In Performance Ensemble, participants will focus on building a strong, supportive acting ensemble that both inspires and challenges its members. Participants will work collaboratively to create and rehearse a piece of ensemble-driven theatre, placing the collective at the centre of the creative process. Through shared leadership, experimentation, and play, the class will emphasize collective decision-making, trust, and artistic responsibility, fostering a dynamic environment where every voice contributes to the final work.

Throughout the course (28 classes), participants will explore a variety of ensemble-building exercises to strengthen their connection as an acting company, while simultaneously being led through the magical process of staging a play from beginning to end. The course will culminate with a studio performance in front of an audience – adding that final magical element of theatre.

Participants are expected to have taken the Acting 1 & Acting 2, or have equivalent experience with foundational theatre training. This is not a course for beginners.

Objectives:

• To build an acting ensemble where each performer works to inspire and challenge its fellow artists;
• To work on a piece of collaborative theatre which prioritizes the cast as a whole;
• To deepen one’s craft as a performer and collaborative artist by approaching the work with authenticity, a sense of play, commitment, and curiosity;
• To collaborate in groups on elements of the play, with opportunities to explore other theatre roles such as director, designer, and creator;
• To have fun.

Participants are expected to have taken the Acting 2, Scene Study, and/or another advanced class at the NTS Public Classes, or have equivalent experience. This is not a course for beginners, but is meant to welcome people at various of experience. Attendance is mandatory with limited absences.