Over the opening days of Dance (Lens) Festival, local screendance artists Siobhan Murphy and Cobie Orger offer four in-person workshops to build skills and creative strategies to create screendance works.

Both dance and film artists are welcome. And all experiences are accounted for including both new artists to screendance, as well as those currently creating work.

Participants may bring their own equipment or use Dancehouse cameras. All workshops activities can be undertaken with basic phone cameras.

Workshops are offered daily 2.30-5.30pm and are scheduled to provide a short break before Dance (Lens) screenings at 6.30pm (to be announced 26 June).

>> Further information about each workshop is available below.

2:30—5:30pm, Thursday 13 July | Dancing with frames with Siobhan Murphy
Dancing with Frames introduces dance artists and filmmakers to the genre of screendance, and the basic principles that differentiate it from live performance. Incorporating creative screendance exercises, basic theory, screenings and discussion, the workshop looks at how dance and movement can be framed for camera and how formal film conventions such as shot types and point of view can be used and/or subverted for screendance purposes. Working without cameras, artists will experiment with picture frames and improvisational tasks to swiftly gain an understanding of foundational screendance approaches. Led by screendance artist and Dance (lens) curator Siobhan Murphy.

2:30—5:30pm, Friday 14 July | Camera handling and composition with Cobie Orger
Local screendance filmmaker and expert dance documentor, Cobie Orger, hosts a masterclass in camera techniques for dance, suitable for both dance artists and filmmakers. Through a series of experimental tasks, learn how in-camera approaches such as depth of field, focus and composition can radically change how the dance is perceived. Dancehouse digital cameras, tripods, lights and sound desk will be available for use during this masterclass. Those who wish to work with their own equipment are welcome to do so – the class will be tailored to the equipment needs/aims of the group.

2:30—5:30pm, Saturday 15 July | Sequences and Rhythms with Siobhan Murphy
Sequences and Rhythms invites artists to think about how time operates in screendance, starting with basic choices stemming from the use of improvised, known or found movement material, and looking at how film conventions such as continuous and non-continuous editing might apply. Incorporating creative screendance exercises, basic theory, screenings and discussion, this introductory workshop is for dance artists and filmmakers interested in learning and developing screendance skills and concepts. Led by screendance artist and Dance (lens) curator Siobhan Murphy.

2:30—5:30pm, Sunday 16 July 2023 | What Next? Strategies for Post Production with Cobie Orger
Local screendance filmmaker and expert dance documentor, Cobie Orger, hosts a masterclass that investigates useful approaches to workflow and editing for screen dance. Cobie will look at how digital editing techniques and styles have an effect on how movement is perceived, and demonstrate how editing can be a continuation of the choreographic process. This masterclass is for dancers, choreographers and filmmakers seeking to extend their skills. Specific software will not be taught – the focus will be on generic editing principles as applied to dance. Participants are welcome to bring their own laptops for a more hands on experience.