Physical Poetics: Contact Improvisation with Karl Frost, Austin, Texas
Schedule
Fri, 17 Apr, 2026 at 07:00 pm to Mon, 20 Apr, 2026 at 01:00 am
UTC-05:00Location
Blue Lapis Light | Manchaca, TX
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Physical PoeticsA Contact Improvisation workshop
With Karl Frost
Austin, Texas
17-19 April
Friday: 7p-10p
Saturday 10a-5p
Sunday 5:30p -9:30p
plus optional nature-based explorations Sunday morning/afternoon, taken from the Dancing Wilderness Project.
Physical Poetics explores Contact Improvisation as bio-mechanical play and a collaborative, experiential art form. Technical work develops functional awareness of self and partner, weight, structure, and mechanical flow, drawing on the Passive Sequencing technique, a release-based approach to CI, and proprioceptive awareness.
Poetic exploration focuses on the felt experience, sensation, curiosity, imagination, and an ineffable meaning in motion. Using “poetry” as a metaphor for creativity in improvisation, we look at diving into and shaping physical narratives, where the “meaning” may be found in the play of physics, the imaginal world, or both. The aim is refined artistry grounded in the joy and curiosity of the body.
Follow the highlighted links for more details on the core practices of CI to be explored in the workshop and on the approaches of physical poetics. The territory to explore is vast, and the weekend will follow the curiosities and learning edges of the specific temporary community gathering for the weekend. Explorations and skill development will be cumulative, building over the weekend.
The workshop is grounded in training exercises from the physically interactive performance work and paratheatrical practices of Body Research Physical Theater.
Logistics
An open level workshop for the physically adventurous.
All are expected to be excited to challenge themselves physically and to be comfortable moving through physical contact with another body. If you have questions if the workshop is appropriate, feel free to write with questions to [email protected].
Space is limited to 24, so early registration is recommended.
Registration and Fees
For information and venue details, message Laura Farb.
Fees
$225- $350 sliding scale (pay what you can within the range)
Early Registration
(before 17 March): $175-$350
(before 1 April): $200-$350
As with most Body Research events, this workshop is “no one turned away for lack of funds.”This means pay what you can in the sliding scale range, and if you can’t afford the lower end, write a note and we can work something out.
Registration: see website for payment and registration details-
www.bodyreserach.org
bio: Karl Frost has been teaching and performing contact and related work in body-based creative process for the over 39 years. He is known internationally for his dynamic and articulate movement style, rigor in physical research and teaching, and for the edge-pushing nature of his work in both practice and performance. His work, influenced by studies in contemporary release technique, Alexander technique, and martial arts, has been showcased across the US, Canada, Europe, and South America. His performances, via Body Research Physical Theater, take the body and emotionally and physically felt experience as their reference points, often in highly audience interactive frameworks.
Karl holds a PhD in Ecology (emphasis in Human Ecology and Cultural Evolution Theory), and MFA in Dramatic Arts, and a BA in Physics. He is currently a research scientist at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (Leipzig, Germany).
https://www.bodyresearch.org/workshops/human-contact-project/poetics-of-contact/
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Where is it happening?
Blue Lapis Light, 10331 Old Manchaca Rd Unit B,Manchaca, Texas, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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