitated by Alyssa Ravenwood, helped give me the knowledge, inspiration, and confidence to further my career as a performing singer/songwriter."

-Rob Christensen, musician

To book a class click here.