The Neurodiversity Arts Conference is a variety of arts and theatre-based workshops taking place across 3 different venues (and virtually) in Winnipeg, Manitoba on April 15 and April 22, 2023.
The Workshops
Stand-Up Comedy Workshop
with Lara Rae
Premise, Set Up, Punchline. Lots of folx have funny ideas but there is a certain craft needed to leap from funny in your room, to funny in any room and Lara Rae an award-winning comic and producer has the tips. Comedy thinking is by definition neuro diverse now all you need are the practical strategies to win friends and influence laughter. All skill levels welcome.
Lara Rae has been producing, performing, and talking about comedy since before most of us were born and she is eager to bring her one-of-a-kind trans brain to the task of flooding the world with more stand-up. Make Jokes Not War. For a list of all her many accomplishments just spend five minutes with her and she is sure to humblebrag them all.
Time: Saturday, April 15, 2023 | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: MAP (Manitoba Association Playwrights) | 503, 100 Arthur. Artspace
Visual Arts Workshop
with Angela Taylor
Join Angela Taylor, neurocomplex visual artist for an intimate discussion of neurodivergence research and art, and an exploration of art techniques featuring:
- Using multiple layers and bold colours
- Using multiple techniques in one painting
- Using real-life, people and things that inspire you
- Exploring creativity and flow
- Pushing the limits of what you know
Canvas, acrylic paint, and medium included. Please wear clothing that you don’t mind being creative in.
Time: Saturday, April 22, 2023 | 1PM -3:00 PM
Location: Arts Accessibility Network Manitoba at 102-329 Cumberland Ave
Playwrighting! (Virtual Workshop)
with Frances Koncan
Writing plays is hard. Let’s talk about it. In this workshop we will explore the craft of playwriting, looking at how it has been traditionally taught so that we can more effectively ignore all the rules and begin writing a play that actually means something to you and honor your lived experience and all the wisdom you bring to the table just by being you! There will be fun yet informative PowerPoints presentations, fun yet challenging writing exercises, probably a lot of off-topic discussion, and so much more, with the ultimate goal of ending the workshop with a first scene of a play!
Participants, please bring: Pens, paper, flashcards, markers, and tape, internet connection, zoom access and writing supplies.
Time: Saturday, April 15, 2023 | 10AM – 1 PM
Location: Online (Zoom)
Beginner’s Acting Workshop
with Sarah Jane Martin
Sarah Jane Martin is a neurodiverse actor, comedian, and playwright based in Winnipeg. She has over 20 years of experience in live theatre performance and has acted in commercials, films, and television shows. She earned her Bachelor of Arts with a double major in theatre and psychology from the University of Manitoba.
Winnipeg is well on its way to becoming a major film industry hub! Do you want a piece of the pie? In this beginner’s acting workshop, Sarah Jane will teach performance techniques and activities, how to find paid or volunteer acting opportunities in Winnipeg, building your experience early in your career, and how to prepare for auditions.
Time: Saturday, April 15, 2023 | 1:00-4:00 PM
Location: MAP (Manitoba Association of Playwrights) | 503 Floor, 100 Arthur St. | ARTSPACE
Write to Tomorrow (Virtual Workshop)
with Lyric Avra (they/them)
“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we’ll ever do” – Brene Brown Lyric’s group Write to Tomorrow centers around owning one’s own narrative through writing through the lens you choose. It’s an opportunity to acknowledge what has gotten you through life’s challenges and talk about how to use it to get through future hardships with some writing tools along the way. This group has been described as “incredibly empowering” and “a more healing experience than I thought I’d signed up for”. Multiple pieces originally drafted in previous groups by attendees have now been published. We’ll take some time to get to know each other and one another’s boundaries before exploring a theme around healing and how we got through a tough time. We’ll explore questions designed to evoke memories and show the skills of our past selves and then dig into writing. You can write in any style, whether it be fiction, poetry, a short story, a fake news article or something else. There is no obligation for attendees to share what you write, however, if you’re not up for it and you’d like to share the experience of what you wrote that can often be as powerful as sharing your art itself.
- Please either bring your own personal laptop or,
- Paper and pens for people who prefer to write by hand
Time: Saturday, April 15, 2023 | 1:00-4:00 PM
Location: Online (Zoom)
“How to Build a Song (And Have Fun Doing It!) Basic Tips, Tricks and Helpful Strategies “
with Rusty Robot
Rusty Robot will walk you through the different elements that go into a song, and help you on your way to writing your own! There will be instruments to try, and a super open and safe environment to ask questions, join in, or just listen!
Time: Saturday, April.15th/2023, 12-2:30PM , Paintbox Recording 200-600 Shaftsbury Blvd
See the Light
with Don Barnard
Get more from your camera. Learn the basics of light, composition and exposure to make better photos and videos.
Time and Location: Saturday, April. 15th/2023, 5-7 pm ON ZOOM