Permission to be a beginner? Granted!
In June 2023, in response to our audiences’ and collaborators’ requests, Sparkle Theatricals began offering educational opportunities to the general public through the Sparkle Academy, a new workshop series aimed at encouraging dancers, performers, musicians, and other creative folks to try new things.
Our workshops are intentionally low-cost, or pay what you can, and some are free. Participants explore fascinating subjects like juggling, sleight of hand, collaboration, dream arts, and more, in an encouraging, accessible environment.
These creative classes are geared toward beginners, but available to all levels of learners. Participants have included professional actors, dancers, choreographers, filmmakers, students, and retirees who have no previous professional connection to the arts.
Plate Juggling with Benjamin Domask-Ruh
Benjamin is a director, performer, teacher, musician, and clown residing in Minnesota and working all around the world. We are thrilled to have him back as a Sparkle Academy Teaching Artist. Benjamin is a Teaching Artist with COMPAS, a teaching artist with the Hennepin Theater Trust, a board member of the International Jugglers’ Association (IJA), Director of the Youth Juggling Academy, and an Associate Editor with Modern Vaudeville Press. He works rurally with the Department of Public Transformation and its Activate Rural arts program, as is professionally managed by Afton Benson. Learn more about him at benjamindomaskruh.com.
Magic With Everyday Objects taught by Tyler Erickson
In this video he uses a deck of cards to demonstrate a ribbon spread and turn over. Tyler has been a full-time Magic instructor and corporate entertainer for 25 years. He specializes in holistic training, covering all the relevant factors of being a professional magician: illusion design, sleight of hand, scripting, costuming, choreography, business, etc. Tyler operates online through his website strongermagic.com, as well as holding live events and classes throughout Minnesota and abroad.
Collaboration Playground with Alessandra Bongiardina
Alessandra believes in creating spaces where clear communication and boundaries help artists go deeper into their work and step outside their comfort zones. In this class, we’ll explore how creating a foundation of communication through the principles of a consent-based rehearsal space paves the way for more fruitful creative play and exploration. We’ll discuss concepts like community agreements, boundary-setting practices, and tools for ongoing communication. As an actor and intimacy director, Alessandra’s work has been seen at the Guthrie Theater, Minnesota Opera, Park Square Theater, amongst others. Learn more at alessandrabongiardina.com.