The Garden:
Cultivating Stage Presence

Workshop for professional actors and theater enthusiasts

Berlin, 23-27 September

Welcome to a transformative 5-day intensive theater workshop designed for theater professionals, actors, dancers, and performers. Led by theater director Anja Demidova, this workshop offers a unique blend of classical drama training and contemporary physical theater techniques. The sessions, conducted in English, aim to reignite the joy of play in performance while equipping participants with essential physical and acting skills. Additionally, this workshop provides an opportunity to take part in Anja's theater production "The Garden" (inspired by Hieronymus Bosch's paintings) in Berlin for the 2024-2025 season.

Philosophy

"When I studied drama in Russia, our teachers constantly reminded us that we needed to work incredibly hard, emphasizing the seriousness of the craft and the uncertain possibility of a future career. I was surprised by how they often overlooked the fact that it's all about play. We even call a dramatic text a "play" for a reason—it's about enjoyment and having fun, not just enduring hard work and struggle. I build my workshop around enjoyment and creativity, ensuring that participants not only work hard but also have fun and find fulfillment in their craft.This workshop is also about growing theater skills. There are two types of directors: those who build everything in their heads and then make actors do what they want, and those who grow a performance together with actors. I am not interested in making actors do what I’ve pre-created; I want to co-create with them and grow our garden of earthly delights together. This workshop allows participants to cultivate and enhance their stage presence, expressiveness, and confidence, making it a collaborative journey where we grow and develop skills together" - Anja Demidova says.

Workshop Structure

Day 1: Planting Reactions

We focus on cultivating responsiveness and quick thinking. Participants will learn to trust impulses, react spontaneously, and remain attuned to the subtle cues from their surroundings and fellow actors.

Day 2: Rooting Strength

This day is dedicated to developing strength, focusing on power and control without aggression, fear, shame, or judgment. Participants will build physical resilience, learning to harness their inner strength in a supportive environment.

Day 3: Stretching Vines

We focus on stretching both body and mind, enhancing flexibility and expanding your capabilities. Participants will broaden their physical range of motion and mental adaptability, unlocking new potential for performance.

Day 4: Endurance Blossoms

This day is dedicated to building lasting energy and perseverance, pushing participants to go beyond their habitual limits. Through challenging exercises, you'll cultivate the stamina needed to sustain powerful performances.

Day 5: Harvesting Balance

Dedicated to mastering balance, this session helps participants develop control and poise. Participants will enhance their overall stability and confidence, ensuring a well-rounded and balanced approach to their craft.

Anja Demidova

Anja Demidova is a theater director and the first chairperson of Can.Act e.V., a non-profit association dedicated to supporting artists in challenging circumstances.She has a rich background in classic drama, having trained in Russia, and further honed her skills in physical theater with renowned companies such as Troubleyn/Jan Fabre and Odin Teatret.In Germany, Anja has collaborated with theaters like Volksbühne, HAU, and Ballhaus Prinzenallee. With her performances she has participated in Performing Arts Festival and Transmediale/CTM/Vorspiel.Anja's work blends diverse influences to create powerful, socially relevant performances that challenge norms and inspire audiences. Her notable projects in Berlin include "The Run: Refugee Rave" and "Am I Comfortable Enough?".

What do participants say?

"My experience with Anja, was on a very high pro level. I am not used to play on stage, more in front of the camera, but she was capable to give me the same confidence on stage I used to have at my other jobs. I liked all the different tasks she did with me to get better into your concentration and use the area sourrounding you for your own benefit. She helped me just to get ready for the very moment on stage. I would work with here over and over again"
Frederic Heidorn, actor"The first thing Anja does in training and warm-ups before the performance is grounding. We take enough space on the floor, no more, no less, and start with breathing. Inhale, exhale and hold your breath. This is how you leave the frantic rhythms of our difficult world and find yourself. It can be a power training, it can be just a training on observation and work with attention after, depending on a day, but you feel that you are important and needed here and now. Small spoiler: it's better to bring knee pads and clothes that you don't feel bad about, because you can be pumped up a lot - both inside and out. Highly recommended"
Mikhail Poliakov, actor"I'm not a performer myself, but workshops like this are as therapeutic as possible. Scary, sometimes difficult, but in a completely accepting and safe environment. The result of such unusual work of the brain and body is always impressive. The feeling afterwards is similar to the euphoria that always comes after a very fruitful departure from the comfort zone and getting to know yourself".
Aleksandra Kharina, set and costume designer"Anja was very precise in giving instructions but at the same time gave creative freedom to the actors. Working with an inspirational and experienced director like Anja was an honor. Her vision and ideas shine through in every aspect of her work, creating memorable theatre experiences".
Bojan Lazarov, choreographer

Why to join?

  • Comprehensive Physical Training: Gain insights into both the theory and physical aspects of theater.

  • Collaborative Environment: Work alongside international artists in a supportive space.

  • Work Opportunities: This workshop is not only a learning experience but also a gateway to future collaborations. By participating, you have a chance to join an international ensemble and be part of “the Garden” theater production in Berlin in 2024-2025.

Costs

  • Early bird rate (before September, 1) - 320€

  • Regular rate (from September, 1)- 420€

Our payment policy is inclusive. Please, if you have economical issues but you still want to participate, let us know. We are open to alternative solutions.

The workshop will take place in Berlin 23-27 September 2024.
Working time 11:00 - 15:00.

IMPRESSUM
Anna DemidovaWittelsbacherstraße, 50
12309 Berlin
GermanyPhone: +49 17659853506
Email: [email protected]Tax Identification Number: 21/258/02257DATENSCHUTZ
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Anna Demidova
Wittelsbacherstraße, 50
12309 Berlin
Germany
Phone: +49 17659853506
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Thank you!

Looking forward to get to know you!