WildWind Reflection

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After a harrowing seventeen hour journey back to New York, Jarod and I were of course exhausted but were also still exhilarated from our two week WildWind adventure.  It was one of those crazy experiences where it felt as if we had been gone forever-- yet it passed in just the blink of an eye.  We loved the ritual of morning training and research and truly appreciated how each artist brought their all to the studio and met the work head on.  Not an easy task in the midst of long days and hours of dipping into the unknown, especially since participants came from all aspects of theatre making.  Exciting!  

We know it’s been said before but it can’t be said enough, Dr. Charney is a national treasure! He is a true inspiration, an innovative thinker and a committed champion for his students.  It would be impossible to thank him enough for the tireless hours of work he puts forth to make WildWind Performance Lab a reality and for including us in the experience.  We would also be amiss if we didn’t say out loud how awesome Jason Beasley is. Charming, funny, efficient and generous, Jason is a perfect representative for the Lab.  

We were moved on many occasions by the curiosity, risk-taking and creative spirits of Randall Rapstine and Evangeline Jimenez  and impressed with everyone’s willingness to jump in with open hearts and minds.  We thoroughly enjoyed the artistic interaction with these artists and watching their concepts manifest in theatrical form.  We missed the presence of the Irions our second week and the opportunity to work with them further.  We may have had to leave Lubbock but we still feel one hundred percent committed to these projects and will follow their progress with great interest. 

It was stimulating and an honor to interact with so many different perspectives and backgrounds from both guest artists and students alike.   WildWind Performance Lab may be in just its second year but it is already proving to be an experiment of huge national importance.  We look forward to seeing where the experiment will take the Lab and what future years will bring. Let the wild winds blow, let creativity abound and let us change the world.

WildWild Performance Lab

/ Texas Tech University /

Lubbock Texas may be hot, dusty and windy, but it is full of creativity and the home of the innovative WildWind Performance Lab!  Conceived by Dr. Mark Charney and hosted by Texas Tech University this unique laboratory for theatrical exploration is in its second year. Kari Margolis is proud to be back as a master teacher and mentor and is thrilled Jarod Hanson is here to share insights and information with the students as well. Kari and Jarod are leading workshops every morning to give all the actors, directors and playwrights involved a common vocabulary. Afternoons and evenings are spent in research and rehearsal sessions for three major projects. Individual students are also creating work throughout the process. Several other guest artists and speakers are offering lectures and work sessions in all aspects of theatre making. The WildWind Performance Lab is an amazing opportunity for students to stretch creative muscles and explore new possibilities.

Margolis Method at the 2014 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival

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Kari returned to the Kennedy Center in Washington DC with Jarod Hanson and Jalyn Knobloch for her 14th year as a Master Teacher for the National Irene Ryan Finalists as part of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF).  It’s a great opportunity to reconnect with teaching artists and colleagues from around the nation, as well as meet the exceptional young artists presenting their work.  The Master Class was met with incredibly enthusiastic response, and we imagine we will see many of these artists at the Center in the future.  The evening of scenes and monologues was of the highest caliber, which only made our ability to choose one scholarship recipient all the more difficult.

We are thrilled that the Kennedy Center’s ongoing generosity made it possible to offer Kiayla Jackson this year’s full scholarship to the 2014 Summer Session.  With summer just around the corner, we look forward to her arrival and her becoming an active part of what we know will be a phenomenal summer.  Photos by Susan Shaffer.

Upcoming Workshop at the Guthrie

/ Guthrie Theatre/

Don't miss this great opportunity to experience the inspiring, informative and empowering approach of the Margolis Method.  This one day workshop will explore the theatrical possibilities within a single breath, and have you creating spontaneously on your feet.  

Where: Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis

When: April 7th, 6-10pm

Fee: Special price of only $50 and $40 students

or call 612-225-6134

Summer Session 2014

/ Margolis Method Center Int'l/

Summer Sessions at the Margolis Method Center Int’l are times of great joy, growth, challenge and possibility.  The walls of the studio are rich with the spirit of all the training artists who have come together to make personal artistic breakthroughs, and in their own way try to change the world for the better. Summer Session is about becoming a part of a growing community of Actor Warriors, empowered by craft and a hunger to keep learning.

Our Faculty works all year preparing, organizing, training and looking forward to what each Summer Session will bring. Summer Session 2014 is the Center’s 31st Anniversary, though it feels like opening season. We are excited and full of anticipation to meet the new training artists coming to the Center for the first time as well as take joy in the maturation of returning artists.  

Apply today to ensure you have a spot in the studio! 

University of Toronto Lecture Demonstration

/ Performance Studio/

Due to the overwhelming success of Kari’s Guest Residency last year, University of Toronto is hosing a special Talk Back Lecture Demonstration on Margolis Method and the MB ADAPTORS Friday, Jan 31st, from 2:30 to 4pm in the Performance Studio, 79 Saint George Street. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Twenty four students have signed up for Kari’s three day workshop, which will focus on the creation of original work.  The residency is hosted by Sallie Lyons, who is a Level II Margolis Method Certified Professor. 

National Faculty Retreat

/ MM Center Int'l/

In the Studio / Jay Hanson

The Margolis Method Center Int'l hosted its first National Faculty Retreat over the four days of December 27th thru 30th 2013. Certified Margolis Method teaching artists came from across the country and worked with Kari six hours per day in the studio. The work consisted of advanced training, creation time, sharing of new exercises and honing classic ones. Each teaching artist took turns leading, giving and getting feedback. Evenings were spent as think tanks working on bringing dreams and goals for the organization to fruition. Topics included the launching of the Online Learning Program and the opening of a Two-Year Conservatory. In attendance were Jonathan Beller, Ian Bivins, Jarod Hanson, Erik Hoover, Jalyn Knobloch, Kym Longhi, Jarod Hanson and Gregory G. Schott. Rhoda Mehl and Beth Brooks connected thru Google Chat and email updating. The time together was heartfelt, informative and inspiring. Plans are already in the making for our next retreat.

Online Learning Program -- Coming Soon

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All of us at the Margolis Method Center are hard at work, creating what will be a dynamic, in-depth and exciting way to continue your Margolis Method studies right in your own home. This new website will have demonstrations of exercises with explanations and learning tips, improvisations performed by faculty and company members and interviews. Members will receive a unique log-in and a comprehensive companion workbook. We are aiming to launch in spring 2014 and will keep you updated!

Please answer our SURVEY to help us gain insight for the Online Learning Program.

Master Class at the Guthrie

/ Guthrie Theatre/

Kari Margolis teaching at the Guthrie

Master Class at the Guthrie

April 7th

Due to the success of past workshops, Kari has been invited to lead her third master class at the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis, MN.

Stay tuned for details of exact times and further information. Be sure to check our Workshops & Residencies page often for workshop updates.

Margolis Method Fall Classes in NYC

/ Balance Arts Center/

Kari Margolis and faculty are teaching a series of Sunday master classes in New York City. Dates are Sept 8, Oct 20, Nov 3, and Dec 1 from 11-2pm at the Balance Arts Center. Limited class size.

To register, please email bmello@AlexTechMotion.com. 

UPCOMING SPRING WORKSHOPS: 

  • March weekend workshop in NYC. Details coming soon.

Be sure to check our Workshops & Residencies page often for workshop updates.