Winter Session 2010 Starts January 6th - Register today!

It is a performance style based of the idea that truthful communication between a performer and their audience makes for a powerful and unforgettable experience. You don't need any performance or writing experience to take these classes, just the desire to learn more about what we do and how you can do it.

If you're looking for information about our workshops for kids with 826 CHI then go here...

General Class Info

- All classes are $250.
- All classes will meet at the Neo-Futurarium (5153 N. Ashland Ave. Chicago, IL 60640)
- Class size is limited to 15 on a first-come first-serve registration.
- To register either:

1. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to express your interest. Then send a non-refundable registration check for half of the amount ($100) made out to "The Neo-Futurists" to The Neo-Futurarium at 5153 North Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL, 60640.

or...

2. Register and pay online to reserve your spot imediately by going here.

- Full payment is due at the first class.

Want to bring us to teach these workshops wherever you are? Click here!

Neo-Futurist Performance Workshop

Over the course of eight three-hour classes we will explore the basic theory and practice of Neo-Futurism - a new form of personal, immediate, non-illusory, audience-interactive performance.  You will be introduced to classic Neo-Futurist exercises in task-based action, collage, self-expression, and absolute truth on stage.  The class will also be given bi-weekly assignments to bring in original pieces exploring autobiography, audience participation, and site-specific staging.  By the end of the workshop, you will emerge with a new handle on how to create an artistic response to your life and your immediate surroundings. There is no need to have acting experience, just the boldness and creativity to stand up and express yourself.  All are welcome! Click here to register...

A Very Neo-Futurist Adaptation

Do you have an idea? How about using someone else's? In this class, we'll learn how to use the Neo-Futurist aesthetic to adapt works of fiction, non-fiction, and everything in between, for the stage. The Neos have a long history of exploring existent texts and works of art through performance in prime time shows like "A Very Neo-Futurist Christmas Carol," "Mr. Fluxus," "Windmilled: Tilting at Don Quixote." Participants will be expected to come to the first class with a topic or work of literature in mind. We encourage writers who are interested in creating their own, full-length work. Click here to register...

Intro To Too Much Light: Writing and Performing the 2-minute Play

Ever wonder how Neo-Futurists create plays for Too Much Light? This workshop will explore the process and tools needed to create a 2-minute play in the Too Much Light style. We will examine specific play formulas and styles that re-occur on our stage. Students will write from their own life experience and then examine staging techniques that will equip your script with mind-blowing, low-budget, renegade-theatrics. This class will mimic the actual weekly process of the show Too Much Light, focusing on our techniques for generating ideas and how to write, stage and perform your own scripts. The class culminates into a student-written performance in our theater of 20 plays in 40 minutes with a live audience and everything! No experience necessary.No experience necessary! Click here to register...

Other Classes we teach:

Beginning Mime

Wield limitless stage presence. Share a physical experience with an audience. Expand your range of movement, body awareness, and learn to move with exacting precision. Through a disciplined and playful approach that includes floor and barre work, performance exercises, and laboratory time, you'll develop and strengthen the skills to create and perform vital new works of theater in the art form of Mime. This is an energetic and non-competitive environment where students can safely develop their unique artistic voice while also learning the techniques of Marcel Marceau, Etienne Decroux, and Stephen Niedzialkowski. You'll leave this class with original work, ensemble skills, and a strong foundation in the grammar of Mime. All classes take place at the beautiful Three Pear studio in Andersonville.

Clown & Physical Comedy

Dean Evans teaches a clown and physical theater workshop exploring beauty and play. Participants will learn to share a physical experience and develop an immediate relationship with an audience and partners. There will be a strong focus on increasing ones sense of play, the generation of new material and being physically precise yet blundering emotionally. Class will consist of exercises in mime technique, clown improvisation and stage presence. After every class there will be additional time for play, exploration and improvisation

The Neo-Futurists Short Short Story Workshop

Whether you are a solo performer, or a reluctant public speaker, learning to tell your story quickly, powerfully and convincingly is a critical skill. Gather with a group of like minded writers and learn Neo-Futurist writing techniques that will help you experiment in new forms, control the tone of your pieces, match form to content, edit for clarity, and choose details that will make your pieces unique, effective and unforgettable. Taught by Neo-Futurists Sharon Greene (creator of Windmilled) and Jay Torrence (creator of Roustabout).