Amy & I have been in China this week, and during our visit, we've had the opportunity to develop a project with our friends Pauline and Sean of Double Vision who are in residence in Shanghai. A few shots from rehearsal below.

More to come soon about this exciting new piece we're calling 9 Ways & Means, to be presented in Shenzhen!  ~ GG

Photos: Pauline Jennings

Hi Friends!

We're excited to announce that we've begun work on a new (as yet untitled) project. Trying a different approach to our collaborative game on this one! In this first phase of development, we'll brainstorm and build the frame for a new theatre piece, laying groundwork for a later workshop phase of exploration. We'll also use our energy and resources to collectively ​develop producing partnerships and opportunities.

​Joining us on this journey are new collaborators, Jennifer Sandella and Monica Furman, first time BrickaBrackers! See some information on them below. More updates soon :) GG

Amy & I are super excited to be traveling to Shanghai, China in April to conduct some workshops in our BrickaBrack ensemble theatre-making techniques -- which we call "BrickaBrack Building Blocks." We'll be posting more info on our trip here, so be sure to check back for updates on our journey! From Shanghai we'll also spend a few days in Hong Kong. For both of us, our first trip to anywhere in the East! So much to discover...

~ Gabriel

Our December workshops with AnA Collaborations went great! Here are a few shots in case you missed it - Hope to see you at the next one!

Hi Friends of BB!

We're so excited to announce that we'll be co-teaching two workshops with our friends AnA Collaborations on December 12th & 19th. Both sessions go 10 - 1. We'll be demonstrating our ensemble theatre techniques, while Alex (awesome pic below) and Audrey of AnA share their dance-making practices.  Then you'll get a chance to try them out with participants. 

These workshops will be a great experience for anyone who's an actor, dancer, or mover who wants to get a good mental and physical workout and is interested in expanding their practice outside their comfort zone (especially dancers with little theatre training, or actors with little dance training). We hope they'll inspire you with developing your own work/choreo/theatre.

Only $35/both sessions or $20/session. Save the dates: 12/12 & 12/19. More info to come on our Workshops/Training page!

Meet our Ensemble Member, Ingrid Raison!

​Tell us about yourself.
I was born and raised in Paris, France. I have lived there most of life, but three years ago I decided to move to New York to pursue acting. I live in Astoria now and I can’t get enough Greek food!

​What got you interested in ensemble work?
I have always wanted to work within a creative home, since collaborative work is the core of any artistic endeavor. I think an ensemble is a place where you can build trust to explore. I love the playing dimension. In French, the process of acting can be translated as jeu which means game. I believe acting is intimately linked to this idea of playing games like when we were kids. Because we have created a safe environment during our workshops, I feel we regain the freedom that kids experience when they play games, and this is when brilliant discoveries happen.

What are your favorite things about life in NYC?
I love the energy of the city, it is so fast-paced but it gives a tremendous yearning to create and accomplish your goals. But it is also great to sometimes take a step back and jump on the LIRR or the Metro-North. In order to better appreciate this city you often need to look at it from afar.

What do you like most about working with BrickaBrack so far?
​Being a member of BrickaBrack has taught to be more confident in my creative instincts. Devised theatre has definitely grown on me. I love that movement research and creative writing have such a large part within our jams. Both seem to intertwine and nurture each other. I am so happy to be learning how to build a play from scratch. It is both incredibly exhilarating and challenging.  

​Tell us about yourself.
I grew up in LA and am truly a summer child at heart (I have been living on the East Coast for over five years now, but still somehow can't adapt to the winters). I have a calico cat named Kiki who is the most vocal cat I have ever met. I am a clown. I always have a book in my purse. 

​What got you interested in ensemble work?
I really do believe that more minds are better than one. I remember the first time in a movement class I was told to "simultaneously find a moment to stop as a group". It was one of the most terrifying and eye-opening instructions I have ever received. I never stopped being fascinated by a group's ability to perform as a single entity, improvising movement in unison and counterpart.

What are your favorite things about life in NYC?
I only moved to New York this past fall, but it was a long-term dream of mine to live here. I love the subway system (despite the "state of emergency" and its many shortcomings, it's pretty great). I love that on any given day there are an overwhelming number of performances, gallery openings, cultural events, and concerts that I pine to attend. I love how many languages I hear everyday. I love that people live on so many different schedules here, so that no matter what hour it is there are always people awake. I love how many different personalities are attracted to this one place. 

What do you like most about working with BrickaBrack so far?
My favorite part of working with BrickaBrack has been the true feeling of ensemble. Especially as a person new to the city, I feel truly blessed to have found this family of artists. There is such a unique balance of trust, play, and serious critique. It's rare that I'm excited to push the boundaries of my comfort zone, but that's constantly what the safe support of this group has challenged me to do.

See Marisa in Lights Across the Field - Showing next week on July 21st & 23rd! ~ Tickets Here ~

An Interview with new Ensemble Member David Raposo

Tell us about yourself.
I come from a coastal town in Massachusetts, I've been in the city for about five years now. I spent some time working on a cruise ship directly after college --  an interesting experience! I'm a semi-addicted comic book collector with a strong love for the art work of Skottie Young. Iron man is my main squeeze, but my favorite is the Ultimate Fantastic Four; I really loved seeing Reed Richards descend into evil madness.

What made you interested in ensemble work?
My interest in ensemble work comes from my initial training as an actor. When I started acting at school, we began with sense work -- which, while a fine method, really wasn't clicking with me. But when I started practicing Viewpoints (the movement/generating system created by Mary Overlie and developed by the SITI Company), it made me much more aware of the space and people around me. Viewpoints gave me a way to take the world around me and work my way inwards, instead of being in my head and trying to force my way out.

What are your favorite things about life in NYC?
My favorite thing about NYC is that this is the place where you can make so many significant connections. This where all the like-minded people (to me) are, so when I go forward in life I'll carry those connections with me. 

What do you like most about working with BrickaBrack so far?
​What I like most about BrickaBrack so far is the writing work we do. I love being able to write -- it's a part of me that I've kept dormant for a long time. I did some classes in college, but I've never shared so much writing until now. It excites me that the contributions I make can help push projects in one way or another, and I'm also influenced by the writings of my fellow ensemble members.

Hi Friends,

We've moved into rehearsals for the July workshop of Lights Across the Field, and we've got several new collaborators on board for the project -- Over the next few weeks, we'll be introducing them via this blog... first up is Chelsea Fryer!

Tell us about yourself.
Hi, I'm Chelsea! I was born and raised in San Diego, California, where I was spoiled by sunshine and beaches, but wanted "real seasons." I'm very fond of libraries and bakeries. 

What made you interested in ensemble work?
I have always been drawn to collaborative storytelling. So many minds, hearts, and talents working together to weave something larger than themselves is beautiful.

What are your favorite things about life in NYC?
There is a sense of community here that I have never experienced before. And though we all are cramped on this tiny island we find moments of joy and stillness as a community.

What do you like most about working with BrickaBrack so far?
Besides the cake and treats?! I really adore working with such open and respectful creators. I have learned so much from this ensemble of bad dudes and dudettes; and am very excited to play more!

Come see Chelsea in the workshop of Lights Across the Field on July 21 & 23!

Hi Friends! 

We're about to go into rehearsals for our 52 PickUp project (working title), and we have added some new wonderful people to our company - check out the bios and websites for our new Ensemble Members Ingrid, Chelsea, David & Marisa. 

We're seeking a few positions for our upcoming workshop -- This is a research and development phase of a major project. See below and let us know if you or someone you know might be interested!

-- 52 PickUp Workshop -- 
To Be Presented July 21 & 23, 2017 in Brooklyn

Assistant Director/Rehearsal Assistant
Duties include helping coordinate/assemble scripts, dramaturgical research, and generating ideas for theatrical writing & structure. Will take and disseminate notes, track technical elements such as sound & props, oversee script edits, and help coordinate rehearsal schedules.
​
Male Performer Sought
Any age; preferably with dance/movement training and some musical skills. Performer will help the ensemble develop this workshop, including participating in writing and group collaborative activities. Persons of color especially encouraged to apply.
Contact us at [email protected].

Rehearsals begin June 13 and are held Tuesdays & Thursdays 10-2, and Sundays 6-10pm. The open rehearsals/showings are scheduled for July 21/23. No pay but an opportunity to collaborate with an ensemble company during the development phase of a new work. Read more about this project here!