Improv for Deaf Actors

Illusion Theater is proud to partner with Jules Dameron & Joshua Castille on their Improv for Deaf Actors class.

SCHEDULE RECENTLY UPDATED

Dates: Class starts Aug 16 – Aug 27 (Friday, Saturday and Sunday off) online.

Sessions: Aug 16-20, 24-26 (3 hour sessions, 8 total)  7 PM - 10 PM CST

*15 minute breaks per session*

Public Showcase: Thursday, Aug 27th, 7 PM CST on FACEBOOK LIVE. Like our page to tune in, offer suggestions, and get in on the hilarity!

Cost: FREE. Yes. Free.

Illusion Theater is committed to hiring more Deaf artists and programming Deaf work on our stage. It’s with that in mind that we wanted to partner with Jules and Josh so that we can begin fostering the Deaf talent we have in Minnesota. With the current pandemic, we are not sure when we’ll be able to have audience back in our space, but we didn’t want this opportunity to pass us by. We hope you’ll join us for this amazing class led by Jules Dameron and Joshua Castille.

After the class ends, there will be a public showcase on Zoom so we can share your amazing work.

About you:

• A Deaf actor (loosely defined) with fluency in ASL who is at least 18 years old.

• Access to a computer, with webcam, and a decent internet connection.

• Lives somewhere in the state of Minnesota.

• Wants to grow performance skills with other Deaf actors and have fun.

APPLY

CLASS IS FULL. We are no longer taking applications. However, due to a lot of interest we may do it again. If you’re interested, plus subscribe to our email list so you can keep up-to-date on our progress. And we hope you’ll join us for the showcase!

ABOUT THE TEACHING ARTISTS

Jules Dameron is a Deaf queer film & theatre director, having graduated from Gallaudet University with a BA in TV/Cinema and an MFA in Film Production/Directing at USC. Jules directed ASL music videos such as Rolling in the Deep, “Different Colors” (Walk the Moon) for AT&T, and series such as Reverse Polarity (DPAN.TV) and Møkkakaffe (NRK) in Norway. Jules took classes at UCB in improv and worked with Joshua Castille in applying those techniques onto Deaf actors. Jules is stoked to be working with the Illusion Theater in supporting Minnesotan #DeafTalent in finding their creative voice. 

More info about Jules Dameron.

Joshua Castille is known for being an actor in various projects such as the Broadway revival of Spring Awakening, The Hunchback Of Notre Dame. Growing up he was involved in community theatre productions, and all 3 high school theatre programs. His training covered: presentational performance, theatre of war/politics/revolution, and original works. He took improv classes at UCB and Groundlings, both focused on character and story development. His training has proven applicable in his career.

More info about Joshua Castille.

FAQs

Do I have to live in Minnesota since the class is online?

First-choice will be given to Minnesota applicants because Illusion Theater hopes to foster our Deaf community of actors. However, please email cmeaker@illusiontheater.org if you are interested in participating outside of Minnesota. If opportunities open up, she will contact you to see if you’re still interested in applying.

Who is going to read my application?

The application will be read and viewed by Jules Dameron and Joshua Castille to get a sense of who you are and if you’d be a good fit for this experience.

When will I know I’m enrolled?

We will be in contact with students by August 11th to let them know if they’ve been selected to participate. We hope that everyone who applies will be selected but we might have to cap participation at 12.

Why do I have to record a video of myself?

You will need to create a two-minute video in order to finish this application. This video is meant to be casual, so don't worry about how it begins or ends. We'll figure that out. This video must include: 1) One minute to answer this question: "Why do you want to take this class?" and 2) One minute to talk about anything that is inspired by the word: SIGN.  

Do I have to attend every session?

We ideally would love to have everyone available for every class. Please let us know about your availability in your application video and we’ll go from there.

Still have questions/concerns? Email cmeaker@illusiontheater.org