2017 Company of Edward II Image by Adam Trigg
Lazarus GYM
The Lazarus Gym is a new initiative supporting performers to get into or return to classical ensemble work.
Post pandemic we noticed a real decline in classical text skills and a lack of experience / confidence required to play, work and create as an ensemble. We are not here to throw shade: rather than lamenting we decided to do something to help.
The Lazarus Gym is a ‘pay what you can’ 3 hour classical text gym session where performers are introduced to the Lazarus text process – essentially our approach to text.
The sessions will be ensemble led, working as a company to dissect, analyse and then play the text, performers will also work in pairs with other performers as well as one to one with our director with individual feedback given.
It’s the perfect workout for people new to us as well as a refresher for those performers looking to get back into it.
When: Season 2 dates announced shortly
Time: 6.30pm – 9.30pm
Where: Southwark Playhouse, Borough. 77-85 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BD
Cost: Pay what you can – It really is as it says on the tin, select the price which suits your budget from the range below. (Funds raised will go to venue hire and cost of equipment / resources)
The Lazarus Text Process
The Lazarus text process approaches text from a dramaturgical perspective, rather than understanding the text solely via Iambic Pentameter. We integrate, investigate and analyse the text by breaking it into thoughts and parts of thoughts. The process reveals useful clues on character, themes, stage directions and motifs, provides practical pointers around breath control, vocal energy and physicality – all useful skills for any performer preparing any text, not just classical.
Our process ignites intelligent, energised, detailed and focussed performances giving performers a strong understanding, firm grounding and solid technique they can trust and rely on.
Gym sessions will be delivered at 3 levels:
Level 1 – Foundations
Performers new to classical text, Lazarus Theatre Company’s text process or those wanting a refresh in both.
Level 2 – Ignite
Performers who have completed Level 1 Foundations or have experienced Lazarus Theatre Company’s text process but wants a refresh.
Level 3 – Reps
Performers who have completed Level 1 & 2 & those who have experienced Lazarus Theatre Company’s text process who wants a regular workout with different classical texts each session.
All 5 sessions in this first season will be delivered at Level 1 – Foundations, which will introduce performers to the Lazarus text process using a piece of Shakespeare’s text.
This first season is designed to welcome as many performers as possible to join the Gym, therefore all 5 sessions will deliver the same workshop using the same piece of text, so you only need to sign up to one of this season’s sessions.
Prep
The selected Gym text will be sent to performers at least 5 days before their Gym session, we recommend looking up any unfamiliar words or phrases prior to the session, come wearing movement gear and bring bottled water.
Access
All printed literature is available in easy read format and will be available prior to the gym session, please do let us know by replying to your confirmation email if you have any other access requirements. Unfortunately, the venue has no step free access.
Season 1 has now completed - to be first in the know for all things Lazarus GYM Season 2, sign up to our Agent / Performer mailing list here.
The Lazarus Gym has been made possible thanks to the generous support of Southwark Playhouse.
