Physical Theater Training
Facilitated By: Barney O’Hanlon & Akiko Aizawa
Fri, May 29 - Sun, May 31 2026
WildHeart is honored to host a continuation of the rigorous and transformational physical theater training that SITI company has offered to NYC (and the world!) for more than 30 years.
With support from award funds from SITI Company itself, “SITI Emeritus Artists Barney” are entering into a period of formal mentorship for Loom Ensemble’s programming at WildHeart, beginning with this open-to-the-public opportunity to engage with Suzuki and Viewpoints training, with two of the world’s most qualified teachers of these methods.
The SUZUKI METHOD is a rigorous physical and vocal discipline which strives to restore the wholeness of the body as a tool of theatrical expression. Attention is on the lower body and a vocabulary of footwork, sharpening the actor’s breath control, concentration and commitment to each moment.
VIEWPOINTS is a technique of improvisation created by Mary Overlie that deconstructs the primary materials of performance and performance making into six primary studies: Space, Shape, Time, Emotion, Movement and Story. Studying and practicing the Viewpoints empowers the individual performer in their own creativity while also empowering a group of artists to function together spontaneously and intuitively to create dynamic theatrical experiences in the present moment.
Participants should expect physically demanding and rigorous work in a safe, supportive and nurturing environment. Please come dressed to move.
Who is this Retreat for?
This physical theater retreat has been created for any and all artists interested in techniques designed to strengthen the performer’s relationship to their body as a means of creative expression and communication. It is a physically rigorous workshop but also filled with a great deal of play and joy. Previous experience with Suzuki and or Viewpoints is wonderful but not necessary, beginners are always welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
The dress code for Suzuki Training is shorts or snug fitting leggings (so the instructors can see the relationship between the knee and foot for alignment purposes) and also socks or tabi.
For Viewpoints practice: any clothing that you feel comfortable moving in.
Please bring a water bottle to class for hydration.
Sample Schedule:
Friday, November 8th
Arrival and Registration: 2-4pm
Orientation/Tour: 4pm
Dinner: 6pm
Kitchen Orientation: 7-8pm
Evening Training: 8-9pm
Saturday, November 9th
Morning Suzuki Training: 9-11am
Morning Viewpoints: 11:15am-1:15pm
Lunch: 1:30pm
Afternoon Training: 3:30-5:30pm
Dinner: 6:30pm
Round Table Discussion: 8:30pm
Sunday, November 10th
Morning Suzuki Training: 9-11am
Morning Viewpoints: 11:15am-1:15pm
Lunch and closing wrap up: 1:30pm
Departure: 4pm
About The Instructors
About The InstructorsAkiko Aizawa
Akiko Aizawa is a New York based theater actor and teacher. As a long-time member of the SITI Company she appeared in shows such as; The Bacchae (BAM), The Trojan Women (Getty Villa), Culture of Desire (NYTW), and Radio Macbeth (NYU Skirball Center), all directed by Anne Bogart. As a former member of the Suzuki Company of Toga she appeared in The Trojan Women, Dionysus, and Hatekon, among others. Other credits: Oedipus (dir. Ianthe Demos), Hanjo (dir. Leon Ingulsrud), Suicide Forest (dir. Aya Ogawa), and Sleep (dir. Rachel Dickstein). She is currently a member of One Year Lease Theater Company, SITI Emeritus Artists, and American Physical Theatre Company. Originally from Akita, Japan, she brings a rich cultural background to her work in the arts.
Insta: @akiko_azw
Facebook: Akiko Aizawa
Linktree: @akiko_azw
Barney O’Hanlon
Barney O’Hanlon most recently appeared in FALLING & LOVING, SITI Company’s collaboration with Elizabeth Streb’s Extreme Action Company, choreographed by Elizabeth Streb, directed by Anne Bogart. Previously he appeared in SITI Company’s production of The Bacchae at the Guthrie. Also with SITI Company at BAM’s Next Wave: War of the Worlds, bobrauschenbergamerica, Hotel Cassiopeia, Trojan Women, A Rite (with Bill T. Jones/ Arnie Zane Dance Company), and Steel Hammer with the Bang on a Can All-Stars. Featured in Ann Hamilton’s Event of the Thread at the Park Avenue Armory. Also at BAM: choreography and performance for Charles L. Mee’s The Glory of The World, directed by Les Waters. Barney choreographed the world premiere of Anne Washburn and Dave Malloy’s musical Little Bunny Foo Foo, directed by Les Waters at Actors Theatre of Louisville; Anne Washburn’s 10 out of 12 at Soho Rep, directed by Les Waters; and Sarah Ruhl’s The Oldest Boy, directed by Rebecca Taichman at Lincoln Center Theater.
Facebook: Barney O’Hanlon
Website: https://siti.org/member/barney-ohanlon/
Retreat Location
WildHeart is located on 46+ beautiful acres in the Hudson Valley. Retreatants will have the option to stay in a single room, double room, dorm, or camping in either our main retreat center or in private two-bedroom cabins. All options have access to shared kitchens and bathrooms. Daily events will take place in the studio, shared common spaces, and outdoors. Retreatants are welcome to enjoy the lawns, walk in the forest, and swim and boat in the lake during their stay! More info about directions and transportation options HERE.
A note on food
We pour a lot of love into every aspect of our food system, and pride ourselves on being able to accommodate a wide range of dietary needs. We serve meat and dairy daily, and always have vegan and gluten-free options available. If you send us your dietary preferences in advance, we will do our best to make sure there is good food for you at each meal! All living accommodations have access to a full kitchen (separate from the main/commercial kitchen). We will provide breakfast groceries for you to prepare and eat on your own. Lunches and dinners are communal shared meals with participants helping 1 hour per day either with meal prep or clean. Drinks include: coffee and tea, dairy and non-dairy milk, lemon and lime juice for water, red and white wine.
Registration
By offering a variety of housing options, and two free BIPOC spots, we hope to make this retreat financially accessible to all! Beyond that, please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need financial assistance to attend: [email protected]
These prices are all inclusive! You receive all retreat content and training, housing, food and drinks, and access to the land, lake, and studio spaces.
$475 Single bedroom
$399 Double-occupancy bedroom (per person)
$359 Dorm (for a bed in our spacious 5 person dorm)
$329 Camping (Outside or on the studio floor – bring your own equipment)
$269 Commuter (meals included)
$239 Commuter (no meals, just the program fee)
$599 Support Price (for those who can pay extra these funds will go directly to the teachers)
Refund policy
In advance of 2 weeks – full refund (less processing fee)
Within 2 weeks – no refund
(This policy stands even in case of sickness so we encourage participants to plan accordingly)
Covid policy–
To protect the group, please don’t come if you have any symptoms of illness or had contact in the last 3 days with anyone who has COVID
BIPOC Spots-
We are offering 2 free spots for BIPOC folx. Please email [email protected] to get the registration code for one of these spots.
