This workshop will explore the spectrum of movement, and how Alexander Technique and Pantomime can be used to take movement to its very essence, and develop movement into stylized physicality, create illusion, convey and evoke emotion, and develop characters.
Pantomime: the visualization of imaginary things through stylized physicality.
Alexander Technique: a way of tuning one’s whole self to any activity, restoring good natural coordination and giving all movement and effortless quality.
About Kate + Benedikt
Kate and Benedikt work together to help individuals create effortless, evocative and precise movement that can be used in performance, physical characterization, and daily life. They have taught together at OperaWorks, UCLA, ARC Pasadena and at Machine Project and in Las Vegas.
Benedikt Negro is a world-renowned mime and movement teacher, and performs pantomime nightly as a star of Cirque du Soleil’s “O.” Most recently, Benedikt can be seen featured in the 3D Cirque du Soleil movie “Worlds Away” produced by James Cameron. He trained at Die Etage School for the Performing Arts in Berlin.
Originally from Xanten, Germany, Benedikt began his career as a performer at the tender age of nine, when he performed as a sideshow artist in his first professional show. Interest for this fascinating and unique performance grew quickly in Germany, which led Benedikt to perform in several festivals all over the country, walking on glass as well as eating and breathing fire. Benedikt experimented increasingly in performance with conveying emotions without words, which began his fascination and work with mime. In 2002 he joined Cirque du Soleil’s “O”. He has been with the show for ten years, over five thousand performances.
Benedikt also started the highly-acclaimed clown show called 1230 (twelvethirty) a European-style, late-night clown show based in Las Vegas featuring professional clowns from the Strip’s most renowned shows including Cirque du Soleil, Matsuri, Le Reve and Jubilee. During each 70-minute show, audience members are treated to hilarious and virtuosic performances inspired by varying themes ranging from the topical to the absurd.
Kate Conklin is a soprano, leading interpreter of the virtuosic vocal music of Bulgaria, and a teacher of The Alexander Technique specializing in the neuro-biology of optimal performance. Kate’s work has been called “simple and instantly adoptable, yet radical and groundbreaking.” She specializes in working with high-level performers whose work demands both excellent technique and profound artistry. Kate was the vocalist for Cirque du Soleil’s “O” for two years.
