Making Waves: The Art of Sound Design

a free workshop brought to you by the TACTICS Green Room Series

Local sound design fixtures Ali Berkok and Jason Sonier are excited to share their experience and advice on aspects of the role of sound and especially sound design in theatrical production, from conception to execution. This workshop will visit such topics as sound hardware and software, script analysis, collaboration with the creative and technical team members, best practices for tech week, and will also touch on working with microphones, mixers, and sound reinforcement systems for live theatre. In addition to addressing the sound needs and solutions for a hypothetical production, there will be time for general discussion and questions.

This workshop is tailored towards curious, emerging and experienced designers alike. To register sign up below!

If you have any questions or concerns please contact us at info@tacticsottawa.com.

Introduction to Mask and Movement

Did you miss your chance to lock in your spot in our Actor’s Gym? Well fret not, we have an a number of Drop-In Classes available, including this one!

Come get a sample of the amazing curriculum we’ve put together. With a special welcome to our guest instructor from our new friends at Improv Embassy, Geoff McBride!

Explore the key concepts of mask work through play and improvisation exercises. Learn different avenues of physical communication, character creation and how to unlock physical expression in your body instead of relying on facial expression.  Great for all experience levels.

Let the mask do the work, and let the character play!

This workshop is tailored for aspiring and experienced actors alike. Secure Your Spot Today! Seize the opportunity to elevate your acting career by enrolling in our Into to Mask and Movement Workshop. Spaces are limited, so don't hesitate! To register purchase your slot at the bottom of this event page! If you have any questions or concerns please contact us at info@tacticsottawa.com.

Embodied Movement and Imaginative Play

Did you miss your chance to lock in your spot for our Actor’s Gym? Well fret not, we have an a number of Drop-In Classes available including this incredible movement based one!

Come get a taste of the amazing curriculum we’ve put together. Featuring our incomparable guest artist/instructor hailing from Toronto, Shannon Litzenberger!

In this joyful, action-based, on-your-feet session, we will explore embodied practice, collaborative play, and improvisational movement strategies that support generative ensemble-based creation. We will discover ways of recognizing our default habits as members of an ensemble, and cultivate practices that help us expand into new, imaginative possibilities. Working on developing our capacity for collective sensory attunement, expanded attentional awareness, embodied imagination, non-verbal collaboration and embodied play will support our ability to generate creative possibility through relational action. 

For this workshop, please dress comfortably, bring a notebook, and come prepared to move. No movement experience is required and all abilities are welcome. For those unfamiliar with embodied movement practice, please note that this is not a dance workshop and you will not be asked to learn choreography. If you are someone who feels uncomfortable with the proposal of working with and through imaginative movement, rest assured that there will be several options available to make sure you can work at your own personal learning edge and threshold of comfort.

If you have any specific questions you’d like addressed in advance, please feel free to reach out to Shannon at shannonlitz@me.com  or Micah (Artistic Director of TACTICS) at micah@tacticsottawa.com

Introducing the Fall 2023 Development Series: A Showcase of Local Ottawa Talent at the Arts Court Studio

Embrace the artistic pulse of Ottawa as the Fall 2023 Development Series takes center stage at the iconic Arts Court Studio in downtown Ottawa. This extraordinary event is poised to unveil three captivating works in progress, showcasing the raw talent and creative vision of local artists, writers, and performers. Designed to elevate projects to the next level, the TACTICS is ecstatic to join you on a captivating journey into the world of Ottawa's emerging talent. Audiences can anticipate an immersive glimpse at the fresh narratives, new explorations and invigorating discoveries gleaned during the two week creative intensive.

Each production selected for this series represents a unique artistic expression and boldly ventures into uncharted territory. From the powerful Afro-Carribean mystic thriller, The Coven by Shanice Perriera, to to the thought-provoking experimental piece that challenges conventional norms found within Ludmylla Reis’ Small Tortures, we embrace the gripping theatrical experiences that these pieces evoke. This series promises to awaken the senses and ignite conversations, through short talkbacks held after each excerpt of these wonderous works in progress.

The Arts Court Studio, renowned for its artistic ambiance and dedication to fostering local talent, provides the perfect backdrop for these groundbreaking works. With its intimate setting, the audience will be fully immersed in the creative process and have the opportunity to engage with the artists, lending their insights and reactions to assist in further refining these extraordinary projects.

Join us Saturday, November 11th at 5pm for the grand debut of the Fall 2023 Development Series. Don't miss your chance to witness the birth of three exceptional works in progress as they journey toward extraordinary transformation. Seats are limited, so secure your spot now and be a part of Ottawa's vibrant artistic landscape.

But wait there’s more!

Shakespeare 101

Did you miss your chance to lock in your spot in our Actor’s Gym? Well fret not, we have an a number of Drop-In Classes available, including this one!

Come get a sample of the amazing curriculum we’ve put together. With a special welcome to local Company of Fools icon, most recently seen as Hamlet, Geoff McBride!

Are you an actor seeking to perfect your craft and delve into the timeless world of Shakespeare? Look no further! Welcome to our Shakespeare 101 Workshop, tailored specifically for actors like you who are hungry for artistic growth and wish to conquer the works of the Bard.

This TACTICS drop-in class will focus on several scenes from Shakespeare’s plays. This is an opportunity to stretch your Shakespeare muscles and take some time to dive into the works and words. It is perfect if you just want some practice with the text or are looking for an introduction to Shakespeare, offering you some strategies for approaching and understanding the text. The course will provide the scene materials, you just need to bring your curiosity and willingness to play!

This workshop is tailored for aspiring and experienced actors alike. Whether you're a seasoned Shakespearean or just starting your journey into classical theatre, this workshop will expand and refine your acting skills, providing invaluable tools for your artistic endeavors. Secure Your Spot Today! Seize the opportunity to elevate your acting career by enrolling in our Shakespeare 101 Workshop. Spaces are limited, so don't hesitate! To register or learn more, please contact us at info@tacticsottawa.com.

TACTICS Virtual/Reality Limited Series proudly presents…

…from the BRILLIANT minds of Sandy Gibson & Silas Chinsen

Join our journey into a galaxy, maybe not so far away, where an ambitious orphan named Sam lands her dream internship with an asteroid mining firm and finally gets to have her great adventure in outer space, only to be attacked by the most merciless pirate captain in the solar system! Sam and her crewmates - Jim, a grizzled captain and Pawn, an emotional android - are left stranded on a distant asteroid where they encounter aliens with problems of their own. Will they overcome their differences and difficulties or will their hopes for survival crash and burn?

In One Small Misstep, Star Trek merges with Glee as catchy, original music along with themes of female empowerment, family and environmentalism make this sci-fi musical comedy appropriate for all ages. Be among the first to hear it live as we showcase some of its best songs at the Rainbow Lounge on Saturday, November 4th at 2pm

The Music of Voice: A Musical Approach to Acting

Were you unable to join our Actor’s Gym Intensive this season? Well fret not, we have an a number of Drop-In Classes available including this unique intensive led by our AD, Micah!

Come get a taste of the amazing curriculum we’ve put together. Featuring the musical genius and marvelous accompaniment of Sabrina Tang!

Join us for an immersive musical theatre workshop that will delve into the powerful world of the voice and its ability to command a scene or create captivating silence. Much like music, acting is a complex collection of different voices and talents coming together to collaborate in the creation of a symphony or a cacophony if we aren’t careful. In this workshop, we will explore the intricacies of breathing techniques to strengthen our voices and enhance our performances. Understand the enriching difference of singing the story rather than just the song; additionally we will learn how to convey emotions and narratives through our vocal expressions. Finally, we will dedicate some time to finding creative approaches to musical auditions, focusing on showcasing our unique abilities and standing out in an extremely competitive field. Come and unlock the potential of your voice in a vibrant and supportive environment, where the symphony of musical storytelling awaits.

If you have any specific questions you’d like addressed in advance, please feel free to reach out to Micah at micah@tacticsottawa.com

Storytelling through the Art of Violence

Did you miss your chance to lock in your spot in our Actor’s Gym? Well fret not, we have an a number of Drop-In Classes available, including this one!

Come get a taste of the amazing curriculum we’ve put together. Featuring our incomparable guest artist/instructor Richard Lee!

Through this workshop participants will learn the basics of unarmed stage combat. Utilizing these skills participants will create scenes that are story driven, communicate clear intent and safely repeatable. 

This course is meant as a fun and insightful introduction to stage combat. No prior experience is necessary. You will be asked to move around so please wear comfortable clothing. 

If you have any specific questions you’d like addressed in advance, please feel free to reach out to Micah (Artistic Director of TACTICS) at micah@tacticsottawa.com

Can’t make it all ten weeks? We have select classes with limited slots available as a Drop-In!

Check them out below

Class Descriptions

Creating a culture of consent where intimate stories can be told with agency and artistry.

Description

Intimacy on stage has an astonishing wide scope including chemistry, qualities of touch, tension, relationships, childbirth, breast-feeding, sex, and sexual violence. This wide array of intimate storytelling is best supported through some foundational practices. This workshop introduces the theatre professional to the prime tenets behind theatrical intimacy and offers an active understanding of consent-based practices: a root philosophy, vocabulary, and potent staging techniques. Staging intimacy can feel uncomfortable and bodies carry a world of histories that get bumped into when dealing with sensitive material. This workshop helps the artist engage with intimate content in sustainable ways, resulting in more exciting, moving, and powerful performances. Learn the tools that will help create a more generous environment where artists feel respected, confident, and creatively engaged, while uplifting their agency, and honouring their personal boundaries.

Brave spaces lead to brave performances.

Topics will include:

• Introduction to Intimacy Direction: the essential pillars that outline the practice and its rigour.

• Deep-listening and agency exercises: taking time and space to be in relationship with breath and body, while learning boundary and consent-based practices

• Choreography: playing with dynamic, body, and gesture to create instant chemistry

• Kissing: masking and how to working with placeholders to keep the investigation and drive going in a scene.

• Possessionality: clarifying and building nuance and depth of relationship

• Self-care and closure practices

• Stage-management, documentation, and Intimacy Captains: how to keep the work consistent and safe

• CAEA: Rules and regulations regarding auditions, callbacks, contracts, and riders.

A NOTE: This workshop will engage in physical contact. All touching is consensual and participants are always invited to sit out and watch should they feel activated or triggered. While the goal is to explore emotional and physical intimacy, the key objective is to teach consent and agency.

Bio

Alix Sideris (she/they) is an actor, movement and intimacy professional, writer, director, educator, and meditation leader. She is a proud mentor to many emerging artists.

As an Intimacy Professional, Alix specializes in scenes involving nudity, simulated sex, and intimacy in theatre, film, and television. She creates a respectful and confident space for performers while supporting the creative vision of the director. She’s a movement coach/choreographer, a conduit and mediator between actors and production, and advocates for mental/physical health and safety. It is in her heart’s mandate to help everyone feel grounded with sensitive material so that the strongest stories can be shared with holistic artfulness.

Some recent Intimacy Professional credits: Rent, Much Ado About Nothing, Wedding Band, Hamlet (Stratford Festival); All the Lost Ones (Netflix); Gwen Shamblin: Starving for Salvation (Lifetime); Happily Undead After (Canadian Film Centre); Fat Lady Sriracha (Sriracha Productions); Sin and Sorrow are Common to All, The Judas Kiss (Talk is Free Theatre); Salome Learns to Dance (7 Veils Prod.); Pomegranate Opera (Buddies in Bad Times), The Seagull (Waterloo University), Let it Enfold You, Lunch (UofT), Yellow Wallpaper, Trials of a Ladies Man (Brock U).

Alix is on the board of the National Society of Intimacy Professionals and teaches Intimacy and Consent workshops and classes upon request.

Her over 200 hours of present and on-going training includes a commitment to Cultural Sensitivity/Implicit Bias training; Anti-Racism/Anti-Oppression training; and Supporting Trans Actors and Creatives.

For a view of Alix's performing and various directing credits visit her website: alixsideris.com

Our 2024 Mainstage Series Submissions are open! Submit with us HERE

In an ever-changing world, it is essential to define & redefine your own core values and vision as an artist. This workshop invites you to stop, reflect, and apply tangible techniques to identify, clarify and strengthen your goals as an artist -- while managing "other" jobs, life demands and income streams. Inspired by her work in Leadership in the Arts at the Lincoln Center, Kristina (actor, theatre creator and instructor) proposes: “The artist you are is defined by the choices you make, and how you make them in relation to others.”

Artists of all disciplines and experience welcome, as well as repeat participants since, like you, this process is ever-evolving.

TACTICS recognizes that traditionally our Green Room series events have been free, but as we grow as in these coming years we are seeking to add intentional value to our programming moving forward. So in order to keep this transition accessible to our cherished community, you may use the code EMARTIST10, as needed.

This workshop will lead participants through exercises that challenge them to think of their art as a business with a focus on how to write clearly, create vision and goals, and highlighting your artistic merit at any stage of your career. We will put a specific emphasis on project grants in the arts industry. Specifically, we will emphasize the upcoming OAC project grant which has a deadline in February.

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.