Monday, February 24, 2014

Improv Sessions

A good laugh during a recent improv.
The solitude of the Maine woods is such a perfect place to explore all sorts of strange and wonderful impulses!  Some of us veteran stage performers from around New England have been meeting at Eureka every now and then just to clear the cobwebs from our synapses.  We employ theater games and improv work.  Improv is a wonderful way to reconnect, dissolve blocks, discover new characters, invent graphics, inspire new material, and discover what works.  It's very good for the heart and is a sure way to get to know one another (and ourselves) with amazing speed and depth.  Each session is unique depending on the makeup of the group.  We try to get between six and eight players each session bringing in at least one or two new faces from out of state.  We experiment with many different improv exercises from various teachers.  It's not only laughs that we are after, but a full range of expression.  It's a real work out!  But quite a lot of fun!  I'm hoping that improvisation will be somewhat of a cornerstone of the work going on here at Eureka.

Photo:  Randy Judkins (left) sharing a moment with Jack Golden (right) during a recent Sunday Improv.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Upholstering The Main Studio

We've been spending this intense winter indoors getting things ready for spring and summer at Eureka. We are doing a big push to finish upholstering the main studio.  It looks wonderful!  By using fabric there is no drywall dust, mud or mess... The walls have been covered with batting and fitted with over 75 yards of beautiful material. We used custom snap buttons to hold the fabric to the walls along with wood trim. The acoustics are wonderful and even with sub-zero weather outside, the studio is really cozy.

We are now taking reservations for residencies and short stays this summer.  7 Day Residencies begin the week of July 6, 2014.  Residencies are for individuals, couples, or small groups interested in focused studio time.  Develop a creative project, rehearse, train, video work, or spend time with a director.  Residencies are very flexible.

We will also offer Bread-and-Breakfast style accommodations when our guest rooms are not booked for creative residencies.  Visit our website for more info:  (www.eurekaretreat.com/-retreats.html)