CLASSES + WORKSHOPS

Dear Artists, You have been invited by The Ensemble Theatre’s Artistic Director, Eileen J. Morris, to participate in a day of workshops Saturday, January 9, 2009 at The Ensemble Theatre beginning with The Challenge of Dramatic Structure with Thomas Meloncon then moving on to a hands-on Preparing a Monologue 101 by Founder/Artistic Director of the Penumbra Theatre, Lou Bellamy.

These workshops are being offered FREE to artists such as yourself to enhance your individual knowledge, creativity, and execution of preparing a script and monologue. In the session with Thomas Meloncon you will focus on the examination of the basic elements of a play in order to achieve continuity in plot and action. With Lou Bellamy, you will learn a comprehensive methodology for monologue preparation, such as expression through improvisation, dissecting the text, text analysis, and how to address different challenges confronted when preparing a monologue.

These workshops are being conducted by expert instructors who will give you feedback tailored to your specific needs.

Thomas Meloncon, a nationally known playwright and poet, is a native of Houston’s Fifth Ward. Meloncon began writing plays and performing poetry and civil rights folk songs in the early 1970’s. For over 25 years, he toured his original poetry in elementary schools with The Jazz and Poetry Program created by Emmy Award winning jazz drummer, Bubba Thomas. He is the author of many plays that have toured nationally, including The Diary of Black Men, Whatever Happened to Black Love, If Beds Could Talk, and Jump The Broom. His previous productions at The Ensemble Theatre were The Drums of Sweetwater, Johnny B. Goode, and The Man Who Saved New Orleans, and most recently Christmas with Great Aunt.

Lou Bellamy graduated with a BA from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and received his MA from the University of Minnesota. He has been a member of the University of Minnesota’s faculty for 28 years and is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance. Among the awards he has received for excellence in arts and education are the W. Harry Davis Foundation Award for Leadership in Afro-centric Education, the Links Award in Recognition of Excellence in Black Theatre, and a doctorate from Hamline University.

Once again both workshops are free, and will take place in the performance centre Saturday January 9, 2009 at The Ensemble Theatre, 3535 Main. Thomas Meloncon will hold his session from 10:00AM-12:00PM. There will be a break then we will move into the session with Lou Bellamy from 2:00PM-4:00PM. Please respond to kedrickbrown@gmail.com.  Kedrick Brown Interim Artistic Assistant.