Group Movement Session for Auditions
At our upcoming auditions for Treasure Island and The Wizard of Oz, you might notice something a little different— a group movement session. So, why are we doing this, and what can you expect? Let’s break it down!
Why a Group Movement Session?
In the same way that we do line reads to get a sense of how you approach dialogue, we use movement sessions to observe how you approach physical character choices. There’s no skill threshold to meet—this isn’t about dance technique or athletic ability. Instead, we’re looking at how you:
- Move your body and make physical choices to bring a character to life
- Follow rhythm and work in tandem with other actors
This is relevant for Treasure Island, where fight sequences require rhythm and coordination to be performed safely. For The Wizard of Oz, we’re looking for confident, energized movement to bring the fantastical characters of Oz to life. Think about how a winged monkey, a lion, or even the Tin Man might move— exaggerated, whimsical, and totally out of this world!
Do I Need to Prepare Anything?
Nope! There’s nothing to prepare in advance. Just come ready to play and explore. Remember:
- There are no right or wrong movements. Each person’s interpretation will be unique, which is exactly what we want to see!
- We’re not looking for perfection— we’re looking for bold choices, creativity, and your willingness to try new things.
What should i wear?
Please wear clothes that are comfortable and will not impede your movement. Sturdy shoes that stay on your feet are a must – please do not wear flip-flops, boots, high heels, wheeled shoes, etc.
Will There Be a Warmup?
Yes! While you should come ready to move, we want to make sure everyone feels comfortable. Chelsea will lead a short, 5-minute group warmup at the start of the movement call. This will help get your body ready to:
- Move around the space at a walk-to-jog pace
- Explore exaggerated movements and physicality for characterization
Our goal is to make this accessible for all, so the warmup is designed to help you feel prepared and confident as you step into the movement exercises.
What Type of Movement Will We Do?
We’ll explore a variety of movement exercises, including:
- Across the Floor Progressions: These help us observe coordination and rhythm. Check out this example to get an idea of what to expect.
- Character Exercises: We’ll experiment with how different characters move, focusing on:
- Walking, gestures, posture, and pace— How does a pirate strut versus how a scarecrow stumbles?
- Exploring physicality to bring pirates, winged monkeys, and other fantastical creatures to life.
This session is inspired by several movement techniques, including:
- Laban Efforts and Animal Movement: Exploring qualities of movement, like float vs. punch, or imagining how different animals might inspire character choices. Here’s a great example to spark your imagination.
- Viewpoints (Tempo in Space): Working with rhythm, tempo, and spatial awareness. Here’s a glimpse of what that could look like.
Final Thoughts
We hope this gives you a better idea of what to expect from the group movement session. We can’t wait to see how you bring the characters of Treasure Island and The Wizard of Oz to life through your unique physicality and imagination.
We know this approach might be new to some folks, and that’s okay! If you have any questions or concerns about the group movement session, we encourage you to reach out. You can contact us via email at info@pinetreeplayers or by phone at (403) 589-5732.
