Teaching & Consulting
Karen draws from her extensive background in performance, including classical, contemporary, devised movement-based theatre, and dance to teach movement theatre, support flow and play, and help performers bring their artistic visions and instincts into being.
Neutrality
Mask
Devised Theatre Creation
Mime
Red Nose Theatre Clown
Improvisation
Body-based approach to text and language
Voice and Breath
Workshops
These workshops have been offered in the past, and/or are available to present at theatres, studios, universities, schools, and companies/collaboratives.
From “Different” by Theater Grottesco, 2019. Pictured L to R: Susie Perkins, Danielle Louise Reddick, Susan Skeele, Karen Anne Light, Myriah Duda, Robin Duda. Direction: John Flax. Photo by Paul Trachtman.
Foundations in Devised Theatre: The Neutral Body As A Canvas
Postponed! Check back for updates!
offered through Flying Carpet Theatre
Click here to read more about this workshop.
The word ‘Neutrality’ does not seem to convey the profound experience of neutrality. Neutrality is the moment of infinite possibility . . . the potent, pregnant, seeing stillness which births a play and its myths, tales, and characters. Neutrality places the actor in a state of limitless expanse, from which they may become aware that every possible character, human, creature, and experience already exists within them, and can be called into the physical space to be seen and to play....
"I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Karen, whose unique approach to teaching allowed me to finally feel the deeper connection with my body I had been seeking in my performance work.
Her work with me involved a gradual and subtle form of bodywork that enabled me to connect to deeper levels of emotion, while remaining completely safe and embodied. She also integrated LeCoq
technique and devised character work in a way that felt responsive and tailored to my needs.
In addition to working with me on general movement practice, Karen has also helped me develop characters for two separate projects, one on film (Carma With a C) and the other live performance (The Lulo Style Group Shark Attack ). In both processes, Karen's eye for the natural needs of the scene, and comedic truth of the character, helped take the work to the next level. I cannot recommend her more strongly as a teacher, coach, and all-around clown-whisperer!"
poet, writer, comedian and actor
From The Physical Theatre Conservatory at Flying Actor Studio, San Francisco
Mime is among the most ancient theatre arts: through pure movement and imagination, entire worlds - realistic and fantastical - are birthed onstage. Participants of this workshop (actors, movers, performers, and artists of all stripes) will experience an initiation into the world of seeing and creating through movement; skills which, with time and dedication, will distinguish them as theater artists capable of embodied and dynamic creative contributions onstage and in rehearsal. On its own, or incorporated with other performance art forms, mime technique can contribute to the development of original and profound works of theatre.
Butter Sandwich: A Clown from "Prowling the Abyss" by Karen Anne Light
The red nose is the tiniest of theatre masks, but the one with the greatest power: to reveal the innermost and purest parts of you - and make you laugh at them. This weekend workshop will introduce you to your own clown, the true-st, you-est you there is. You may be surprised to find yourself laughing at parts of yourself you judge, struggle to hide, or usually see as unremarkable. The clown is an access to profound wisdom, absurd logic, accidental brilliance, and endless possibilities for play and discovery on stage and off. Students will come away with the stunning simplicity and power of having encountered their own true clown!
Formwork: Breath, Voice, Character, and Mask
Created by Elizabeth Baron
Formwork is a unique combination of breath, voice, and movement work meant to discover theatrical forms living deep within the body.
Formwork can be offered to small workshop groups, though it is usually practiced individually with the teacher or director. Students will be guided through gradual and gentle breathing and vocal practices to release vital physical energy - emotions, movement, and/or states of flow and play. In this dynamic, intuitive state, body-based theatrical forms begin to emerge through breath, voice, and movement. These forms -like characters, but originating in and emerging from vibrations deep within the body- are engaged through improvisational play which is often revelatory, and full of intuitive wisdom. Eventually, these forms can spark original creative material or expand new areas in one’s personal growth.
Testimonials
"Omg karen it is leaving me with such a good feeling!! I couldn’t think of a better guide for this project!!!! I loved the work and all the revelations…. Your gift for guiding formwork is just fantastic. I feel like Aureola and my artistic practice is getting a huge turnaround…."
playwright
"Working with Karen was very special for me. She created an atmosphere right from the start that invited me to let go of all my holdings. She led me with care and curiosity. It was a unique experience of releasing everything I had brought from day and then once I was a puddle we found a playful dynamic together and we began to play and create from there. It was transformative." ~Christopher Tramantana
actor, educator, creator
"You have great insight and your prompts were spot on! I found working with you to be a true joy. You're communicative and straightforward, and your insights were useful and aided in the completion of our piece (The Lulo Style Group Shark Attack). You are a theater doula and a process goddess! "
artist, performer, comedian, dancer
"I am a musician and I struggle with stage fright. Just by exploring improvisational theatrical mask / form work with Karen in a few sessions, I've been able to connect to a sense of flow again, which has greatly helped me as an artist. "
musician, audio producer, visual artist