Public Workshops

Each year, TONYC typically offers weekend-long joker training workshops. To receive updates, sign up for our training mailing list at: http://www.tonyc.nyc/newsletter

Training Dates for 2020 - Descriptions & applications below.

Online: Intro to Facilitating Forum Theatre (Level 1) - FULL
- A six-session course: July 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31 from 3pm-5pm
Intro to Facilitating Forum Theatre (Level 1)
- Feb 28 - March 1 (FULL)
- July 17 - July 19 **CANCELLED** TONYC will not be able to host this training in July. We are currently building a list of trainings that we will provide online in the summer & fall
Forum Theatre for Community Action (Level 2)
- Feb 7 - Feb 9 (FULL)

If you are interested in bringing our Jokers to facilitate a training at your organization, please fill out the workshop request form on our workshops page.

Online Intro to Facilitating Forum Theatre (Level 1 Joker Training)

This training will guide you through TONYC's framework of building a forum scene and facilitating a public forum. We will share the online adaptations that TONYC is using in video and audio rehearsals, but we will also discuss in-person facilitation. See the full description below.

Facilitators: Sulu LeoNimm & Liz Morgan

Dates :

Jul 15, 2020 3:00-5:00pm* Required
Jul 17, 2020 3:00-5:00pm* Required
Jul 22, 2020 3:00-5:00pm
Jul 24, 2020 3:00-5:00pm
Jul 29, 2020 3:00-5:00pm
Jul 31, 2020 3:00-5:00pm

This training is a collaborative process with other members of the workshop, we request that participants attend all sessions. We will have some flexibility to support people who have unexpected conflicts along the way, but we request that you do not register if you cannot attend the first two sessions. We plan to record each session, to share only with people who are participating in the workshop.

Applications are closed: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will receive a response within 3 business days. The total training group will be under 15 people. After July, TONYC will be assessing our capacity to support additional online trainings in the fall months.

Fee & Payment: The training is offered at a sliding scale of $100-$400. A payment link will be sent to registered applicants.

Description: This training is for community organizers, artists and engaged community members who plan to apply Forum Theatre to engage groups in action towards social change. Participants will experience TONYC's process of creating forum troupes and engaging spect-actors in Forum Theatre. This training will share the online adaptations that TONYC is using in video and audio rehearsals, but will also discuss in-person facilitation.

During the workshop, participants will build and perform Forum Theatre scenes. This includes playing games from the arsenal of Theatre of the Oppressed; telling and choosing stories of oppression; using Aesthetics of the Oppressed (clean trash sculpture, etc) to explore the story and the issues; and applying rehearsal exercises games. We will examine the theory and politics of the work while staying firmly rooted in practice. Participants may have the opportunity to practice jokering a Forum and teaching back the games to the group. We will take time to address a variety of questions that arise when facilitating this work. Participants will receive a packet of notes from the training that includes games, exercises, and an outline for jokering a forum performance.

Intro to Facilitating Forum Theatre (Level 1 Joker Training)

Dates: We strongly prefer that participants attend the entirety of the training. Please note each day’s schedule and check your travel plans. Contact Sulu at nimm@tonyc.nyc if you have any questions.

*Full* WINTER February 28 - March 1 (10am-5pm each day)
*CANCELLED* SUMMER July 17 - July 19 (10am-5pm each day)
Online six-session course: July 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31 from 3pm-5pm

Facilitators: The winter training will be facilitated by Sulu LeoNimm and Meggan Gomez. The summer training will be facilitated by Liz Morgan and Sulu LeoNim

Description: This training is for community organizers, artists and engaged community members who plan to apply Forum Theatre to engage groups in action towards social change. Participants will experience TONYC's process of creating forum troupes in partnership with local groups, and of engaging spect-actors in Forum Theatre.

During the workshop, participants will build and perform Forum Theatre scenes. This includes playing games from the arsenal of Theatre of the Oppressed; telling and choosing stories of oppression; using Aesthetics of the Oppressed (clean trash sculpture, etc) to explore the story and the issues; and applying rehearsal games. We will examine the theory and politics of the work while staying firmly rooted in practice. Participants have the opportunity to practice jokering a Forum and teaching back the games to the group. We will take time to address a variety of questions that arise when facilitating this work. At the conclusion of the training, we'll share the scenes with an audience of friends and colleagues. Participants will receive a packet of notes from the training that includes games, exercises, and an outline for jokering a forum performance.

Please note - because this training is a collaborative process with other members of the workshop, we request that participants attend for the full training time.

Note for TONYC actors: TONYC will provide alternative facilitation training for actors who are already familiar with this process from participating in a Forum Theatre Troupe. Please contact Liz Morgan for training opportunities.

For any questions about this training, please contact Sulu LeoNimm at nimm@tonyc.nyc. To receive updates about future trainings, sign up for our mailing list at: http://www.tonyc.nyc/newsletter

Rates:

Standard Rate: $400.00
Half-Price Scholarship rate: $200.00 (There is currently a waiting list for spots in the July training).
- This rate is available to individuals and organizations.
Payment information: A non-refundable $50 deposit is required to reserve your spot. The balance of your workshop fee is due 2 weeks before the training. Advance payment of workshop fees supports TONYC in opening spots to people on the waiting list. If your access to funds means you need a payment plan or adjusted payment schedule, please contact Sulu at nimm@tonyc.nyc.

Application: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will receive a response within 2 weeks. Applicants will need to confirm their spot and send a non-refundable $50 deposit. Training fees paid to TONYC are non-refundable during the 7 days before the training, and may not be credited to a future training. Exceptions will only be considered at TONYC's discretion.

If a group or organization is planning to apply for a group of participants, please submit individual applications, and include your affiliation in the “About Me” section. You are welcome to email Sulu LeoNimm at nimm@tonyc.nyc with questions about applications and payment.

Title: Forum Theatre for Community Action (Level 2 Joker Training)

Dates: *Full* February 7 - 9, 2020 (10am-5pm each day)

*Note: We strongly prefer that participants attend the entirety of the training. Please note each day’s schedule and check your travel plans. Contact Sulu at nimm@tonyc.nyc if you have any questions.

Location: Midtown Manhattan, NYC

Facilitators: Liz Morgan and Donnay Edmund

Description: This workshop provides the opportunity for facilitators to reflect on their facilitation in community with Theatre of the Oppressed practitioners, and engage a rigorous exploration of how to incorporate anti-oppression methodology inside of the work of Theatre of the Oppressed. Participants will lead Forum Theatre games and exercises, share roadblocks they've experienced, and receive feedback from the TONYC jokers and fellow workshop participants. This workshop is best suited for individuals with prior facilitation experience.

Participants will:

Review and deepen knowledge of the theory and politics that are the foundation of TO.
Practice facilitating games, learn from the feedback of other participants participants and have the opportunity to give and receive constructive feedback.
Practice jokering a forum scene, and receive constructive feedback.
Evaluate your practice based on three essential elements of jokering: accuracy, style and ethics. Discuss the adjustments necessary to meet the needs of different communities.
Ask questions. Access resources. Build networks.

Rates:

Standard Rate: $400.00 (There is currently a waiting list for these spots)
Half-Price Scholarship rate: $200.00, by application. (There is currently a waiting list for these spots)
Payment information: A non-refundable $50 deposit is required to reserve your spot. The balance of your workshop fee is due 2 weeks before the training. Advance payment of workshop fees supports TONYC in opening spots to people on the waiting list. If your access to funds means you need a payment plan or adjusted payment schedule, please contact Sulu at nimm@tonyc.nyc.

Application: *Full* Please add your name to the waiting list this link: https://forms.gle/xnKESbCX8uMLFu26A. Applicants off the waiting list will be contacted if we have a cancellation. Applicants will need to confirm their spot and send a non-refundable $50 deposit. Training fees paid to TONYC are non-refundable during the 7 days before the training, and may not be credited to a future training. Exceptions will only be considered at TONYC's discretion.

If a group or organization is planning to apply for a group of participants, please submit individual applications, and include your affiliation in the “About Me” section. You are welcome to email Sulu LeoNimm at nimm@tonyc.nyc with questions about applications and payment.