1718 Fall Spring Brochure spreads

PIVEN THEATRE WORKSHOP

Classes for Youth and Adults
Fall 2017–Spring 2018

45 Years of Artistic Excellence

Piven Theatre Workshop
847.866.6597

pivepnivtheenatthree.oartgre.org 1

THE PATH TO PERFORMANCE HOME

Over the last 45 years, Piven Theatre Workshop has become a PIVEN’S 2017–2018 SEASON
nationally-recognized leader in theatre training. With a focus on theatre
games and improvisation, the Piven Technique allows students to build Each year, Piven’s professional theatre wing
ensemble, hone teamwork skills, take risks in a structured environment, focuses its season on a single theme. This theme
and explore their creativity. Students at Piven not only become more is then the basis for our productions, partnerships,
honest, impulsive, and creative actors, but also better listeners, better and community conversations. This year, we are
collaborators, and more empathetic people. exploring the meaning of Home.

At Piven, our students can take many paths, combining our classes in Young People’s Company and Performance
the way that makes most sense to them. Each of our classes fit into one Project, our most advanced performance
of the following categories: ensembles for young actors, each perform for
one week as part of our professional season. In
1. Core Classes: We believe that the path addition, all currently enrolled student receive a
to performance begins in the classroom, free ticket to these performances as part of our
where students lay important groundwork mission to foster a lifelong love of the arts.
and are supported as they take the risks
necessary for growth. Young People’s Company:
My Home is Far Away
2. Specialty & Advanced Classes:
Having learned Piven’s core principals, Performance Dates: December 6–10, 2017
advanced classes focus on the finer points
of technique. Classes by Master Piven The most advanced class Piven offers to our
teachers apply Piven’s technique to youth performers in 10th–12th grades, Young
specific topics from Shakespeare to film People’s Company has a long history of seeing
to auditioning. outstanding performers and artists emerge from
its folds. After an intensive training and rehearsal
2 piventheatre.org 3. Performance Ensembles: process, YPC’s week-long festival of world
While no actor is ever “done” with premiere story theatre adaptations is always a
training, our performance classes invite highlight of our season. In My Home is Far Away,
students who have exhibited an excellent YPC explores the ways we find new homes in
understanding of the Piven Technique, unexpected places, and the times you can no
who are comfortable sharing their creative longer return home.
voice, and whose work within an ensemble
is consistent and respectful. These classes Performance Project:
are something for our students to aspire to, I am My Neighborhood
and often take several years to attain. The
works presented through Performance Performance Dates: February 12–17, 2018
Ensembles are considered part of our
current production season, and will Our most advanced ensemble for 7th–9th grade
reflect the theme of that season. performers, Performance Project members sign
a contract of commitment and train as an
intensive ensemble. In February of 2018, they
will share their world premiere adaptations of
stories meditating on the ways we affect our
communities, and the ways they affect us.

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3RD-6TH GRADE CLASSES 6TH-8TH GRADE CLASSES

FALL: SEPTEMBER 16–DECEMBER 16 FALL: SEPTEMBER 16–DECEMBER 16
SPRING: FEBRUARY 5–MAY 5 SPRING: FEBRUARY 5–MAY 5

NO CLASS: SEPTEMBER 30, NOVEMBER 20-26, MARCH 26-APRIL 1 NO CLASS: SEPTEMBER 30, NOVEMBER 20-26, MARCH 26-APRIL 1

CORE CLASSES CORE CLASSES

Introduction to Piven for 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade 6th, 7th, & 8th Grade Improvisation and Scene Study

FALL AND SPRING FALL AND SPRING
Perfect for the young student who wants to begin exploring theatre In this scene-study focused class, students use the fun and impulsive
arts in a fun and supportive environment! This 8-week class allows play of improvisation to create lively characters and realistic
students to stretch their creative muscles through theatre games while relationships. Students rehearse scenes from contemporary plays
they begin to discover the art of storytelling and improvisation. This under the expert direction of their Piven teaching artist.
class provides the perfect introduction to the legendary Piven training For new and returning students.
technique. Saturdays, 9:00–10:30am | $355

8 weeks 7th & 8th Grade Theatre Combo
Fall: Sept 19-Nov 14, no class Oct 31 | Spring: Jan 30–Mar 20
Tuesdays, 4:30–5:30 | $175 FALL AND SPRING

4th, 5th, & 6th Grade Theatre Games and Story Theatre Students learn about improvisation
ensembles, story theatre, and
FALL AND SPRING scene study in this class which
Come play with us! Learn the games that form the core of the explores all that the Piven Technique
legendary Piven training method. Students are introduced to vital has to offer. During the Fall Session,
acting skills while learning to build an ensemble, explore improvisation, class focuses on improvisation as
and adapt and perform stories. For new and returning students. a tool for young actors in scene
Thursdays, 4:30–6:00pm or Saturdays, 12:00–1:30pm | $355 rehearsals. In the Spring Session,
students have the opportunity to
AADDVVAANNCCEEDD CCLLAASSSSEESS explore Story Theatre, Piven’s
signature performance form.
4th, 5th, & 6th Grade Advanced Story Theatre Overseen by Artistic Director Jennifer
and Improvisation Green, this class is designed to give
students an overview of the Piven
FALL AND SPRING Technique to prepare them for
BY RECOMMENDATION ONLY consideration for advanced classes
Building on the skills developed in Theatre Games and Story Theatre, and performance ensembles.
returning advanced students take the Piven Technique even further. For new and returning students.
Exploring everything from folk tales to myths to original improvised Thursdays, 4:30–6:00pm | $355
stories, students will continue to develop essential ensemble acting
skills while crafting their own story theatre performances. Continued on the next page...
Saturdays, 12:30–2:00pm | $355
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6TH-8TH GRADE CLASSES HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES

FALL: SEPTEMBER 16–DECEMBER 16 FALL: SEPTEMBER 16–DECEMBER 16
SPRING: FEBRUARY 5–MAY 5 SPRING: FEBRUARY 5–MAY 5

NO CLASS: SEPTEMBER 30, NOVEMBER 20-26, MARCH 26-APRIL 1 NO CLASS: SEPTEMBER 30, NOVEMBER 20-26, MARCH 26-APRIL 1

ADVANCED CLASSES CORE CLASSES

Advanced 6th, 7th, & 8th Grade Scene Study High School Monologue and Audition Intensive

FALL AND SPRING FALL
Explore adapting our ensemble-driven technique to the art of
Advanced students learn how the Piven Technique can bring their performing solo. This workshop is the perfect opportunity for high
scene work to the next level. By training creative impulses through school students hoping to develop their monologue skills and get a leg
signature Piven theatre games and exercises, students in this program up on their next audition for school, professional theatre, or
learn to capture the spontaneity of improvisation in scripted work conservatory programs.
while developing truthful performances. Students rehearse scenes 6 weeks | Nov 4–Dec 16 | Saturdays, 10:00am–12:00pm | $275
from contemporary plays under the expert direction of their Piven
teaching artist. For returning students by instructor permission or High School Scene Study Intensive
submission of resume.
SPRING
Mondays, 4:30–6:00pm | $355 Explore improvisation as a tool for the actor. This is a great class
for high school students new to Piven and for experienced actors
PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLES who want to expand their improv skills. Students use games to
build ensemble and explore improvisation, while also learning to
Advanced Performance Ensemble apply the Piven Technique to scene work to bring spontaneity,
deeper relationships, and realistic characterization to scenes from
FALL AND SPRING contemporary plays.
6 weeks | Feb 10–March 17 | Saturdays, 10:00am–12:00pm | $275
BY INVITATION ONLY
Students in grades seven and eight who have been recommended by
their Piven instructor for this advanced program have the opportunity
to build work that moves from the classroom to the Piven stage. Under
the guidance of their senior instructors, students work within their
ensemble over the course of twelve weeks to adapt stories into original
performance pieces. This class culminates in a performance for families
and friends exploring the work students have done over the session.
Admission is by invitation only.

Fall Final Performance: Saturday, December 16 at 10:00am
Spring Final Performance: Saturday, May 5 at 10:00am

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HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES

FALL: SEPTEMBER 16–DECEMBER 16 FALL: SEPTEMBER 16–DECEMBER 16
SPRING: FEBRUARY 5–MAY 5 SPRING: FEBRUARY 5–MAY 5

NO CLASS: SEPTEMBER 30, NOVEMBER 20-26, MARCH 26-APRIL 1 NO CLASS: SEPTEMBER 30, NOVEMBER 20-26, MARCH 26-APRIL 1

SPECIALTY CLASSES SPECIALTY CLASSES (CONTINUED)

High School Improv and Storytelling Showcase The Directors’ Institute

FALL SPRING
Advanced students learn to use signature Piven theatre games and Join us for this exciting opportunity to work with members of the
improvisation exercises to create improvised, ensemble-based stories. Young People’s Company! Brush up on your story theatre skills as
To highlight Piven’s mission to celebrate each individual’s unique voice, members of Young People’s Company direct brand new adaptations
the Showcase program will also feature storytelling workshops with in this collaboration-focused program. Students will have the chance
master storyteller Kevin D’Ambrosio. The program will culminate with to work side-by-side to generate and workshop new material, some of
Showcase students taking the stage alongside Performance Project which may be further developed for the YPC 2018 show. High School
and the Young People’s Company to perform in Piven’s Fourth Annual students who have enrolled in 3 out of the 5 available high school
Story & Sketch Series, sharing both improvised ensemble stories and classes or completed at least one session of High School Performance
rehearsed individual stories with the wider community! Lab are eligible to participate in The Directors’ Institute.
Application available online. Rehearsals: Saturdays, Apr 14–May 19 2:00-5:00pm,
Rehearsals: Saturdays, Sept 16–Oct 28, 10am–12pm Open Workshop: May 27, 4:00pm
Performances: Sundays, Oct 29–Nov 19, 1pm call | $300 $355

On-Camera Technique for High Schoolers PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLES

SPRING High School Performance Lab
Gain valuable experience in front of the camera by learning how to
apply the spontaneity and lively play of the Piven Technique to the FALL AND SPRING
world of acting and auditioning for film and television. BY INVITATION ONLY
4 weeks | Jan 13–Feb 3 | Saturdays, 2:00–5:00pm | $275 This advanced, performance-oriented program is an intensive
experience for actors in grades nine through twelve. Meeting for ten
High School Shakespeare weeks, this class explores the full Piven canon: blending improvisation,
theatre games, scene study, adaptation, and directing opportunities
SPRING within a three-hour intensive class. At the end of the program,
Work with a senior Piven instructor to tackle every actor’s favorite students perform the work they’ve explored on the Piven stage for
challenge: Shakespeare! Cut through the heightened language, learn family, friends, and the wider Piven community! This class is open only
the genius behind the words, and grasp at the organic emotions within to high school students and admission is by invitation only.
these 400-hundred-year-old works—all while using Piven games and Fall Final Performance: Saturday, December 9 at 12:30pm
improv exercises to bring vibrant life to the Bard’s text. Students will Spring Final Performance: Saturday, April 21 at 2:00pm
present rehearsed Shakespearean scenes on the final day of class and
walk out with a fabulous resume builder! piventheatre.org 9
6 weeks | February 28–April 11 | Wednesdays, 4:30–7:00pm | $295

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ADULT CLASSES ADULT CLASSES

Our adult programming includes classes for students of all levels, from Fall Sessions: September 18–October 28 and October 30–December 15
those looking to improve their careers through expanded interpersonal No classes November 20–24 for Thanksgiving.
skills and creativity, to the seasoned performer eager to be challenged.
Our adult classes are led by senior Piven insructors, and designed to be Spring Sessions: February 6–March 17 and April 3–May 12
taken multiple times.
CORE CLASSES (CONTINUED)
Fall Sessions: September 18–October 28 and October 30–December 15
No classes November 20–24 for Thanksgiving. Piven Technique for the Actor

Spring Sessions: February 6–March 17 and April 3–May 12 FALL AND SPRING
BY RECOMMENDATION OR RESUME ONLY
CORE CLASSES Building on the skills developed in our other adult programs, students
use Piven improvisation and games to unlock spontaneity and take
Improvisation, Games, and Risk Taking scene work to the next level. This advanced class is intended for
students with acting experience. Each session has a different focus, such
FALL AND SPRING as material from a specific playwright or a particular skill for the actor.
6 weeks | Fall: Sept 19–Oct 24 | Spring: Feb 6–Mar 13
Want to know what Piven is all about? Discover the Piven Technique Tuesdays, 7:00–10:00pm | $225
by learning theatre games and improvisation in a fun, supportive,
ensemble-based environment. This class is perfect for all students SPECIALTY CLASSES
looking to discover & re-discover our work.
For our specialty classes, previous experience is recommended
6 weeks | Fall: Sept 19–Oct 24 | Spring: Feb 6–Mar 13 but not required.
Tuesdays, 7:30–10:30pm | $225
Building Ensemble and the Art of Adaptation
Games, Story, and Scene
FALL AND SPRING
FALL AND SPRING Piven Theatre Workshop has been devising new literary adaptations
since our inception over forty-five years ago. In this class, adult
Exploring improv, scene study, and story theatre, this class offers a students have the opportunity to experience the creative energy of an
true “taste of Piven.” Apply Piven’s core games to text and explore ensemble-driven, text-based devising process. Through six weeks of
the differences and similarities between scripted scenes and group improvisation exercises and text exploration, students will adapt
ensemble-based story theatre. and perform stories together.
6 weeks | Fall: Nov 2–Dec 14 | Spring: Apr 5–May 10
6 weeks | Fall: Sept 21–Oct 26 | Spring: Feb 8–Mar 15 Thursdays, 7:00–10:00pm | $225
Thursdays, 7:00–10:00pm | $225
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Basic Piven Scene Study piventheatre.org 11

FALL ONLY

Using improvisation and games to deepen characters and relationships,
work with a scene partner to rehearse scenes from contemporary plays.
How can actors use the impulsiveness of improvisation to create more
realistic characters while still respecting the playwright’s words? Best
for students who have taken Improvisation, Games, and Risk Taking or
Games, Story, and Scene, but previous experience is not required.
6 weeks | Fall: Nov 1–Dec 13
Wednesdays, 7:30–10:30pm | $225

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ADULT CLASSES ADULT CLASSES

SPECIALTY CLASSES (CONTINUED) PERFORMANCE CLASSES

Monologue and Audition Technique Adult Improv and Storytelling Showcase

SPRING ONLY FALL ONLY
Learn how Piven’s signature improvisation style can take your
monologue to the next level and rehearse and perfect your audition Take your work from the classroom to the stage! Learn how the
technique in a safe, supportive environment! Cover all of the steps of a signature improvisation exercises and theatre games Piven has used to
theatrical audition process, including the ins and outs of resumes and train generations of actors function in performance to create dynamic
headshots, monologue selection and rehearsal, the first round of improvised pieces! Students have the opportunity to form their own
auditions, and callbacks. Students must come to the first class with a ensembles and develop their own performance concepts under the
fully-memorized, contemporary monologue. instructor’s expert guidance. To highlight our season-long focus on
6 weeks | Feb 7–Mar 14 | Wednesdays, 7:30–10:00pm | $225 sharing the voices and stories of our community, this year’s Showcase
program will also feature a storytelling component taught by master
Improvisation for the Stage storyteller Kevin D’Ambrosio. The program culminates with students
taking the stage to perform in Story and Sketch: Piven’s Fourth Annual
SPRING ONLY Improv and storytelling series, sharing both improvised ensemble
6 weeks | Apr 2–May 7 | Mondays, 7:30–10:00pm | $225 stories and rehearsed individual stories with the wider community and
our professional season patrons.
On-Camera Technique: Auditioning for Film and Television
Mondays, 7:00–10:00pm | $275
SPRING ONLY September 18–October 23 | Performances: Nov 3 & Nov 10
Practice your audition technique and learn the skills that set Application available online.
on-camera work apart from the theatrical auditioning process, and
prepare to audition for everything from one-liners to series regular Piven Technique for Performance
to feature film auditions! Students will learn exercises to become
comfortable in front of the camera and work with scenes pulled from FALL AND SPRING
a variety of films and shows shot in the Chicagoland area.
6 weeks | Apr 4–May 9 | Wednesdays, 7:30–10:00pm | $225 PREREQUISITE: PIVEN TECHNIQUE FOR THE ACTOR
Advanced students who have completed Piven Technique for the
Actor will rehearse together for to workshop a staged performance
for the Piven community as part of our Lab@Piven. Depending on
the level of participation, and the composition of those participating,
this could be a series of performed scenes, staged readings, story
ensembles, personal stories, or a full play. It is bound to be an exciting
event for our community & students!

Tuesdays 7:00–10:00pm
4 weeks | Fall: Oct 31–November 28 (no class Nov 21) | $150
6 weeks | Spring: Apr 10–May 15 | $225

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INFORMATION REGISTRATION
& POLICIES FORM

Scholarships & Payment Plans: enrollment. Cancellations may be made Registration is also available at piventheatre.org. Paper registration forms
at the last minute and students will be can be mailed to 927 Noyes Street, #110, Evanston IL 60201, or emailed to
At Piven we do our best to keep our prices notified by phone and/or e-mail. Tuition [email protected]. Registration not accepted by fax.
accessible, and our policy is to turn no will be promptly refunded.
students away. Piven Theatre Workshop is STUDENT INFO
proud to provide financial assistance to any The Piven Theatre Workshop is committed
student in need. Please call (847) 866-6597 to providing a safe and positive creative Student’s Name:__ ____________________________G_ ender: M F NB
for scholarship applications & payment environment for our students, and does
plan information. not discriminate on the basis of gender, Address: __________________________________________________
race, religious affiliation, or any other
Special Needs: factor in the registration of students or City/State/Zip: ____________________________________________
the hiring of staff. As deemed necessary
Our classes are fairly physical and or desirable by Piven staff, however, Piven Primary Phone:_____________________________________________
highly interactive. If your child is not Theatre Workshop reserves the right to
able to participate in these normal class withdraw or refuse registration of, and Primary E-mail: ____________________________________________
activities with or without reasonable to expel, any student or students who
accommodation, please advise. If you need conduct themselves in a manner that is not If student is under 18, please complete the following:
additional information about our classes conducive to a safe and positive creative
to make this assessment, please call the environment. Students are expected to be Primary Parent Name: _______________________________________
workshop at (847) 866-6597. courteous and respectful at all times to
other students, Piven teachers, Piven staff, Parent E-mail:______________________________________________
Parents, please keep in mind: Piven Theatre and Piven property. Piven is
cannot be responsible for children before not responsible for any injuries sustained Cell Phone: ______________________Work Phone:________________
or after class time. It is the responsibility of on its premises.
the parent to be at the Center on time to Secondary Parent Name:_____________________________________
pick up their children. Teaching staff is not Refer-a-Friend Discount:
on site outside of class hours. Parent E-mail:______________________________________________
Returning students can get $50 off their
Make-up Class Policy: next class for EACH new friend they refer Cell Phone:______________________ Work Phone:_______________
to the workshop who registers AND get
No make-up classes are provided for their friend $50 off as well! This offer Student Date of Birth:________________ Grade:_________________
students who miss a class, and no refunds cannot be combined with any other
or pro-rating are offered. discounts. Discount not available for Week- School:___________________________________________________
Long Intensives, Weekend Workshops, &
Refund Policy: Master Classes. CLASS INFO PAYMENT INFORMATION

A $75.00 non-refundable deposit is Don’t see the class you want on the day Name of Class:  cash  check (to Piven Theatre Workshop)
included in the cost of each class. Tuition is you need? If you can get 7 other friends, _________________  visa  mastercard  discover  amex
refundable (minus the $75 deposit) ONLY Piven will put together a class on the day Day & Time:
if the Piven Theatre Workshop is notified and time you need! Call (847) 866-6597 for _________________ Credit card #: __ ___________________________
by the next business day after the first more information. Session: Expir. date: ___________ CCV ______________
class of the session. After this day, tuition _________________
becomes non-refundable. Tuition policies Year-Long Class Discount Cost: $____________ Name on the card:_________________________
may vary by class, please carefully review Signature:________________________________
your e-mail confirmation. If you have taken At Piven we design our class schedules Tuition Paid: $____________
advantage of our Early-Bird Discount to allow our students to become more
offer or Refer-a-Friend offer, tuition is advanced with each consecutive class. Sign + W ould you like to add a
completely non-refundable. You may up for a full year of youth or high school tax-deductible donation?
transfer free of charge to another class in classes (one class in the fall session and
the same session within the first two weeks one class in the spring) at once and receive
of class. Students are responsible for a 10% discount off both classes!
notifying the Piven Theatre Workshop that
they wish to drop a class; not attending TOTAL:
does not constitute an official withdrawal.
Classes may be canceled due to low Amount donated: $______ $

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NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE PAID

EVANSTON, IL
PERMIT NO. 107

In the Noyes Cultural Arts Center
927 Noyes St. Suite 110
Evanston, IL 60201
847.866.6597
piventheatre.org