Now in its second
year, The Little Con-ference is a weekend dedicated to sharing
improvisation practice and performance research. Driven by a desire for regular
opportunities for intensive shared practice and dialogue, this event also
acknowledges the academic research projects currently being undertaken by a
number of improvisation practitioners.
Each day began with an open studio/morning tea (9.30–11am) allowing people to arrive, both physically and socially, until the daily participatory workshop 11am–1pm. These workshops, led by Olivia Millard (Sat) and Peter Trotman (Sun), brought the group of 35 participants not only into contact with another artist's practice but also into that deeper place of exchange and communication that spending time in a studio with others brings.
After a shared lunch, the afternoon sessions (2–5pm) consisted of several approximately 20 min. presentations from a range of artists working in improvisation and/or performance in professional or research contexts. After each presentation there was time for questions or responses from the audience.
This event was curated and produced by Dianne Reid (currently engaged in PhD research in screendance and improvised performance).
Thanks to Deakin University, School of Communication and Creative Arts for the use of the wonderful dance facilities.
