Creation and play are some of our strongest instincts as humans; these workshops focus directly on this to awaken participants to their deep well of creativity and give them tools to use it effectively and efficiently.

The curriculums are structured to develop authentic performance on and off stage, sharpen creative instincts, develop character, team build and instigate overall creativity through the development of original performance work by theater professionals as well as creativity in the classroom or office. These workshops engage a wide variety of tools and modalities to give a concrete and experiential tutorial in what it takes to create from play; they are structured for participants to leave able to access these tools again and again, long after the workshop’s completion.

The workshops are great for all walks of life from those with no performance experience to seasoned professionals looking to develop their craft; for it is the unique flavor an individual brings to the table that this workshop works with. In the same respect, this work applies to stage performance as well as performance in the office, for each workshop is structured to meet participants inside of their goals and access their innate abilities to create from play.

This custom devised curriculums focus on a wide variety of performance and devising elements, though a few are: accessing authentic play, how to guide your play, incorporating dynamic elements, creating effectively for your audience, effective reflection, structure and collaboration techniques.  The curriculum incorporates such areas as physical comedy techniques, authenticity, improvisation and body awareness to access the innate creator within.

For Professionals and Theater-Makers

With their foundation in play, workshops for theater makers and professional performers hone in on discovery through movement, rhythm, spacial and instinctual exploration.  Workshops are oriented around specific topics: Devising Physical Theater: harnessing the imagination, Character Discovery & Construction or Authenticity: finding freedom on stage.

For Schools

Workshops are crafted appropriate to curriculum, age and experience. They teach play, self-expression and creativity from a wide variety of contexts including, but not limited to Clowning, Improvisation, Devising and Stage Presence.  Workshops have been developed and lead for kindergarten, elementary school, high school and college students.

For Companies

The PlayMakes – Accessing Creativity Through Play curriculum is perfect for providing inspiration, team work, renewed energy and high morale in the work place.  Learning how to bring a sense of play and new perspectives to projects has been known to increase productivity and cause breakthroughs and innovations in a given field. The value of play in the work place has been exemplified in many cutting edge companies such as Google, TED and Pixar, to name a few.

Public Speaking for private events, companies, schools and conferences

Key note addresses are available as well as shorter inspirational talks. A variety of themes, a heavy bank of stories and activities are used to engage a room in accessing creativity, the gift of self-expression, finding assets in the face of adversity, the importance of taking risks and how thinking outside the box fuels the human spirit.

Private Coaching

One-on-one sessions created with students who are interested in refining acts, material, character, presence and/or their devising process.

Testimonials

“It was a great experience working with Summer. She had strong communication in the planning stage while we determined the course objectives. Once she began working with the actors, Summer’s style was flexible to the needs and ability of the group; keeping them engaged throughout.  It’s been a few months since the training and the actors continue to keep Summer’s words and insights in mind, using the techniques learned in the workshop on a daily basis. Thank you, Summer, for providing my team with the creative boost I was hoping for.“

-Jared Randolph, Program Coordinator at Kaiser Permanente’s Educational Theater Programs

“Summers’ workshop was fun, intense and enlightening! I Have been a working actor for over 15 years and have taken many acting/improv workshops, only to be letdown by the lack of investment from the teacher. Summer meets the class where they are and challenges them to explore, fail, succeed, learn and laugh in a fun and open environment. I experienced the deep connection between body and emotion and have put to practice all i have learned.  It is refreshing to work with a teacher who is not afraid to try new and innovative exercises, Summer is in the moment!”

-George Sellner, student of Accessing the Deviser workshop series

“Working with Summer Shapiro is a true delight.  I recently had the great pleasure of participating in one of Summer’s physical theatre workshops.  My group was charged with the task of devising new performance material to celebrate health in an educational and fun manner.  Summer took us through a series of creative processes that really challenged us and pushed us to produce material we otherwise would not have found so easily.  Her energetic approach allowed us to immediately achieve a high level of play, connection, and authenticity.  This connection with the body opened up creative possibilities far beyond what simple brainstorming around the table can produce.

Her workshops are constantly moving forward and her feedback and coaching is supportive and productive.  What I really enjoy the most about her process is that she also fully participates in the exercises and activities.  Her level of investment gives me a sense that she is getting just as much as we are through the whole experience.  The need to do things right becomes diluted through this process, because everyone in the room is succeeding and failing together.  It helps build a great sense of ensemble and support for one another.

As a result of this experience we have created a wide variety of performance material from which to draw from as we see fit.  We are also equipped with a series of tools to devise more material when needed. Summer Shapiro is a talented artist, teacher, and creator.  I am very happy to have had a glimpse into the creative light that she so willingly shares with the world.”

-Hugo Carbajal, student of Accessing the Deviser workshop series