Ravenwood Studio Workshops
Workshops for everyone

Performance Workshops:

Physical Theatre Boot Camp
This practical approach to Physical Theatre Performance is tailored to meet the needs of a theater production. Taught to a cast when the actors need to learn the techniques of physical theatre acting in a short period of time.

Physical Theater Boot Camp can include ensemble acting, mask performance, puppet manipulation, physical acting, character development, Commedia, clowning, slapstick, improvisation, the development of original performance material and more.

For more information please click on these links:
Article: "Camp Commedia"
Photos: Commedia Boot Camp

Commedia Workshop
An introduction to the performance style and characters of Commedia Dell’Arte.

Mask Performance
The techniques of performing in mask, creating vivid characters, using your body to express emotion and action.

Stage Directions Magazine Jan 08: “The benefits of having performed in mask are body awareness and body freedom. Training in effectively communicating emotion and action with the body gives actors another tool to use besides the voice and face… Los Angeles mask designer and physical theatre expert Alyssa Ravenwood creates expressive masks and individualized workshops for theatre companies. In her classes, performers learn to enact characters with movements and emotions that embody their masks. ‘My focus,” Ravenwood says, ‘is teaching actors practical techniques in order to give the best performance possible.”
Mask Performance Article: Stage Directions Magazine

Acting under Rubber – Performing in Masks and Prosthetic Makeup
Learn the specialized techniques needed to give an emotionally nuanced and physically dynamic performance when acting in masks and prosthetic makeup. Techniques for theater and film.

Physical Theatre Performance
An introduction to physical theatre performance. Using your body as the primary tool for creating characters and telling a story.

Ensemble Playwriting
Actors work together to create an original short play. 8 hours minimum.

Art and Business Workshops:

Mask Making Workshops:
Mask Making - Techniques in neoprene, paper-mache, plaster gauze bandage, vacuuform or leather. Neoprene workshop - minimum 5 days, minimum 12 hours.
Photos: Neoprene Mask Making Workshop

Mask Design Lecture and Slideshow
A 45 minute PowerPoint slide show. An overview of Alyssa Ravenwood’s work as a mask designer. Examples of different mask making techniques. A discussion about how an artist designs for a production and how an artist challenges themselves to advance their style. Followed with Q&A.

Marketing for Artists
Beginning marketing and business skills tailored to the needs of artists. Can be tailored to Performing or visual artists or both. 6 hours minimum.

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

"I've learned and grown immensely while participating in the Ravenwood Performance Group workshops. The clown and mask training is at once challenging, provocative and inspiring, and strikes at the heart of the creative process. I recommend it for all students serious about the art of physical theatre."

- Jon Monastero, Ten West Comedy Troupe

(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