Strike Anywhere Performance Ensemble Residency
Tune on a Distant Hill
In 2023 Chandler received a grant from an anonymous family foundation to create a play exploring themes and issues of social justice through the stories of residents in our central Vermont community. We hope you’ll join and be a part of this collaborative project. There will be two week-long residencies with company artists, with workshops August 19-25, 2024, followed by the final production September 30-October 6.
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WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
About Strike Anywhere
Established in 1997, the Strike Anywhere Performance Ensemble is an interdisciplinary collective of world-class improvisers. The company creates provocative performances and innovative education programs that promote empathy, creativity and civic discourse. Strike Anywhere’s work is guided by the words of Bertolt Brecht, "Art is not a mirror held up to reality but a hammer with which to shape it." SA performances always feature live music, physical theater and dance. Strike Anywhere is the preeminent theater company in the United States practicing Soundpainting, a universal sign-language developed by composer Walter Thompson for live composition with improvisers. Strike Anywhere has performed and taught in over 200 venues in 16 states and eight countries.
About Soundpainting
Soundpainting is the universal sign language for live composition. The language comprises over 1500 signs and allows a conductor/composer to sculpt a performance in real-time with improvising actors, musicians, dancers, and visual artists. The technique was created by N.Y. composer Walter Thompson beginning in the late 1970's for use with jazz musicians. It has evolved into a multidisciplinary language that is practiced worldwide. The art of Soundpainting is a delicate interplay between the Soundpainter and the performers – a dialogue in which an improvised composition is constructed before your very eyes.
WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS
- Interdisciplinary Improvisation: Led by STRIKE ANYWHERE (from NYC), the workshop will introduce the Soundpainting sign language, a tool for shaping live compositions with improvising performers.
- Theater Games and Story Circles: Fun activities to help develop a piece about Central Vermont.
- Creative Collaboration: Participants will help shape the show and will be invited to rehearse and perform with the Strike Anywhere Performance Ensemble when they return September 30-October 6, 2024.
- Free Meal: A light complimentary meal is provided to participants at each workshop.
Participation in the workshop is free and open to all, whether they are an artist or simply art-curious.
Workshop Dates:
Tuesday August 20, 5:30-8:30 PM: Chandler Center for the Arts, 71 N. Main Street, Randolph, VT
Thursday August 22, 4-6 PM: Fable Farm, 22 Orchard Hill Rd, Barnard ,VT. Stick around for the 6 pm Feast and Field event.
Saturday August 24 4-7 PM: Building A Local Economy (BALE), 35 S Windsor St, South Royalton, VT
Other Opportunities to meet the artists:
In addition to the formal workshops, Strike Anywhere, and Chandler staff will be attending other events in the community, where you can learn more about how to get involved in the final program in October, such as the Bethel Council on the Arts Aug 21st Wednesday Series and Sable Project’s August 23rd performance of Water in the Wood.
Laundromat Residency:
12-2PM • Wed-Sat • Aug 21-24 - Strike Anywhere artists will be taking up residency in the Randolph Village Laundromat, a building owned by Chandler and operated by a team of volunteers. They will be connecting one on one with local customers to learn more about issues facing the Central Vermont Community.
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Braintree Bluegrass Brunch:
Sunday August 25, 12-3 PM: Strike Anywhere artists will be tabling and interviewing local residents. Share your story!
Performance Details:
October 5 - 7pm, October 6, 3pm: Strike Anywhere and community members will perform for the public at Chandler Music Hall, Chandler Center for the Arts. All are welcome. Sliding Scale tickets will be posted on the website and available at the door.
Artistic Details:
Director: Leese Walker
Education and Partnerships: Amanda Hinkle-Wallace