Class Type Open
Dates May 2-3, 2026
Times Noon-5pm
Location TBA
Instructors Ivano Conte
Cost $325

Explore the body's expressive potential by connecting with the rhythms and forces of the natural world. Inspired by Lecoq’s concept of mimodynamics, this workshop approaches movement as the starting point of dramatic creation. Instead of beginning with psychology, actors observe the external movements of nature to discover an internal physical impulse. Through mimism—the ability to capture and embody natural dynamics—participants develop a richer physical imagination and new tools for character creation. Over this 2-day intensive, the work is divided into two main explorations: on the first day, participants investigate the elements—fire, air, earth, and water—through movement exercises that explore rhythm, weight, resistance, and energy, discovering how natural dynamics can inspire emotional states and dramatic presence. On the second day, the focus shifts to animals and zoomorphism, studying locomotion, points of support, and instinctive attitudes to transform animal qualities into human characters. This workshop offers practical tools for performers interested in physical theater, clowning, and physically driven character work.

Ivano Conte is a theatre and movement teacher trained in the Lecoq pedagogy. He graduated from Il Cantiere Teatrale in Rome, where he later became a founding member and teacher. He studied with renowned masters such as Norman Taylor, Amy Russell, Philippe Gaulier, Lassaad Saidi, Carlo Boso, Antonio Fava, Vladimir Olshansky and Emmanuel Gallot-Lavallée. Ivano is an Associate Lecoq Pedagogue at Embodied Poetics, where he contributes to the transmission of Jacques Lecoq’s methodology, with a focus on movement analysis, Commedia dell’Arte and the creative process. He has taught internationally, leading workshops in Italy and Canada. In addition, Ivano is a certified practitioner of the Feldenkrais Method®, integrating somatic awareness into actor training to deepen presence, precision, and creative freedom. His approach combines rigorous physical discipline with imaginative exploration, guiding performers toward authenticity, expressiveness, and a vibrant theatrical presence.

Ages 18 and older.

Prerequisite: None