Guidelines for Participants

In RealPlay classes, structures are given as portals to fertile realms of expression. This is a movement theater laboratory of skills, innovation and play.

What’s it all about? Play, therapy, performance or what?
Yes, and...
My intention is that each person acquire movement and theater skills, developing a group connection as we hone this originative art form. In the beginning of class attunement to ourselves and each other is emphasized. We are getting into a playful state, more deeply in touch with our physicality and our subconcious creative sources. We then progress towards skills, performance scores, and constructive feedback. I sometimes coach during improvisations.

RealPlay Class Guidelines:
Respect your fellow players. We are all taking some risks here, breaking common social confines to allow for more creative states.

Within the improvisation:
Address other players with fictitious names within the improvisation.
Make statements rather than asking questions.
Do not actively deny a reality another player sets up. In general, avoid saying to your fellow players. “no you’re not” or “shut up” or “stop”. Make it about yourself, not about them.

What we express towards each other within an improvisation is not intended to be personal. This is an arena in which we can express much more freely, but let your expression be about your character, not about other players. Your true reactions in the moment can be channeled in this way. (I will explain this further in class.)

If your character is expressing strong emotions of aggression, or lust, give yourself the parameter of not touching your fellow players. By the same token, please feel free to set limits in the midst of any improvisation. Speak English if necessary!

Take care of yourself physically and emotionally. Try to handle a situation within the improvisation or exercise first, but if you are at or over your edge of comfort, speak up, sit out or call a time out during an exercise or improvisation.

If you are disturbed by something in class, you may speak up in class or after. Communicate with me or to others involved. Naming and addressing issues briefly can really help. Please try to speak in “I statements”.

Wear comfortable clothing you can move in. Dress in layers for temperature comfort. Please attend to personal hygiene before class, since we are working in such close proximity.

Please call or email me if you need to miss class during a series, so I can let the group know.
Thank you and Enjoy! Julie Oak 2006