Step's Junk Funk

Approval Type

Community Based

Artistic Discipline

Multi-disciplinary

Teaching Artist Approach

My philosophy of teaching is to develop a good relationship with the students and engage them in an exchange of knowledge and curiosity. While stirring their enthusiasm for participation, I encourage them to have fun learning, to be inquisitive, and to solve problems. I want to be able to adapt to their different dynamic levels of comprehension and abilities. Since the work we do is creative and artistic, I hope that the students will share their personalities and join in the creative process. My goal is to stimulate their creative juices with my Junk Funk abilities, and pass on the brain and body skills that Junk Funk exercises.

Resume/Bio

 Step_Bio_n_Work.pdf

Program Description

Our residencies may consist of any combination of classes, lecture demonstrations and concerts. Each program is developed in conjunction with the sponsor in a way to fit the needs of the school or community. In our pre-residency meeting we discuss topics or themes that that are age appropriate for the students in each grade level.

The most important part of the project is the process. We help the students to learn to collaborate with each other in a group effort and building teamwork. We encourage the students to share their creative ideas with one another and to work collectively using words, sounds and movement.

As we guide them through the creative process and collaboration, we provide them with rhythm and music. The students create their own movements or dance using their own vocabulary of movement. The finished project gives the students a sense of accomplishment, ownership and pride.

We feel that art enriches people's lives and can change the way we look at life by expressing positive ideas and solutions for this ever-changing world we live in.

We hope to communicate and build a relationship with the audience through the work that the students have accomplished. The voice of the youth should be heard through the power of words and movements.

Areas of Interest

Pre-Kindergarten, Grades K-6, Grades 7-12, In School, After-School / Out-of-School, Young Adults, Adults, Older Adults, Intergenerational, Persons with disabilities, At-Risk, Underserved

Technical Requirements

TECHNICAL/STAGE CREW
The SPONSOR will be responsible for providing a technical director/stage manager (unless otherwise negotiated in the contract and/or arranged by the ARTIST) and a minimum of two competent stagehands to assist in the preparation and run of all technical aspects of the performance. They must be knowledgeable with the sound and lighting equipment. They must be available for the technical/dress rehearsals and must arrive at least one hour prior to curtain time. While the ARTIST is in the theatre, a staff person should be available with keys for access to the necessary rooms and equipment. An intercom system should be available for communication between the technical director/stage manager and the stagehands. Other personnel may be needed depending upon the production. It is important that the SPONSOR arrange communication between the technical director of the theatre and the ARTIST's manager at least 4-8 weeks prior to the arrival of the ARTIST.

LIGHTING
The SPONSOR will provide the ARTIST with an equipment inventory list, circuit diagram and house plot (if applicable) at least 3-6 weeks prior to the performance. After receiving this material, the ARTIST will send a light plot at least 2-4 weeks in advance. The lighting equipment provided by the SPONSOR should be hung, patched and ready to focus upon the arrival of the ARTIST. Video projector and screen will be needed for performance(s) (if available).

The SPONSOR will provide adequate lighting which would include: at least three changes of color for the cyclorama, overhead and front lights, two to four 8' (eight foot) booms for stage left and right with three ellipsoidal reflectors each, a white cyclorama, black traveler, and a dimmer board with at least a two scene pre-set with six-twelve dimmers. (Specials and/or spotlights may be requested, if available.)

SOUND
A Public Address/Sound System (PA/SS) with four microphones, microphone stands (4 booms), two wireless headset and/or clip-on microphones (if available), an audio-cassette/CD player, mixer/soundboard, two stage monitors (left and right), and two main house speakers should be provided for formal performances. For lecture demonstrations, an adequate PA/SS with at least two microphones, microphone stands (2 booms), monitor(s) and speaker(s) should be provided.

Additional equipment may be needed depending on the program which can be negotiated at the time of planning.

Space Requirements

STAGE
The minimum stage dimensions needed are 25' X 20' (twenty-five feet wide and twenty feet deep) from curtain to the cyclorama. In addition, there should be a minimum space of four feet behind the cyclorama for crossovers. The stage floor should be sprung wood (preferably covered with a smooth marley surface). The floor must be clean and any cracks or splinters must be taped over. The stage floor should be wet-mopped at least two hours prior to the performance. Prop tables and/or costume racks should be placed off stage left and right for use during the performance.

DRESSING ROOMS
At least 1-2 private dressing rooms with chairs, mirrors, make-up tables, sufficient lighting, electric outlets and clothing racks should be provided to accommodate ARTIST(s). Hot and cold running water and restrooms should be available within close proximity of the dressing rooms. Occasionally, additional dressing rooms may be needed to accommodate additional performers.

LOAD-IN & PERFORMANCE/REHEARSAL SPACE
The SPONSOR will arrange with the ARTIST, the load-in time and rehearsal space schedules at least 2 weeks prior to the arrival of the ARTIST. Rehearsal space and/or theatre stage space will be needed for the ARTIST's rehearsals prior to the performance date to be arranged by the SPONSOR. The ARTIST requires the use of the theatre stage space for 2-4 hours the evening before the show and/or at least 4-8 hours before curtain time for rehearsals and technical preparations. For lecture demonstrations, the ARTIST must be given at least 1-2 hours of set-up time.

Secure storage space may be needed for equipment, instruments, props and costumes that need to be stored at the venue overnight.

Supply Requirements

Supplies may be needed for specific projects that require it and can be negotiated at the time of planning.

Special Considerations

Our art form requires enough space for all participants to be able to move freely without bumping into their neighbor next to them. Because of the nature of our work, we would prefer to have no more than 30 students. Any other special needs would need to be discussed during the planning and negotiations.

References

Mike Breen, Bologna Elementary 480-2396086

Sally Lindsay, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Arts
480-874-4642

Linda Austen, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
480-874-4623

Fees

"PLEASE CONTACT ARTIST."