CAMILLE GAVIN: Take a chance with improv
| Wednesday, Oct 21 2009 05:08 PM
Last Updated Wednesday, Oct 21 2009 05:08 PM
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GO & DO
'Improv for the Curious'
When: 10 a.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: Surface Gallery, 1703 20th St.
Admission: $40
Information: 323-4090
'California Vineyards & Landscapes'
What: Exhibit of nature photographer Steve Hubbard
When: Opening reception 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. today
Where: Icehouse Framing & Gallery, 3401 Chester Ave.
Information: 325-8008
'Project: Sin'
When: 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Where: The Empty Space, 706 Oak St.
Admission: Free -- donations welcomed
Information: 327-PLAY
Grant Writing Workshop
When: 6 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Arts Council of Kern, 2000 K St., Suite 110
Admission: Free
Reservations: 622-4243
When I first heard about "Improv for the Curious," I figured it was designed for wannabe comics. Not so, says Julia Heatherwick, who's conducting the workshop this weekend at Surface Gallery.
"It's for people who are willing to take a chance and play for four hours," said Heatherwick, a State Farm employee who has a background in sketch comedy and improvisational theater. "You need to leave your thinking self at the door and be ready to say "Yes!" to play the improv games," she said. "This workshop is for adults; no stage experience is needed."
In her day job as a leadership adviser, which includes coaching new supervisors in how to interact effectively with other workers, she uses many of the same techniques she'll present at the workshop. Heatherwick has been with State Farm for 13 years and transferred to the Bakersfield office in 2001. She got her improvisational training in Los Angeles at Second City Training Center and Groundlings Theatre.
"Doing improv games helps you improve your listening ability," she said. "You learn to listen not just with your ears but your eyes too. It's that whole idea of watching the subtle messages a person sends with their body language."
Another benefit is learning how to work with others as a team.
"Improv is never about the solo performer, it's the ensemble that counts," she said. "When you're on stage, you're always watching the other performers and trying to help make them look good. It's the power of the group working toward a goal."
One-acts explore seven sins
Since the earliest times in recorded history, starting with the Greek philosopher Aristotle and still moving forward, volumes have been written about the principles of right and wrong. Now, The Empty Space is taking its turn with "Project: Sin," a series of one-act plays that opens Friday for four performances.
"We thought 'The Seven Deadly Sins' would make for an intriguing and fun Halloween-time show," said Bob Kempf, artistic director. "The possibilities for some creepy and weird theater seemed limitless."
This is the fourth year the theater has invited writers to submit their take on a specific subject. "Project" is the overall title for the series, followed by a particular topic.
"I've always enjoyed seeing how different writers react to one subject," Kempf said. "In my opinion, each project (Murder, Ghost, Turkey Day, and now Sin) has been a unique and entertaining evening at the theater."
For this year's competition, each submission had to be inspired by one of the "Seven Deadly Sins" -- envy, gluttony, greed, lust, sloth, vanity and wrath.
About 20 submissions were received. Seven were chosen for production. The authors are Paul Cirzan, Greg Goodsell, Michelle Guerrero Tolley, Ron Warren and Ryan Watts. Some writers submitted more than one entry, Kempf said, which accounts for the difference between the number of plays and the number of authors. Directors of the individual segments include Caroline Clark, Kristina Saldana, Eric Tolley and Warren.
Photography exhibit
The work of nature photographer Steve Hubbard now is being featured at the Icehouse Framing & Gallery.
"We've carried his pieces here before and they've been very popular," said Al Mendez, gallery manager. As a result the owners, Javier and Laurie Bustamante, decided to devote an entire show to Hubbard's work.
A reception honoring the photographer will be held this evening at the gallery. "California Vineyards & Landscapes" is the title of the exhibit, and in keeping with that theme, wine will be served. Mendez said the wines are being provided by Croad Vineyards, which is owned by local resident Martin Croad.
Arts Council grants
A total of $1,500 in grants is being offered to local arts organizations by the Arts Council of Kern, said Jeanette Richardson-Parks, director. The grants are specifically for audience development and are funded by the California Arts Council and the County of Kern.
Submissions are due on Dec. 4. However, to help applicants with the grant writing process, a free workshop will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday at the council's office. Reservations are required by Friday and can be made by calling 622-4243.
