It’s no secret that the creative arts have the power to foster deep, empathetic connection—they move us and offer a language by which we move others. This is the basis of Viscerality, an artistic practice designed to enhance embodied communication. In this three-hour workshop, we’ll use drawing, solo and group movement, and music as tools for connecting deeply and spontaneously with others, essential skills that may be rusty after years of Pandemic separation and digital overload.
The techniques and tools shared in this workshop will heighten physical awareness, invite playful spontaneity, and help participants access whole-self presence and responsiveness to others. These practices can be applied on or off the stage—we welcome performers and non-performers alike to join us as we explore ways of communication beyond language and find ease and joy in sharing space again.
Date/time: Wednesday, May 24th 6-9pm
Location: Local 99 Musician’s Union Hall (NE Portland)
About the instructors:
Arcadia Trueheart is a visual and performing artist based in Portland, OR. She is passionate about facilitating intercultural connection through creative storytelling with tools like drawing, murals, interviews, puppetry, and movement theater. She trained at Echo Theater, a circus/movement theater in Portland, OR; Bread & Puppet Theater, a political mask and puppetry theater in Vermont; and at Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA through a BA in Creative & Cultural Communication. Experiences performing, teaching, and learning about the arts in Latin America over several years inspire much of her current work.
Joellen Sweeney is an actor, director, and teaching artist from Portland, Oregon. Recent regional credits include work with Seattle Shakespeare Company, Artists Repertory Theatre, Anonymous Theatre, Shaking the Tree Theatre, Portland Experimental Theatre Ensemble and Northwest Children’s Theatre. She is also a co-founder of Bedrock Theatre, a performance collective that combines storytelling, live music and hiking in parks and wilderness areas. She earned her Masters of Fine Arts in Acting from the University of Washington’s Professional Actor Training Program.
Maria Olaya is a Colombian guitar and ukulele instructor and performer based in Portland, OR. Originally trained as a classical guitarist, she composes music for guitar and improvises in a variety of styles and settings. She enjoys collaborating with other artists in exploring music in the context of intercultural connection and communication through visual arts and movement. Her studies include a B.A. in Music Education and Guitar Performance at The National University in Bogota, Colombia; an M.A. in Guitar performance at the University of Miami at Coral Gables, FL, and a PhD In Latin American Literature and Culture at The University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. She has performed as a soloist across the United States, Colombia and Germany. Her current work is inspired by the amazing healing power of music and a desire to make that power accessible to everybody.
Class size is limited to 20 people, with a minimum of 6. Students will be notified at least 24 hours in advance if class is cancelled due to low enrollment.
COVID Protocols: Participants are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Masking for this workshop is optional, but participants are welcome and encouraged to mask to their level of comfort. Participants should also self-monitor in the days leading up to the workshop; if you are sick, we ask that you please stay home, and contact PATA about a refund. Thank you for doing your part to care for our community!
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made 7 days prior to the start of class will receive a full refund. After that period, full or partial refunds will be at the discretion of PATA. For cancellation requests, please email info@portlandtheatre.com. If you are experiencing any COVID symptoms, or have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID, please do not come to class. We will work with you to provide a refund or class credit if needed.
Please note: in order to qualify for the member discount, you must have a paid, Individual or Company level membership. Up to 3 people per company may attend at the discounted rates, and all must be actively working for the organization which holds the membership.
