Title
The Gonsalves Method – A proven, pioneering approach to Authentic, Connected Acting

Workshop description
Learn the new acting approach pioneered and used by Butterfly Theatre Company – The Gonsalves Method. It helps you put Meisner into application. You will learn how to be present and connect authentically using many replicable exercises, tips and tricks to give you a methodical process from line learning to being able to direct or perform Immersive Shakespeare performances.

Learning outcomes

Participants will:

• combat self consciousness
• create true ensemble where people are dependent on each other as they discover how to actually achieve ‘living truthfully’
• learn the principles of Meisner and how to apply it to text
• see clearly and respond honestly from your point of view
• gain a new understanding of what authentic performance can be and try out ways of achieving it
• try the 5 Conditions for text/devising work – (Given Circumstances)
• learn how to teach approaches through games and exercises for students.
• troubleshoot and give notes using The Gonsalves Method

Target audience
All teachers of theatre and drama

Level: Introductory

Aileen Gonsalves

I am passionate about empowering actors to discover and express their authentic, unique selves. I’ve developed a new way of training actors: The Gonsalves Method (rooted in Meisner): a methodical, replicable approach which creates truthful, alive performance moment to moment Building a trusting ensemble, awakening permission, inspiring risk taking and true connection are the principles of the method.

Authentic, truthful connection and empowering artists to see themselves as creative equals are my goals. We need great communicators now and I have a means to enable authentic communication. My book Shakespeare and Meisner (Bloomsbury/Arden) outlinines the Gonsalves Method and I’m just launching an Immersive Acting School using the method with my company Butterfly Theatre.

I was Head of the MA acting course at ArtsEd and Head of BA acting DSL. I have done extensive CPD teacher training as a leading educational practitioner with the RSC for over two decades. I run Gonsalves Method workshops internationally live and online to share Butterfly Theatre’s working methods.

Event coordinator

Helen Abbott: helen@ista.co.uk

Workshop timings

Region 1: Asia & Europe
Thursday 31st March 2022
9:00 am – 10:30 am: British Summer Time (BST)
10:00 am – 11:30 am: Central European Summer Time (CEST)
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm: Singapore Standard Time (SST)

The workshop will take place on Zoom.
Joining instructions will be emailed to participants 24 hours before the event.
Some familiarity with Google Drive, Google Docs etc. would be helpful, but is not a requirement.

Places are limited to 25 participants.

The cost of this workshop is GBP £35 per person for ISTA members and GBP £40 per person for non members.

Please note that once booked and invoiced the registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable as per our event terms and conditions.

Any materials shared with you prior to the workshop, such as the workbook. A notebook and pencil are always useful.

Space requirements
If possible, please try to have a small amount of space near to you for any practical work.