Physical Theatre: Ensemble Devising @ The Roost
Tuesdays 6pm-8pm
May 13-July 08
May 13, 20, 27
June 24, July 01, July 08
(No classes June 3, 10, 17)
Default Price
$150
Subsidized Price
$110
Pay-it-forward Price
$210
Course description
This 6-week course led by Katherine Marino consists of a weekly 2-hour studio session dedicated to the study and practice of physical theatre ensemble devising. Each session integrates technical movement training, ensemble-based methodologies, and prompts and guidance for creating original performance work.
Technical training topics will draw from disciplines such as contemporary partnering, Laban Movement Analysis (LMA), and illusionary mime technique, providing a sampling of movement frameworks to draw from to inform our devised work.
Distinct from conventional theatre or dance curricula, this course emphasizes the synthesis of various performance styles to generate innovative theatrical material. It is particularly suited for dancers seeking to expand their theatrical vocabulary, actors aiming to refine their physical expressivity, and any individuals interested in co-creating interdisciplinary performance work.
Katherine’s teaching is grounded in the belief that creativity, physicality, and authentic human connection are essential ingredients for a life full of joy and meaning. Her mission as an educator is to cultivate an inclusive, dynamic environment where students explore physicality, take creative risks, build a supportive artistic community, all while developing the ability to integrate their unique talents, interests, and skills into their own original work.
No prior experience is required. Open to adults 18+.
About the Instructor
Katherine Marino is a Rochester, NY-based physical theatre artist and educator with more than 15 years of professional performance experience across the United States and four continents. A graduate of William Smith College (BA in Dance, 2012), Katherine’s artistry was enriched by a Fulbright Fellowship to Argentina (2013), where she discovered classes in circus arts and clowning.
Upon her return to the US, she performed with Rochester’s Push Physical Theatre for several years, touring as a full-time company member in shows such as Arc of Ages, Dracula, and Jekyll and Hyde. She branched out in 2018 to produce and create her own work, including The Extraordinary Muffin Theatre Spectacular (2018), 24 Hour Dance Project (2019), A Show with Cookies (2019), and more recently Let’s Get Physical (Theatre)! (2024) and Truth and Beauty (2024).
Katherine’s teaching is grounded in the belief that creativity, physicality, and authentic human connection are essential ingredients for a life full of joy and meaning. Her mission as an educator is to cultivate an inclusive, dynamic environment where students explore physicality, take creative risks, build a supportive artistic community, all while developing the ability to integrate their unique talents, interests, and skills into their own original work.
Marino works closely with collaborator Ashley Jones (Push Physical Theatre creative director), and together they have co-founded the RocHaha Clown Festival and the Auguste Roost.
She is known for her hat juggling, bakery-themed shows, clowning, and signature big hair. She is a beloved figure in her community for her sense of playfulness, her adventurous spirit and her general ability to “make things happen.”
Connect with her on Instagram @katherine.dances