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Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

Margaret Mead


For silence to transform into speech, sound and words, it must first traverse through our female bodies. For the body to give birth to utterance, the human entity must recognize itself as carnal - skin, muscles, entrails, brain, belly. Because our bodies have been stolen, brutalized or numbed it is difficult to speak from/through then.

Gloria Anzaldua


Women must write through their bodies, they must invent the impregnable language that will wreck partitions, classes, and rhetorics, regulations and codes, they must submerge, cut through, get beyond the ultimate reserve- discourse.

Helene Cixous


This statement will not fail to arouse negative reactions. A woman's body? We don't want to hear any more about it! They talk about nothing but that! Both men and women do not hesitate to show their irritation or disgust as soon as the association body/feminine writing appears.

Trinh Minh-Ha


…in the circles where we face ourselves, we listen like a miracle,and I reclaim the song which is mine…

Janice Mirikitani, "Where Bodies are Buried"


Memory is contagious: if I remember, others close to me remember more. Memories are envious, vain; they have to appear, like stars. The fleeting memory-ette, the detail, thinks it deserves headlines. Memories are like us.,

"My Life in Theatre and Politics"


Every text one writes is autobiographical; anything else would be plagiarism.,

"My Life in Theatre and Politics"


You must do the thing you think you cannot do…

Eleanor Roosevelt

 

 

 

 WORKSHOPS

 

 

DISCOVER THE STORIES YOU MUST TELL

Do you have an idea or a dream project you don't know how to start? Do you have a voice inside that gnaws at you-to write it, perform it, sing it?

Experiment. Excavate. These are the steps you will be led through in my workshops. You will come out with new work that expresses something deep within. All you need is to be willing. You'll receive support, guidance, a sense of community, and a way to tap into your creative instincts. Let your imagination surprise you.

Workshops leading you through the creative process for performance and writing, facilitated by Leah Solo.

Workshops offered:

1. Memory-HisStories/HerStories

Creating the one-person show

2. Life Stories

Autobiographical writing for memoir or performance.

3. Explore

Nurture your creative spirit-a release from the pressure to produce (also offered as a single one-time Art Enjoyment.

1. Memory-HisStories/HerStories

Creating the one-person show

  • Transform your ideas/stories into performance.
  • Ways to create spontaneously.
  • Methods to organize, structure and edit your piece.
  • Be released from the inner critic.
  • How to make your writing conversational and theatrical.
  • Learn both storyteller and playwright techniques.

We are innate storytellers, but often we discount our experiences. Stories evolve if you are open to recognizing them. In telling others, you can see the humor and pathos of one's own life, see our humanity in one another. We see our spirits in each other. Everything that happens to you is material from both the minute you wake up to the epic moments of your life. It's all truth, how you remember it, dream it up, see it.

Whether you are developing an autobiographical, multi-character or biographical solo play, this workshop will guide you. Through music, movement, drawing and improvisation allows the writing and performing to be organic. Discover a way into your story. If you're further along, you'll continue to develop or complete your one person show. The workshop culminates in a work-in-progress performance.

Past students have been featured in theatre venues in California, Northern California, South Florida, Europe and Asia.

For Workshop schedule, click here.


2. Life Stories Workshop

  • The craft of storytelling including point of view, narrative, perspective of time and character.
  • Methods to spark memories.
  • Free yourself from the critical, censoring voice.
  • Distinguish between emotional truth and factual truth.
  • Use improvisation to write organically.

A writing workshop designed to explore personal expression through spontaneous writing exercises, music, movement and drawing will create the freedom to write intuitively. In a supporting, safe environment, you will craft your piece for a work-in-progress performance. All levels welcome.

For Workshop schedule, click here.


3. Exploration

  • Reconnect with your creative self.
  • Rediscover your playful side.
  • A break from life's demands.
  • Escape the pressure to produce.
  • An antidote for creative burnout.
  • Use play to facilitate writing.

Do you find it difficult to make time for yourself? Do you say, "But I'm not creative", or "I've got creative burnout"? Would you like a release from the pressure to produce? Here is a way to rejuvenate yourself. This is for business people, artists, teachers, writers, parents or anyone wanting to reconnect with their intuitive, playful self. In a safe, supportive space, you will be led through creativity exercises that allow you to be surprised by your imagination and tap into the goldmine of humor in your daily life.

For Workshop schedule, click here.


Testimonials

"I'd rather be doing this theatre work than watching The Movie Channel"…Frederica Taylor

"This work really opened my heart and taught me I had a story to tell"…Gail Austin, Hollywood, Florida

"I never realized my life choices were so intelligent, funny and interesting to other people"….Dianne, Hollywood Beach, Florida

"I was able to use the work of my personal life in business and doors began to open"…Film producer, Florida

"Writing my personal story allowed me to finish my PhD dissertation. I realized I had something to say"… Professor, Los Angeles, California