Tempo, Dramatic Instincts, Pataphysics and Germs

In this Master Class, Daniel Irizarry will be sharing his over 20 years artistic approach to directing, working with actors and creating the style & alphabet for projects.

“There’s no movement that is not a dance. 

‘There is no song that is not a chant. 

‘There is no action that is not a prayer.”

Authos Ephta

“If the tip of the nose works, so does the entire body. Under the least tension, the entire body works.”

Biomechanics principal

Acting equation: N= A1+A2

LABs Requirements and Framework:

We’ll be moving A LOT A LOT in the space, so please bring clothing in which you feel free and comfortable to jump, sweat, and fly.

The LAB will start with an hour to 45 minutes of etudes training. In the training we will be playing with rhythm, level, space, objects, acrobatics, and balance; followed by a 10-minute break. This will be followed by individuals and/or group creative exercises; as well as creative homework to prepare and present in class. Then I’ll start to introduce a collage of material that will culminate with a fun, chaotic and precise impossible theatrical etude.

Target audience:

This theater LAB is open for all actors, dancers, directors, and artists in any discipline. Anyone open to play, sweat and explore in a visceral, none-traditional and none- linear approach to theater is more than welcome to this Theater LAB.

About the instructor

‘The balance of power is ever-shifting in Daniel Irizarry’s thrillingly kaleidoscopic, boldly physical world’. The New York Times 

‘Rabelaisian director Daniel Irizarry, a capering theatrical creature with a goat’s appetite for heights’. The New Yorker 

Daniel Irizarry is a Puerto Rican born International Experimental Theatre director, actor/performer and educator based in NYC. His work embraces highly stylized and visceral acting, pataphysics, a profound celebration of GERMS, and a communion with the audience through consent. He is Academic Faculty at MIT Music & Theatre Arts Department and the Artistic Director of One-Eighth Theater. He directed and performed the last project ever for the historic closing of 30 years at the New Ohio Theatre titled, ‘Ultra Left Violence’ written by Robert Lyons. He is currently directing and conceptualizing ‘Plum Box-Strange-Ideal & More Than…’ a 10 poems pure form collage structure of Avante-Garde South Korea artist Yi Sang, at MIT.

Other notable credits; The Maids by acclaimed playwright Jose Rivera (New York Times Critics pick); UBU by Adam Symkowicz (Time Out NY Critics pick). He directed the world premiere of Busu by Mishima at Provincetown Tennessee Williams Theatre Festival. He has directed and performed YOVO (written by Robert Lyons) in NYC, Poland, Cuba and South Korea. He directed and performed the critically acclaimed production of My Onliness by Robert Lyons at New Ohio Theatre in NYC, which was selected as one of the best performances on Broadway and Off-Broadway in 2022 by Theatermania. Over his career he has directed, performed and taught workshops in India, Germany, Japan, Lithuania, Italy, Romania, UK, Colombia, among others.

His extensive teaching career spans the globe, including Guest Professor at Folkwang University in Germany, Visiting Assistant Professor at Bilkent University Performing Arts program in Ankara, Turkey and most recently as Assistant Professor at the Acting Department at Seoul Institute of the Arts in South Korea. He holds an MFA in Acting from Columbia University, a BA in Drama at The Universidad de Puerto Rico where he has subsequently returned to teach at both.

About HOLA Master Classes series:

In expanding job opportunities for Hispanic actors, HOLA strengthens and supports the available talent pool through its Educational Programs which offers professional development, acting training and networking opportunities for members and the Hispanic community. This is an invaluable resource for artists to further develop their skills, gain practical experience and industry knowledge to support a greater chance of success in their careers. HOLA Master Classes are free for members and scheduled once a month.

HOLA y sus clases magistrales:

En función de expandir las oportunidades laborales de los actores hispanos, HOLA fortalece y apoya el potencial del talento humano disponible a través de sus programas educativos. Los cuales ofrecen desarrollo profesional, formación actoral; además, de las oportunidades de establecer relaciones interpersonales entre los miembros y la comunidad hispana. Este invaluable recurso impulsa a los artistas a desarrollar aún más sus habilidades. Ganando experiencia práctica y conocimientos del área; aumentando así, las posibilidades de éxito en sus carreras. Las clases magistrales de HOLA son mensuales y gratuitas para los miembros.

Cancellation Policy:

• This complimentary offer for HOLA members is subject to limited availability. We ask that you register only if you can attend the entire event.
• In the event that you need to cancel your reservation, we kindly ask for your prompt notification with a minimum of 24 hours’ notice. Please send an email to inform us of your cancellation at education@holaofficial.org.
• Failure to provide timely notice or being a no-show will result in a 3-month restriction from participating in HOLA programming, starting from the event date.
• To register for events during the restriction period, a $35 penalty fee will be required to waive the restriction.

Política de cancelación:

• Esta oferta gratuita para los miembros de HOLA cuenta con plazas limitadas, por lo que les pedimos amablemente que se inscriban únicamente si están seguros de poder asistir al evento completo.
• Si necesitan cancelar, les solicitamos que nos notifiquen con al menos 24 horas de antelación enviando un correo electrónico a education@holaofficial.org
• La falta de notificación para cancelar dentro del plazo especificado o la ausencia resultará en la restricción de 3 meses para participar en las actividades de HOLA, comenzando desde la fecha del evento.
• Si desea registrarse en eventos durante su período de restricción, tendrá que pagar una tarifa de penalización de $35 para evitar la restricción.

Photo Credits: Suzanne Fiore (My Onliness), Marius Chira (Headshot)

This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

HOLA would like to gratefully acknowledge Radio Drama Network for their generous support towards our 2023-2024 educational programming supporting art that enriches our culture.

This program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.