SITI Company Training: Shaping Versatile Stage Actors

The SITI Company, renowned for its innovative approach to theater, has made a significant mark on the way actors train and perform. Established by Anne Bogart and Tadashi Suzuki, this ensemble-based company emphasizes a unique blend of physical and vocal training techniques that aim to create versatile stage actors capable of meeting the demands of contemporary theater.

Their methodology is not just about honing an actor’s craft; it’s also about fostering a spirit of collaboration and adaptability within an ensemble setting. This philosophy has influenced countless performers and educators, shaping the landscape of theatrical training programs worldwide.

Core Principles of SITI Company’s Actor Training

The SITI Company’s actor training is grounded in a set of core principles that guide the physical, vocal, and collaborative skills of the performers. These principles are manifested through specific techniques and practices that are integral to the company’s philosophy. The Viewpoints technique, the Suzuki Method, and an emphasis on ensemble collaboration form the triad of SITI’s approach, each contributing to the development of a well-rounded, dynamic actor.

Viewpoints Technique

The Viewpoints technique, developed by choreographer Mary Overlie and adapted for actors by Anne Bogart and Tina Landau, is a cornerstone of SITI’s training regimen. It consists of nine dynamic components: space, time, shape, movement, story, emotion, and the three ‘temporal’ viewpoints: tempo, duration, and kinesthetic response. This improvisational system encourages actors to be aware of their surroundings and to respond spontaneously to the stimuli around them. By exploring these elements, actors learn to make bold choices and to engage with their environment and fellow performers in the moment. The Viewpoints technique not only enhances an actor’s presence on stage but also cultivates a heightened sense of awareness and adaptability.

Suzuki Method

The Suzuki Method, created by Tadashi Suzuki, is another pillar of SITI’s training, focusing on the actor’s control over their body. It is a rigorous discipline that aims to build the actor’s inner muscles and breath control to support powerful and precise stage movement. Exercises in this method are designed to challenge the actor’s center of gravity, fostering a sense of grounding and presence. The physicality demanded by the Suzuki Method is not merely for aesthetic purposes; it is a means to tap into the actor’s emotional life, providing a strong physical foundation that enables the conveyance of complex emotions and intentions without relying solely on psychological approaches.

Ensemble Collaboration

At the heart of SITI Company’s philosophy is ensemble collaboration, which is integral to the creation of their theater pieces. This collaborative spirit is not just about working well with others; it is about fostering a shared language and understanding among the ensemble members. Through exercises and practices that promote listening, trust, and mutual respect, actors learn to function as a cohesive unit. This collective approach allows for a more organic and dynamic creation process, where each member’s contributions are valued and the ensemble operates with a unified vision. The emphasis on collaboration ensures that the final performance is a reflection of a joint artistic effort, rather than a collection of individual performances.

Impact of Physical Training

Physical training within SITI Company’s framework goes beyond mere fitness; it is a transformative process that impacts an actor’s ability to convey a story through their body. The rigorous nature of the physical exercises, drawn from the Suzuki Method, instills a discipline that translates into an actor’s stage presence. This presence is characterized by a grounded and focused energy that can be felt by the audience, creating a palpable connection between performer and spectator.

The stamina and strength developed through such training are not solely for the execution of demanding choreography. They also enable actors to maintain the intensity of their performance throughout the duration of a play, which can often run for several hours. The physical rigor prepares them to endure the marathon of emotions and actions required in a full-length production without succumbing to fatigue, which can compromise the integrity of the performance.

Moreover, the physical training fosters an actor’s ability to engage with the physicality of different characters. By mastering control over their movements, actors can embody characters with distinct physical attributes and mannerisms, enhancing the believability of their portrayals. This adaptability is particularly beneficial in productions that require actors to play multiple roles or to switch between characters swiftly.

Voice and Speech Techniques

SITI Company’s approach to voice and speech techniques is as rigorous as their physical training, emphasizing the actor’s ability to use their voice as a versatile instrument. The training focuses on breath control, resonance, articulation, and the ability to project one’s voice without strain. Actors are taught to harness the natural power of their breath, which is the foundation of vocal strength and variety. This control allows for a range of vocal dynamics, from a whisper that carries across a silent room to a bellow that fills a theater without the aid of amplification.

The resonance work in SITI’s training ensures that actors can create a voice that is not only heard but also felt by the audience. By exploring the natural acoustics of the body, actors learn to produce a voice that has depth and richness, one that can express a spectrum of emotions and character traits. Articulation exercises, on the other hand, ensure clarity of speech, enabling actors to deliver complex texts in a way that is understandable to the audience, regardless of the pace or emotional intensity of the dialogue.

Projection exercises are designed to help actors maintain vocal health, an often-overlooked aspect of actor training. By learning to project from the diaphragm rather than the throat, actors can avoid vocal strain during performances, which is especially important during long runs or when performing in large spaces. This focus on vocal sustainability is a testament to SITI’s commitment to the longevity of an actor’s career.

Role of Classical Texts

SITI Company’s engagement with classical texts serves as a bridge between time-honored theatrical traditions and contemporary performance practices. The texts provide a rich tapestry of language, themes, and characters that challenge actors to delve into diverse historical and cultural contexts. By working with these enduring works, actors are exposed to a variety of linguistic styles and narrative forms, enhancing their versatility and depth of understanding.

The classical canon, with its complex structures and rhythms, demands a high level of intellectual and emotional engagement from the actors. This engagement fosters a deeper appreciation for the craft of acting, as performers must not only interpret the text but also bring it to life in a way that resonates with modern audiences. The process of making these texts accessible and relevant is a testament to the actors’ skill in bridging the gap between the past and the present.

SITI’s Rehearsal Processes

The rehearsal processes at SITI Company are meticulously designed to synthesize the various strands of actor training into a cohesive whole. These rehearsals are not merely about running through scenes but are a continuation of the company’s commitment to exploration and discovery. Actors are encouraged to experiment with their physicality, voice, and emotional range within the context of the play, bringing a sense of freshness and immediacy to their performances.

During rehearsals, the ensemble engages with the material on multiple levels, integrating the physical and vocal techniques they have honed into their character work. This integration ensures that the final performance is not only technically proficient but also richly layered and nuanced. The rehearsal room becomes a laboratory where the classical texts and contemporary narratives are dissected and reassembled, allowing the actors to find new meanings and connections within the material. The collaborative nature of these rehearsals means that every member of the ensemble, from the actors to the director, is involved in the creative process, contributing their insights and ideas to shape the final production.