Masterclass with Annie Ryan
ENSEMBLE THEATRE GAMES AND IMPROVISATION

Trinity Church Hall (New Hall)
Thurs 18th from 10.00am until 1pm / Friday 19th from 10.00am until 1pm / Sat 20th from 10.00am until 1pm

Taught by the award-winning director from Ireland’s celebrated theatre company, The Corn Exchange, Annie Ryan gives a crash course in her company’s work. The group will explore ensemble physical theatre using various techniques from her renegade form of Commedia dell’Arte, Le Coq and Chicago improvisation. The work is designed to empower the ensemble to create work together – building characters and exploring their worlds through rigourous precision, risk and fun.

Annie Ryan is the founder and Artistic Director of The Corn Exchange in Dublin. Originally from Chicago, Annie trained in acting at the Piven Theatre Workshop and New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. She was part of New Crime Productions in Chicago in the early 90s, where she became introduced to the style of Commedia dell’Arte that has become her company’s trademark. Her training with SITI Company and with members from Theatre de Complicite has also informed the work of the company. Productions with The Corn Exchange include STREETCAR, BIG BAD WOOLF, BABY JANE, THE SEAGULL, CAR SHOW (Special Judges Award Irish Times/ESB Theatre Awards 1998), FOLEY by Michael West, LOLITA, MUD by Maria Irene Fornes (Best Production Irish Times/ESB Theatre Awards 2003), DUBLIN BY LAMPLIGHT (Best Ensemble, The Stage, Edinburgh) and EVERYDAY, both by Michael West in collaboration with the company. Outside of The Corn Exchange, Annie directed RUDOLF THE RED for the Ark, COME AND GO for the Beckett Festival at the Gate and the Barbican and will be directing FOOL FOR LOVE for the Abbey Theatre.