WHAT IS MOMENT WORK?
Moment Work™ is the groundbreaking process of devising new work developed by Moisés Kaufman and Tectonic Theater Project to create works such as Here There Are Blueberries, The Laramie Project, Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde, and 33 Variations, among others. Moment Work explores the theatrical potential of all the elements of the stage in order to create strong theatrical and dramatic narratives from the ground up. Moment Work gives us the freedom to create individual, self-contained theatrical units (Moments) and to sequence these units together into theatrical phrases that eventually become a play.
Devising Theater means creating new work for the stage in a collaborative laboratory setting. Moment Work begins with the premise that powerful storytelling employs much more than words. Through a rigorous and thoughtful process, these moments are sequenced and layered to build narratives which lead to the creation of original and innovative new plays.
THE MOMENT WORK INSTITUTE
The Moment Work Institute is a training ground for artists, students, and educators. Moment Work removes barriers to learning by tapping into the natural curiosity and imagination of the Moment Maker. The technique provides a pragmatic approach to creativity and creative expression.
LEARN + CREATE WITH MOMENT WORK
Tectonic Theater Project’s Moment Work Institute offers virtual and in-person workshops, residencies, and classes at high schools, colleges, and universities, varying in length from ninety minutes to a full school year. For educators and theater professionals, classes and workshops are offered throughout the year in New York City.
Through exploring and analyzing the power of each element of the stage, students will discover their magic and how to craft thought-provoking narratives in a uniquely theatrical way.
MOMENT WORK FACULTY
MOMENT WORK INSTITUTE CHAIR, LEIGH FONDAKOWSKI
OUR BOOK
Moment Work opens the doors to the rehearsal room of one of America’s most innovative and influential theater companies. For more than two decades, the members of Tectonic Theater Project have been rigorously experimenting with the process of theatrical creation. Here they set forth a detailed manual of their devising method and a thorough chronicle of how they wrote some of their best-known works. This book is for all theater artists, actors, writers, designers, and directors who wish to create work that embraces the unbridled potential of the stage.
“Moment Work: Tectonic Theater Project’s Process of Devised Theater” was published by Random House Books in April 2018 and is available wherever books are sold, including Penguin Random House, Barnes & Noble, Target, or Amazon.
READER REVIEWS
“Moment Work belongs in every MFA program in the country. If you are interested in devised theater, directing, collaborating, or starting a theater company – this, not only has something for you, but will specifically break down the thing you’re looking for so you can build ideas and moments from your unique creative place.”
“So clearly written, step by creative step. It is the best guide and articulated process for devising. The examples from their workshops and productions help give a thorough picture of how the work can be applied and created.”
“An essential resource for those who create theater!”
IN THE NEWS
In addition to continuing to create theater the Tectonic Theater Project also has a Moment Work Institute that offers workshops and residencies in the form. “My dream for Moment Work is that it continues to inspire artists to make their best work and make work that is distinctly theatrical, whether it ends up on stage or in another medium,” shares Leigh Fondakowski who is committed to understanding what makes the theater a living and vital art form.
In fact, several universities have connected with the Moment Work Institute to offer its unique programming to their students. “My dream for the institute is to become a place where devising artists can develop their work in community, particularly the incredible teaching artist team that works tirelessly out in the field with students,” she shares. “I would love to see them have the opportunity for that same kind of collaborative nurturing and support.”
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ABOUT TECTONIC THEATER PROJECT
Creating groundbreaking work seen by millions.
Since its founding in 1991 Tectonic Theater Project has created and staged over twenty plays and musicals, including Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde, The Laramie Project, Doug Wright’s Pulitzer Prize-winning I Am My Own Wife, and the Tony Award-winning 33 Variations.
