Montague Shakespeare Festival: Ensemble Building Workshop

Wednesday, March 20, 2024, 6:30 pm until 9:30 pm
Fiona Ross, with her two decades of experience at the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) in Stratford-upon-Avon, brings a depth of expertise and insight to the “Ensemble Building” workshop at the Montague Shakespeare Festival.

Buy Tickets

Ensemble Building Workshop: The Power of Words and Play in Theatre

In our “Ensemble Building” workshop, part of the Montague Shakespeare Festival, Fiona Ross invites participants to delve into the art of ensemble theatre through a unique lens. This 3-hour workshop is about the mechanics of collaboration and the profound relationship between language, personal interpretation, and collective creation.

Fiona Ross, with her two decades of experience at the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) in Stratford-upon-Avon, brings a depth of expertise and insight to the “Ensemble Building” workshop at the Montague Shakespeare Festival. This 3-hour workshop, led by Fiona, is designed to unravel the complexities of collaborative theatre-making, emphasizing the synergy between language, personal interpretation, and collective creativity.

Under Fiona’s guidance, participants will dive into the nuances of ensemble dynamics, exploring how individual contributions can significantly influence and enhance the group’s collective output. With her rich background at the RSC, Fiona has honed her skills in nurturing actors to bring out the best in themselves and their colleagues, fostering environments where collective storytelling thrives.

Workshop Highlights:

1. RSC-Inspired Techniques: Learn ensemble-building strategies developed through Fiona’s extensive experience at one of the world’s leading theatre companies.

2. Language and Performance: Engage in exercises that demonstrate the power of language in shaping ensemble dynamics and bringing text to life on stage.

3. Collaborative Creativity: Discover how your unique interpretations can contribute to a richer, more nuanced group performance.

4. Practical Application: Through hands-on activities, participants will apply the concepts of ensemble theatre to actual scenes, experiencing firsthand the transformative power of collaborative creation.

5. Personal and Collective Growth: Develop skills that will not only enhance your individual performance but also elevate the group’s overall artistic output.

This workshop is an invaluable opportunity for actors and aspiring actors to learn from a seasoned RSC practitioner. Fiona’s approach, grounded in her extensive experience and passion for theatre, is designed to inspire and educate, offering a unique perspective on the art of ensemble building. Whether you’re looking to refine your skills or discover new approaches to collaboration, this workshop will provide you with the tools and insights to transform text into dynamic, collaborative performances.

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors and Underwriters

Australis AquacultureArtisan Beverage CooperativeBenjamin CompanyBerkshire Brewing CompanyCohn and Company Real Estate AgencyCommunity CreditCommon CapitalCommunity Foundation of Western MassachusettsConnecticut River InternistsDean's BeansEasthampton Savings BankFirstLight GDF SueznaGagne Wealth Management GroupGill TavernGilmore and Farrell Insurance CompanyGoff MediaGreat Falls HarvestGreen River FestivalGreenfield Community CollegeGreenfield Cooperative BankGreenfield Savings BankLootMassachusetts Cultural CouncilMontague BookmillMontague WebWorksNortheast SolarPeople's PintRainmaker ConsultingThe RendezvousSolar Store of GreenfieldStobierski and ConnorTold VideoTrue North TransitTurn It Up

Exciting News for A Happening V: The Bestiary

Cloudgaze and Eggtooth Productions are thrilled to announce that we have received generous grants from the Mass Cultural Council as well as the Community Foundation of Western MA to support our 2025 Immersive Arts Festival, “A Happening V: The Bestiary.”

This festival will transform the Shea Theater into an exploration of theme, hosting installations, music, theatrical performances, and movement pieces, featuring the collective contributions of over 50 local artists. Audiences will experience otherworldly environments and narratives inspired by Aesop's Fables, George Orwell's Animal Farm, newly imagined cautionary tales, and creature myths of all origins.

Thanks to the Mass Cultural Council for their vital support this year.We'd also like to thank the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts for their support in the form of a Flexible Funding grant. We couldn't do this work without you!