The Rasaboxes Sourcebook: Theory, Performer Training, and Practice

Inside The Performance Workshop: A Sourcebook for Rasaboxes and Other Exercises is the first full-length volume dedicated to the history, theory, practice, and application of a suite of performer training exercises developed by Richard Schechner and elaborated on by the editors and contributors of this book. This work began in the 1960s with The Performance Group and has continued to evolve.

Rasaboxes―a featured set of exercises―is an interdisciplinary approach for training emotional expressivity through the use of breath, body, voice, movement, and sensation. It brings together:

• the concept of rasa from classical Indian performance theory and practice
• research on emotion from neuroscience and psychology
• experimental and experiential performance practices
• theories of ritual, play, and performance

This book combines both practical “how-to” guidance and applications from diverse contexts including undergraduate and graduate actor training, television acting, K-12 education, devising, and drama therapy. The book serves as an introduction to the work as well as an essential resource for experienced practitioners.

Rachel Bowditch, PhD, is Professor of Theatre in the School of Music, Dance, and Theatre at Arizona State University, USA, and a theatre director. Bowditch is author of On the Edge of Utopia: Performance and Ritual at Burning Man, Performing Utopia, and Physical Dramaturgy: Perspectives from the Field.

Paula Murray Cole, MFA, LMT, is Associate Professor of acting, voice, movement, and the Alexander Technique in the School of Music, Theatre and Dance at Ithaca College, USA. Cole acted in Schechner’s productions and has taught and developed Rasaboxes and The Performance Workshop (TPW) since 1999.

Michele Minnick, PhD, CMA, is an independent artist, scholar, and educator, whose current work focuses on the intersections of performance, somatic practice, social justice, and climate change. She is a core creator with Submersive Productions in Baltimore, MD, and the founder of Vital Matters.