(NWPR-IN) – On the horizon is the addition of an ensemble/collective programming at the New World Arts in Goshen, Indiana, which will be noted in their forthcoming 2011 lineup of theater works.
The ensemble will be selected by auditions and its members will learn the mechanics of acting and other specialized techniques such as Anne Bogart’s Viewpoints, Growtowski’s Physical Theatre and Meisner. The goal is to develop a small group of actors that examine the social issues.
“NWA has always been focused on the growth of the artist and so having an ensemble who is primary focus is on the development of the actor will further meet this mission,” said Artistic Director Laura Gouin. “This is something I’ve been wanting to do for some time now. But in our past, we’ve had the mistaken reputation of being a closed community and I didn’t want to hurt our expanded reach into the area acting pool. We’ve always had open auditions and we will always have open auditions.”
When Gouin met NYU graduate Aaron Schwinn, they began discussing the idea of forming a special ensemble. She realized this was the perfect time and Schwinn was the right associate to form the group. Schwinn’s focus at NYU was in drama therapy, educational theatre and storytelling. Gouin said, “The ensemble will not be given parts in our Mainstage productions. They will have to earn them like everyone else. It is our hope that by developing a handful of artists, that they in turn will be able to share their skills with the larger pool of actors who are actively involved at New World. And many of the workshops will be open to the entire community to for participation.”
Schwinn was interested in developing work organically with an ensemble (collective). “I wanted to use the term collective instead of ensemble because it carries a sense of shared responsibility and power. I am looking forward to bringing my experiences in specialty techniques to the group but I am also looking forward to learning from what each of them bring to the table.”
Auditions for the group will be Saturday, October 16 and Sunday 17th from 1:00-4:00 pm. Actors may come to one or both auditions. They are asked to prepare a two-minute monologue and the remainder of auditions will include group improv and cold readings.
To confirm your audition as well as more about the group, contact Aaron Schwinn at sas615@nyu.edu or 574.3702572.