Contemporary performance training in Philadelphia

Press contact: Lauren Dubowski - info@headlong.org
For release on: May 10, 2010

Philadelphia's Headlong Performance Institute still has a few slots open in our Fall 2010 class. Please pass along the following description of the program to any young artists you think could benefit from an intensive semester in hybrid performance in Philadelphia.

 

Headlong Performance Institute is for artists who see themselves as creators as well as performers: Think ensemble-driven companies creating original work. We're a new program -- our third class will start this fall -- but some of our alums are already forming companies and getting their work produced.

Some artists enroll in the program to see what its like to live as a working artist. The program is an immersive experience -- working on performance all day, every day. You're living in the city of Philadelphia, not on a campus, and you'll be going to an actual performance studio called The Parlor to train, collaborate and make your work. It's a place where art is happening -- working artists are rehearsing, shows are being created.

Here in Philly, the work tends to be more experimental and not script-based: We've become known as a center for hybrid, movement-based performance work. Companies like Pig Iron Theater Company, New Paradise Laboratories, and Headlong Dance Theater have been giving Philly a reputation as a place where important ideas in American performance are being born. Our faculty are all working artists who perform in and direct shows that have a huge impact, shows that win Obie Awards and Bessie Awards, and regularly get National Endowment for the Arts funding. They are serious artists and amazing teachers. And they are in Philadelphia performing, directing, running companies, basically doing it all, including teaching at HPI.  

Last thing you should know: HPI is an accredited program and provides a semester's worth of transfer credit (4 courses) to students who come as a "semester away" option.  About half our artists are post-bacs, which means they've already graduated from college. Some financial aid is still available for qualified post-bac students. 


For more information on the program and applying for Fall 2010, e-mail info@headlongperformanceinstitute.org

 

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