What Does Jef Do?

Performances

Roving

My InterACTive Theater is designed specifically for celebrations, festivals, street fairs and first nights. Whether outdoors or in, I weave through the crowd sharing my wacky brand of roving artistry which includes mime, juggling, mask work and variety arts. Festival goers become willing participants, interacting with me by creating faces for my masks, juggling with me, posing for photos with my masterpiece camera and even playing a game of human-sized ring toss with one another.

My brand street performing is relaxed and approachable. It appeals to the imagination and playfulness inherent in all of us. It creates camaraderie amongst audience members, invites the comfortable participation of the onlookers, and adds a bit of old school street theater spice to any event.

Family Stages

As well as roving a festival site, I enjoy appearing onstage in the family or children's area of a festival. All of my roving work translates wonderfully to short (30 minute) stage sets which require minimal set up and fit perfectly into a festival format.

Opening Act

Because of my appeal to audience members of all ages, I routinely perform as an opening act or entr'acte either onstage as a curtain raiser, or in front of the stage while a changeover occurs on the stage itself.

Arts Education

When I share my performances in schools and libraries, most often I include a short performance followed by a lecture-demonstration or workshop on topics such as mime, non-verbal communication or juggling.

Residencies, Workshops, Master Classes and Lecture Demonstrations

Mime (all ages)

Students explore the art form of mime while I emphasize the connection between mime and their language arts curriculum. I foster personal expression and creativity through activities and exercises in mime techniques, ensemble work and composition. This workshop builds discipline through an understanding of practice and rehearsal. (1 day to 8 weeks)

Movement for the Actor (High School, University, and Adult drama students)

Focuses on skills necessary to improve the physical part of acting, such as: mime, physical character analysis, body language, and ensemble techniques. (1 day to 8 weeks)

Ensemble Techniques (Middle School, High School, University and Adult drama students)

Focuses on the preparation and skills necessary to work efficiently and helpfully in a collaborative endeavor. (1 day to 1 week)

Mime and Masks -Paper Plate Masks, Torn Paper Masks, Mosaic Masks, Found Object Masks (Grades 3-12, University and Adult)

Each student builds a mask. Using mime and physical expression, the student learns how to create a character from that mask. Using the character created, they work in small groups to compose a mask theater piece. This can be added to a Mime Workshop. (1 or 2 weeks)

Plaster Bandage Masks (Middle School, High School, University and Adult)

Each student creates a plaster bandage mask: molded on their face. The mask is then made functional. Wearing it, the students explore body language, physical expression, ensemble techniques and elements of composition. (2 weeks)

Gourdmania (Grades 4-12, University and Adult)

Each student creates a mask form a gourd. We then create a myth using the characters/creatures created by the students. The students explore physical expression, mime, elements of composition, and ensemble techniques. (2 weeks)

Improvisation (High School, University, and Adult drama students)

Focuses on the preparation and skills necessary to implement spontaneous creativity: both solo and ensemble. (1 week)

Variety Arts (Middle and High School, University and Adult)

Uses performance skill work to broaden the students' understanding of timing, discipline, presentation, and ensemble skills. Includes juggling, plate spinning, balances, rola bola, etc. (1 day to 1 week or integrated into the another residency)