As if for the first time, each time
Learn to act, devise, and tell stories free from excess self-consciousness with the Art of Intentional Spontaneity (AIS). Give vibrantly alive, heartful performances, with an underlying joy. Achieve spontaneous yet reliably repeatable aliveness - and not just a copy thereof - on stage or screen.
Buffo - A Buffoonish Theatrical Event inspired by Fo’s Mistero Buffo University Theatre, Bath Spa University April 2007
INTRODUCING OUR APPROACH
It is for actors, directors, theatre workers and media performers and presenters.
In other words, it is a highly effective way to reliably create repeatable, flexible and authentic spontaneity during rehearsal and performance. AIS enables reliable playing from the heart and soul.
That is, they learn to feelingly play the human condition - telling stories, enacting plays or other works that reflect or confront our lives - without the debilitations of excess self-consciousness.
AIS IN PERFORMANCE
See The Art of Intentional Spontaneity in performance across several styles and genres
Archival video
AIS IN NO NAME
READ MORE ABOUT AIS
Spontaneity is central to human life. The spontaneity of children - so delightful (and sometimes embarrassing!) to adults - is a touchstone of humanity. A ‘cornerstone of individual well-being and human sociality’, spontaneity is closely linked to both trust and effectiveness (Slingerland 2015, p. 18). Partly, this is because ‘spontaneous behavior is hard to fake’ (p. 11).
The Art of Intentional Spontaneity begins in - and through - the warmup. In AIS, to warm up is to begin to depart from “casual everyday mode”, the automated, fixed, defensive and protective control of behavior part and parcel of living. To warm up is to pause our necessary control systems; is to carefully move us from our set, established horizons; is to move us beyond our own very circumscribed perception of the human condition.
LEARN AIS
Courses and Workshops
Taking Liberties currently offers two week introductory courses in AIS. On completion of the two week course, for people who want to go further with the practice and concept, an intensive four week course is available.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING…
Dr Joly Puthussery
University of Hyderabad
Every actor/performer needs intentional spontaneity. People need to refresh this at every stage of their career, need to be able to come to this training whatever their age
Sylvia Leong
Student
This workshop reduced the self-conscious aspect and did create a relaxed / calm self while the body being active. The thought process was not a hindrance to my movements, also giving me a sense of purpose.
VAWDASV Research
Network Wales
@VAWDASVWales
Incredible performance of No Name by GJ Kalic
Anonymous
Student
I loved the warming up exercise, it really helped in working and refreshing my body. I also realised that you don’t have to go to extremes to get out certain emotions, but there are other safer ways. Loved the exercises were conducted in circles. It felt like an equaliser. It also helped with my anxiety.
Joanna Robinson
Welsh Government National Adviser VAWDASV
Such a great performance representing sexual violence in conflict, followed by thought provoking discussion. A hugely valuable morning.
Samiti
Student
I have always found the concept of ‘objective’ difficult to work with. It made the actions mechanical, unlike in real life. The concept of working on the units with “DRIVE” is something I have gained. This workshop helped me become less self-conscious. It was very well conducted, the discussion session in the end helped us recollect the points and cleared the doubts. It was a very productive session.
Wales Safer Communities
Network
a powerful & thought-provoking performance from the play 'No Name'