This workshop will discuss practical ways to practice citizen artistry through creating and implementing arts programming which meets the needs of the community artists are working with. We will address first steps in creating programming, and how we can build and sustain trust in spaces that may be new to us. Together, we will consider how performing artists can use their skills in a way that is welcome, appropriate, and useful, so that they may facilitate creative experiences with people from all walks of life. 

Who is this class for?

Performers of all disciplines, Directors, Conductors, Artists, Arts Workers, and Beginning Teaching Artist.

No previous experience required, as activities and discussions will be designed to meet the inclusive needs of every participant based on their expressed interests and experience level (ages 18+).

We build a safe and vital space for creative ideas to be nurtured as part of a creative community. The Lab allows for peer-learning, valuable critical response and feedback, and hands-on group exercises, discussions, and process-driven activities where each participant will grow and evolve their own individual practice.

Multi-lingual participants are encouraged to apply, but sessions will be facilitated in English.

Dates & Times: Tuesdays, June 15, 22 & 29. 2021 at 7:30PM EDT

Sessions & Duration: Three (3) weekly, 90-min online sessions

Deadline to apply: Sunday, May 30, 2021, 11:59PM EST

Notification: Sunday, June 6, 2021, 11:59PM EST

Participant Fee: $300 / $250.00 (Alumni Discount)

Payment Due: Friday, June 11, 2021 (either in full or partial)

Subsidies/Scholarships: We offer subsidy to any culturally or socially underrepresented participant based on expressed need and as funds are available.

With respect to our extraordinary teaching artists we cannot offer these classes for free.

What to expect:

Day 1

Topic: Singers as Teaching Artists: Working through the lens of Civic Practice

Description: This is an introductory session. We will discuss the tenets of civic practice and citizen artistry and why they are important. We will also explore examples of this kind of work in action, and the benefits it can have for people in many different communities. Together, we will consider how performing artists can use their skills in a way that is welcome, appropriate, and useful, so that they may facilitate creative experiences with people from all walks of life.

Take-aways:

• Participants will gain an understanding of the tenets of civic practice and citizen artistry.

• Participants will brainstorm possible outcomes of providing welcome creative experiences in collaboration communities.

• Participants will build understanding of tools to use and steps to follow to make sure that they are using their skills in ways that are welcome, appropriate, and useful in the communities they are serving.

Day 2

Topic: Beginner Curriculum Planning

Description: This is a practical class about how to build your first lesson plan and how to come up with ideas for activities that meet the goals that you have set. Together we will work to build a curriculum as a group based on a given set of circumstances. You’ll also learn helpful ways to structure both your class and your curriculum plan. You will have an opportunity to build a curriculum tailored to your skill sets and community. We will address first steps in creating programming, and how we as professional artists can build and sustain trust in spaces that may be new to us.

Take-aways: Participants will learn the basics of how to establish, plan, and execute goals and objectives through lesson planning and curriculum writing.

Day 3

Topic: Creating and Implementing Community-Centric Programming

Description: We will discuss practical ways to practice citizen artistry through creating and implementing arts programming which meets the needs of the community in which you are working. You will also have an opportunity to get feedback on your lesson plan.

Takeaways: Participants will understand tangible first steps of creating and implementing community-first arts programming.

Technical Requirements:

Access to a computer, laptop or smartphone with video, and a reliable internet connection are the technical requirements for the program. 

Format:

Guerilla Lab Creatives will meet in video conferences via Zoom. Program materials will come from your instructor and be shared using google docs and other online resource sharing programs.

Guerilla Lab Creatives will be expected to complete writing, research, and other activities as assigned by the instructor between sessions so co-learning time can be used for new topics, discussions, and sharing.

About Guerilla Labs:

We want to amplify your unique perspective in our community and give you the ability to share the artforms you love with your community. Our vision is to examine the world through culturally focused and contemporarily lenses. We especially encourage female-identifying artists, LGBTQ+ artists, and BIPOC artists to apply and offer need based subsidies to these groups as available!

Guerilla Opera is the premiere ensemble for new opera in the Boston area and one of the first in the country to exclusively commission new works. For us, art-making is a collaborative process. Our Guerilla Lab extracts the words from the music in order to isolate and explore this aspect of opera development more fully.

Questions? Email programs@guerillaopera.org