SUMMER 2024 PEFORMANCE
PENTHESILEA
THE QUEEN OF THE AMAZONS
Directed by TATIANA SPIVAKOVA
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
We are excited to bring together Yorgos, Tatiana, and more of our internationally-acclaimed teaching artists for this exclusive two-week retreat, which offers participants a unique opportunity to experience the Lab methodology and enhance their performance skills. Open to all ages and levels of experience, this residency bridges the world between Workshop and Masterclass, and is ideal for those seeking to deepen their acting practice through a distinctive approach.
The first week begins with Yorgos, who will guide participants through acting coaching, breaking down inhibitions, and embodiment techniques. The second week, led by Tatiana, focuses on a rehearsal process where participants apply these techniques to a scripted work. Participants will also meet with our guest instructors along the way, each lending their expertise in voice, movement, and more, enriching the overall experience. Culminating in an ensemble performance at the end of week two, participants will take the stage at one of Chania's most prestigious theatres.
This body-centered approach emphasizes authenticity and presence in acting. The residency will focus on dismantling acting habits stemming from social and cultural conditioning, providing grounding techniques to cultivate presence and explore a unified performing state where body, mind, emotion, and instinct work in harmony.
Please note, participants will be responsible for their own accommodation.
INSTRUCTORS
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
FESTIVAL WEEK ONE
DAY ONE
YORGOS
Foundations & Intentions
Participants will explore presence, embodiment, and deconditioning in nature through a morning lecture and goal-setting session. The afternoon features embodiment training with ensemble work and script reading.
DAY TWO
YORGOS
Voice, Ownership, & Deconditioning
The morning session begins with voice and embodiment training, incorporating text-based exercises to explore ownership. The afternoon is dedicated to deconditioning sessions.
DAY THREE
YORGOS
Presence as a Tool for Acting
Explore presence as a fundamental acting tool and learn to apply it to your performance. Actors will spend the afternoon in dedicated, individual sessions.
DAY FOUR
YORGOS
Embodiment
These extended, one-on-one sessions will focus on the principles of embodiment and how to apply them to your acting. Sessions will be conducted in the morning and afternoon, and will offer in-depth individual attention.
DAY FIVE
YORGOS
Career Mentorship & Embodied Acting I
This session, featuring a casting director Q&A and Day 1 of Embodied Acting, offers comprehensive career guidance. Gain clarity on your path, receive personalized answers, and leave with a toolkit and plan to achieve your professional aspirations.
DAY SIX
YORGOS
Application & Embodied Acting II
Continued individual sessions on embodied acting. In the evening, participants will have an inquiry session to address post-workshop questions, followed by a swim, closing celebration, and dinner.
This retreat demands your wholehearted commitment.
Make the most out of this experience by arriving well-rested and allowing time for integration post-retreat.
PRE-PROGRAMME
PREPARATION
-
Ease into the experience with a few restful days before and after your arrival.
-
Consider an early arrival in Crete for a smoother transition.
-
Opt for a private session—online or in person—before the retreat to tailor your experience.
-
Bring an exciting and challenging monologue or duologue of your choice for practice.
-
Ensure that you are off-book upon your arrival.
-
Share your chosen scene with Yorgos via email at least a week before the program starts.
POST-PROGRAMME
INTEGRATION
-
As the program concludes, we recommend easing back into your routine with some integration time.
-
Consider staying in Crete for a bit longer to fully absorb and apply the transformative tools and experiences gained during the intensive program.
-
Allow yourself the space to reflect on the journey and ensure a smooth transition back into your daily life.
GUEST INSTRUCTORS
APPLICATION
WORKSHOP DETAILS
INSTRUCTORS
VENUE
DATES
Dimitris Vlisidis Theatre
Akti Miaouli & Maridaki
CHANIA | Greece
29 July 2025 - 9 August 2025
10:00 - 17:00*
*Additional sessions may be held outside these hours
PRICE
EARLY BIRD
SALE
NOW UNTIL 16 MARCH
STANDARD
£860
LABBER*
£830
AFTER 16 MARCH
STANDARD
£1080
LABBER*
£1050
*Please see more about our Labber Pricing to determine eligibility.
**NOTE: Pricing does not include accommodation. Participants are required to book separately.
CANCELLATION POLICY
We have a cancellation policy of three weeks prior to the start of the Lab for short workshops and one calendar month for residencies. After this, we cannot offer refunds unless another participant can be found to take the place.
WHAT LABBERS ARE SAYING
"I didn’t realise how forcefully that lock was going to burst open and how the work that we’re doing is just so important—not just for you as an actor, as an artist, but as a person!"
NOOR HAMDI
NYC
"Yorgos has such an understanding and knowledge of how to take care of ourselves on a personal level when we’re doing this kind of work and living this kind of life."
HELEN PERCIVAL
LONDON