Open Workshop at The Actors’ Gang is a live improvised performance in The Actors’ Gang’s uniquely evolved form of commedia dell’arte known as The Style. Actors embody the archetypal characters of the commedia in white-face, leather, or wooden masks. The show is live-directed by Hannah Chodos in “the Chair,” live-scored by musician and company member, David Robbins, with live lighting and sound from Gloria Briseno in the booth. As a company, the ensemble trains together in this form each week. At the Open Workshop, we open the doors to our theater and welcome an audience. Every performance is a singularity - unfolding according to the performers, the audience, the Chair, and our exchange. After each performance, audience are invited to break bread with the company on our back patio, and contribute to a community artwork (pastels, markers, and pen on butcher paper) in response to the night.

Drawing by Fernando Siqueira, Open Workshop May 31st 2023