Conference 2025 Workshops

Workshops on Friday and Saturday are 2,5 hours, on Sunday are 2 hours long, for a limited number of participants.

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HOW TO RESERVE A PLACE IN WORKSHOPS 
The available places in each Workshop are limited.
Reserving a place in a WORKSHOP will take place after the general Conference Registration via a personal email.
Priority will be given based on the order of the date of Conference Registration.
After you have completed the Registration process, you will receive a personal email. This email will be sent based on the priority of your registration date and will allow you to choose the workshop you wish to attend.
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Note: all workshops are offered in parallel sessions in the same time slot each day. Participants may choose one each day

 

 

 

The theatrical educational model through the neurological approach of acting

The theatrical educational model through the neurological approach of acting

Athens, 21/03/2025, conference workshop, Annita Capousizi

Event date: 3/21/2025 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM Export event

The theatrical educational model through the neurological approach of acting

 

Annita Capousizi

Instructor of the inclusive performing arts,

Artistic director of the theatre group ARTimeleia, Greece

 

WORKSHOP

Athens International Conference "Theatre/Drama & Inclusive Education"

Athens 21, 22, 23 March 2025

Hellenic Theatre/Drama & Education Network TENet-Gr)

 

Language: Greek

Limited number of participants

 

SUMMARY

 

Theoretical background

The concept of inclusion, which is now so urgently claiming its place, refers not only to ‘vulnerable social groups' as we tend to refer to them, but also to a more general restructuring that brings together people, sectors, fields, the confluence of which can lead to greater social equality and equity.

 

The holistic approach required by social changes affects and must first and foremost affect the educational system through which a new reality can be born.

 

A key argument of the dialectic around inclusive education is the belief that when topics, subjects and studies are combined and approached simultaneously, learners begin to see the interconnections, the 'eclectic affinities' of information coming from seemingly 'alien' disciplines. This develops the mechanism of correlation - a genetically recorded way of learning in humans - and furthermore the material that is gathered is used as a means of knowledge rather than as a scrapbook of information. Thus, learners are committed to an educational practice that is meaningful by experience itself.

 

The aim of the primary interdisciplinary research of this workshop was, through neurological observation and recording, to create a practical model of practice, a method that can be applied to actors with and without disabilities. The reason neurological observation was chosen was because neuromuscular function, and by extension its outward manifestation, has much more in common (rather than differences) between people than we might imagine.

The result is the establishment of the inclusive method of acting "neurological approach to acting" through which basic principles of acting are examined and analysed neurologically so that, their perception and study acquire a practical inclusive background.

 

Methodology

The workshop includes the analysis through neurological observation of 7 basic principles of acting: Relaxation, Concentration, Action, Emotional-emotional recall, Given Conditions, Tempo-Rhythm, Imagination.

 

These principles are approached and explored on two levels: theoretical and practical.

At the theoretical level we examine these principles on a neurological basis and analyze on their conceptual interpretation, the application they have to our neuromuscular system. Thus, concepts that until yesterday remained on a theoretical level of approach, resulting in their practice as they see fit, become through neurological observation a visualized and accessible information.

 

We then transfer this information to the practical level. Using acting exercises analysed and designed based on the neurological approach and neurodiagnostic exercises adapted to the acting direction, we test the application of the neurological approach as an inclusive preparation practice in theatre.

 

The neurological approach to acting is the original working method of the ARTimeleia inclusive theatre group and the first published inclusive method of acting in Greece.

 

Applications-Results

Applying the methodology of the neurological approach to acting both in an educational context and in the rehearsal process within a period of 6 months, the following were observed:

- Harmonious cooperation of disabled-neurotypical actors.

- A common rhythm and a common language of communication was acquired much faster.

- The disabled actors pushed their physical limits, trying out movements that, until then, they had been afraid of or thought they could not do.

- They showed more confidence physically and mentally in a wider circle of people, whereas previously they had relied only on their own people for physical facilitation and transportation.

 

It should be emphasized here that through the implementation of the behavioral training programme of the neurological approach to acting, we do not claim medical data, but an improvement in the physical and mental state of disabled people is recorded, such that in this particular group of neuromuscular diseases, it works catalytically in stabilizing symptoms, which is important for the slower progression of the diseases. At the same time:

- Neurotypical actors expanded the degree of perception and empathy.

- They showed greater boldness and confidence in themselves.

- They were more generous on stage.

 

Participation requirements

-The practical part includes physical practice (chiropractic) by the facilitator to the participants and by the participants to each other.

- Comfortable clothing.

 

Annita Capousizi is a director and trainer of inclusive performing arts. Until 2017 she was the head of the theatre workshop of MDA HELLAS (Muscular Dystrophy Association of Greece). This was the beginning of the research she continued in the United States as a Fulbright Foundation Artist Fellow 2016-2017. In the States she collaborated with the Carolinas Healthcare System Neurosciences Institute and the American Center for the Alexander Technique. The result was the documentation of an inclusive method of acting called the "Neurological Approach to Acting". The Manual: "The theatrical training model through the neurological approach to acting - Working with people with neuromuscular diseases" was published in May 2023 by ION Publications and is the first published inclusive method of acting in Greece. She is the founder and artistic director of the inclusive theatre group ARTimeleia (www.artimeleia.com)

 


 

 

 
FRIDAY 21/3/2025, 16.30-19.00

"The Raft Game"
Georgia Antoniou, teacher at 5th High School Corfu Greece
Angeliki Kladi teacher at 5th High School Corfu Greece
Language: Greek
Room: 5405 (wheelchair accessible)

The acceptance of self through the affirmation of others
Lambros Arapakos, social worker, Greece
Giouli Douvou, theatre pedagogue, Greece
Language: Greek
Room: 131 (no wheelchair accessible

"we all can…supporting diversity through enhancing the general self-confidence of adolescents in secondary education"
Aikaterini Asimidou, teacher, Music School of Piraeus, Greece
Antonios Lenakakis, Professor of Theatre Arts and Education, Department of Preschool Education Sciences, Faculty of Education, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
Angelos Souliotis, music teacher,  Music School of Piraeus, Greece
Language: Greek
Room: 5407 (wheelchair accessible)

"Biography Based Language Teaching Through Creative Drama"
Ferah Burgul-Adıgüzel Assoc. Prof. Gazi University Gazi Faculty of Education, Turkey
Language: English
Room: 132 (no wheelchair accessible)

"The theatrical educational model through the neurological approach of acting"
Annita Capousizi, Instructor of the inclusive performing arts, Artistic director of the theatre group ARTimeleia, Greece
Language: Greek
Room: 5404 (wheelchair accessible)

"Oficina Manta plus democracy and modern slavery"
Hugo Miguel Coelho, ExQuorum, Portugal
Language: English
Room: 127 (no wheelchair accessible)

"I am Malala - a process drama approach to address gender-based violence in classrooms"
Adam Cziboly, associate professor Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Norway
Language: English
Room: 310 (wheelchair accessible)

“The Navel of the Earth- A workshop on inclusion” 
Maria Frangi, University of Patras Department of Theatre Studies, Greece 
Language: Greek
Room: 313 (wheelchair accessible)

"Lotus Project yoga meets poetry"
Bruno Freyssinet artistic director of Transplanisphere France
Foteini Dimitriou Yoga Family Violet Alignment school, Greece
Language: English/Greek/French
Room: 311 (wheelchair accessible)

"Who Was My Granny"
Sunčica Milosavljević, theatre director, drama pedagogue, Serbia
Nataša Milojević, drama and dance pedagogue, Serbia
Mladen Brekić, Youth Drama Club POKUS, Serbia
Sara Prodanović, Youth Drama Club POKUS, Serbia
Language: English
Room: 5204-nykton organon (wheelchair accessible)

"POWER! - Exploring and blocking racism within and around us” 
George Moschos, Director of Youth Engagement Scheme YES, CAMHI, Greece 
Olga Orfanidou, primary school teacher, Greece 
Language: Greek
Room: 410 (wheelchair accessible)

"A Thousand Languages of Dance: Dance as a Tool for Inclusion"
Maria Papadopoulou, Movement Teacher / Trainer, InDancEdu, Greece
Language: Greek
Room: Estiatorio (wheelchair accessible with some difficulty)

"Journey to the Water"
Tríona Stokes, Drama Lecturer, Maynooth University, Ireland
Language: English
Room: 312 (wheelchair accessible)

"Devised Theatre - new meanings and new narratives"
Sofia Vgenopoulou, child psychiatrist, director, theatre educator-group animator, Greece
Language: Greek
Room: 409-chorodias (wheelchair accessible)

 

 

SATURDAY 22/3/2025, 09.30-12.00

"The things couldn't fit in my suitcase"
Ömer Adıgüzel, Prof. University Faculty of Educational Sciences, Turkey
Zeki Özen, Assoc. Prof.  Ankara University Faculty of Educational Sciences, Turkey
Language: English
Room: 131 (no wheelchair accessible)

"Uninstall the installs: deconstructing the roots of fascism"
Katerina Alexiadi,  educator, drama teacher Greece
Vasilis Klissiaris educator, drama teacher Greece
Language: Greek
Room: 5405 (wheelchair accessible)

"Theatre as an Awareness Practice: 1955 - 2024, a Bus Ride"
Maria Olga Athinaiou, Theatre Practitioner, Processworker, Greece
Language: English
Room: 5404 (wheelchair accessible)

"Oratio Mix, intercultural dialog at school"
Noémie Besace, artist, pedagogue, France
Bruno Freyssinet, artistic director Transplanisphère, France
Language: English/French
Room: 132 (wheelchair accessible)

Theatre with singing as a vehicle
Aris Biniaris, Director, actor, Greece 
Language: Greek
Room: Estiatorio (wheelchair accessible with some difficulty)

"Embodied Storytelling: Exploring Kathabhinaya for Empowering Vulnerable Social Groups"
Janardan Ghosh, story performer, creative director, education officer, India
Language: English
Room: 409-chorodias (wheelchair accessible)

"Everyday stories through trace, movement, and sound” 
An inclusive approach inspired by local pedagogy, kinesiology, and the work of Trisha Brown.
Vagelis Kolotsios, educator, Greece
Elina Vafeiadi, educator, Greece
Language: Greek
Room: 127 (no wheelchair accessible)

"The prince and the prince"
George Konstantinidis, Child Psychologist, Actor, Volunteer at the Rainbow School, Greece
Elena Skarpidou, Sexual Education Trainer, Head of Education Department at the Rainbow School, Greece
Language: Greek
Room: 5407 (wheelchair accessible)

"Devising as a Process of Inclusion and Developing Group Harmony" 
Sanja Krsmanović Tasić, choreographer, dance-theatre practitioner, Serbia 
Language: English
Room: 5204-nykton organon (wheelchair accessible)

"The Red Lantern Festival, or How the Emperor’s Maidservant changed his Mind and Saved the People"
John O’ Toole, Professor University of Melbourn, Australia
Language: English
Room: 410 (wheelchair accessible)

‘Truth or Lie’ - simple responses to a complex world
Lutz Pickardt, director, theatre pedagogue, BuT, Germany
Language: English
Room: 313 (wheelchair accessible)

"Elements of applied theater and technique by Ivana Chubbuk 12 Tools in drama pedagogy on examples of scenes from plays by A.P. Chekhov"
Arma Tanovic-Brankovic Professor on Academy of Performing Arts, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Language: English
Room: 311 (wheelchair accessible)

"One Well, One World: Activating Water Justice in the Global Textile Industry"
Philip Valle Lecturer - Department of Theatre and Dance, California Polytechnic State University, USA
Phyllis Wong Lecturer - Department of Theatre and Dance, California Polytechnic State University, USA
Jenna Brock Student, Research and Teaching Assistant - California Polytechnic State University, USA
Sara Sjoblom Student and Research Assistant - California Polytechnic State University USA
Language: English
Room: 312 (wheelchair accessible)

“Me, You, Together!” 
Eirini Zoi, philologist, drama teacher, Greece 
Foteini Papacharalampous, psychologist, psychotherapist, Greece 
Melina Hadjigeorgiou, drama teacher, educator, Greece 
Language: Greek
Room: 310 (wheelchair accessible)

 

SUNDAY 23/3/2025, 09.30-11.30

“Getting into improv theatre”
Frank Hohl, theatre pedagogue, Germany
Language: English
Room: 313 (wheelchair accessible)

“Where is mum? - Applying Drama for Gender Equality Education” 
Martha Katsaridou, Assistant Professor of Drama/Theatre Education at the Department of Early Childhood Education, University of Thessaly, Greece 
Koldo Vio, Drama Educator, Theatre director, Greece/Spain 
Language: English /Spanish/Greek
Room: 132 (no wheelchair accessible):

“Codes Under the Shadows”
Aglaia Naka, drama-pedagogue, Greece
Christos Rachiotis, actor, animator, teacher, Greece
Language: Greek
Room: 127 (wheelchair accessible)

"Play Jam"
Eleni Papaioannou, Movement Educator, Choreographer, Performer, Greece
Language: English
Room: 131 (no wheelchair accessible)

“Talking about the ideas of hate in the classroom” 
Kostis Papaioannou, director of “SIMEIO: for the Study and Confrontation of the Right-Wing Extremists”, Greece 
Aspasia Kalisora, teacher, member of “SIMEIO: for the Study and Confrontation of the Right-Wing Extremists”, Greece 
Language: Greek
Room: 5204-nykton organon (wheelchair accessible)

 

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