LAB begins 2012! Sign up now.
Two movements are taking over the art world: interdisciplinary studies & ensemble devised work.
THE LAB is a month-long training ground in experimental arts using theatre, dance, music and creative writing as tools to explore your unique point of view as an artist. Each month we’ll explore theme-based art creation that promises to be physical, dynamic and challenging with a strong focus on play! The ensemble will be led by Creatively Independent’s two Artistic Directors, Chris Beaulieu and Jess Pillmore, along with guest artists, as the skill demands present themselves.
STUDENTS ENROLL ON A MONTHLY BASIS, ensuring that the ensemble is committed to create and learn together for that time period. Consistent attendance is crucial since each class is cumulative. There is also a limited number of slots per school. Our goal is to create a diverse ensemble in the Jacksonville community.
Each month starts a new theme and new ensemble for fresh exploration. Due to CI’s tour schedule, the LAB will only be made available from January-April in 2012. Don’t miss out on a life changing arts education!
Performance skills will be taught on a need basis depending on how the ensemble is creating and what tools they need to explore the theme. Possible skills: Intention, The Tangible Objective, Clown, Mask, Contact Improvisation, Physicality on Stage, New Works Creation, Body Percussion, Soundscapes on Stage, Movement, Singing and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Interdisciplinary arts? Ensemble devised?
A: Interdisciplinary arts – uses many disciplines in order to discover new approaches towards art making. Ensemble devised – the students will direct the work as a group with their needs, impulses and questions. The teachers are there to challenge, advise and offer new opportunities or skills to the ensemble as they explore.
Q: I would love to sign up for Jan. and Feb. but have scheduling conflicts in March. Can I still sign up?
A: Yes, the LAB is only a month-long commitment. Pick and choose the months that you know you can play.
Q: When will the LAB location be announced?
A: We will email the venue information to all ensemble members by Dec. 20.
Q: How do I pay?
A: Enrollment is online at http://creativelyindependent.net/LAB.html and we accept all major credit cards via Paypal. You do not need to have a Paypal account in order to pay for classes using this service. If you would like to pay by check, please email us for instructions.
Q: I might miss one class in the month, does this mean I can’t participate?
A: Life happens and we understand if you have to miss a class. Because the LAB only meets 4 times a month, we strongly recommend that you commit to all 4 days. This is why we ask for tuition for the entire month, as opposed to a class by class schedule. If you miss a day, the work will keep moving forward and you will need to jump in with both feet when you come back.
Q: Will there be a performance?
A: The purpose of the LAB is to create without the pressure of a scripted or formatted performance. So, there will not be a traditional performance at the end of each month. But there will be an open class for ensemble members to invite an audience in to see a work-in-progress on the last day of class each month. This helps to promote vulnerability in the work and bring the focus of the month back to the core of performing arts – which is to communicate an idea to an audience.
Q: My school slots were sold out. I’m signed up to be on the waiting list. Now what?
A: Due to the nature of the work, we’re capping the ensemble at 30. If there are any openings from other schools after the tuition deadline, we will then contact those on the waiting list in the order they signed up. Those on the waiting list will know 4-5 days after the deadline whether they are in next month’s ensemble.
Q: My school isn’t on the list. How do I enroll in the LAB?
A: January’s ensemble is opened to a select group of Jacksonville schools, as a special thank you for bringing Creatively Independent in as guest artists for up to a decade. February, March and April ensembles will be open to ALL high school juniors and seniors and college freshmen and sophomores in Duval and St. Johns County. If you would like to enroll in any of those 3 months in advance, please email us to include your school on the list.
Q: This sounds like fun! Are there more age levels? Adult? Middle School? Elementary?
A: We’re working on it! If you like to be notified for a particular age group(s), please email us with your information.
Q: I’d like to let my school/company/arts organization know about this. Is there a flyer I can give them?
A: YES! LAB flyer – Creatively Independent.pdf Thank you for spreading the word!
