CLASSES
Act Like a Big GRRRL 2011
Founded in 2005 as an autobiographical writing program for teenage girls, Act Like a GRRRL is now becoming a movement for women of all ages! If you have been longing for a supportive community of like-minded women, Act Like a Big GRRRL may be right for you!
The Act Like a Big GRRRL 2011 Community will include a diverse group of adult women (over 21) who can commit to a 9-month process. You don't have to have any acting or writing experience -- just a desire for self-discovery and a willingness to "go deep within," supported by this community. The only requirements are commitment to the entire process and a willingness to reach, stretch, grow.
What is ALAG? ALAG is an autobiographical writing and performance program that offers support and space for women and girls to gain public voice, work with professional female mentors in a variety of creative fields, and foster deep friendships. Rooted in the exercise of writing to articulate one's personal experiences and beliefs, the program is augmented by guest artist workshops in performance, dance, and women's studies. The experience culminates in a public performance written and enacted entirely by the participants.
The GRRRL movement is grounded in the revolutionary notion that women and girls are not each other's competition and that we actually thrive in community with other women. By building an intentional collective where women from various backgrounds come together to encourage and challenge one another, we hold each other accountable to the values and inherent expectations associated with independence and empowerment. We claim big dreams.
Who is involved? The workshop will be facilitated by Vali Forrister with ALAG co-leaders and guest artists. Participants are women (21 and older) with a desire for self-discovery and sisterhood. To read more about Vali and the program, see the December issue of HER magazine.
When does it start? The workshop will begin with a retreat weekend in January, 2010. Then, the 9-month schedule will be as follows:
January - weekend retreat (Friday evening - Sunday afternoon)
February - 2 evening meetings
March - 2 evening meetings
April - 2 evening meetings
May - 2 evening meetings
June - 1 evening meeting
July - 1 evening meeting
September - rehearsals and performance
The January retreat will be held at a cozy, slumber party site close to Nashville.
All bi-monthly evening meetings will be 6-9 p.m. at the Actors Bridge Studio at Neuhoff (night to be determined based on participant availability).
How much does it cost? Cost is $575 (includes retreat room and board)
How do I sign up? Email Vali to begin the application process. Just like the ALAG application, the process has two steps. First is a written description of why you'd like to be part of the Big Grrrl Community. Second is an informal interview with program co-leaders. The group size is limited; so, apply early!
"ALAG is a program that focuses on raising girls' awareness of their bodies, themselves, their beauty and their relation to the world. Through introspective writings, dance, art , music, poetry and performance, ALAG teaches girls how to think for themselves and take charge of their lives -- in the spirit of the women who lead them -- filling them with heart and soul for the journey ahead." -- grrrls' collaborative mission statement
