Shaping Character: Drawing, Writing & Embodied Exploration

• Thursday, May 22, 5:30pm - 9:30pm

In this workshop, we’ll explore visual and tactile approaches to character development, using art, writing, and layered mediums to deepen our understanding of presence and embodiment. Through guided exercises and creative exploration, participants will experiment with image-making, text, and movement to build dynamic, multidimensional characters. This workshop focuses on expanding artistic tools for performance, encouraging a fluid, interdisciplinary practice that strengthens creative intuition and character expression. Participants will leave the workshop with short solo scenes + experimental character portraits taken on a disposable film camera.

Participants are invited, not required, to bring art supplies (markers, crayons, colored pencils, etc.).

• Participants will be immersed in Detour Productions' approach to devised theater, experiential work, and drag artistry;
• Each workshop is facilitated by Detour collaborators, offering unique vantage points into the company's creative process;
• These workshops are geared towards advanced, pre-professional, and professional level dance & theater artists;
• Detour is offering sliding-scale tuition for each workshop, with no one turned away for lack of funds;
• All workshop venues are ADA accessible and have gender-neutral restrooms;
• Masks are encouraged, not required;
• If you have any questions, please email [email protected]

Melissa Lewis Wong (they/she/他) is a Bay-Area-based queer, non-binary Chinese American performer, artist and administrator. Deuce Lee is their drag persona, occasionally haunting Clutch the Pearls. Melissa has been a settler working + performing in Yelamu (SF) since 2010 with various Bay Area organizations + dance companies, including DETOUR, Fog Beast, Megan Lowe Dances, Rebecca Fitton, & KRIMM. Melissa is a steering member of Asian Babe Gang, a collective of queer Asian-American artists. Melissa’s creative practice also spans analog photography, drawing, meditation and martial arts. Recently, they’ve been trying to take themselves more seriously as an organizer, writer and singer. @lemelissa / melissalewis.art

Host or Publisher Detour Dance