MARK CHARNEY, Executive Director

In 2015, alum Tim Crowley asked me to put together a proposal, offering Marfa as a destination for potential creative theatre and dance activities. He had recently built a beautiful hotel, the Hotel St. George, where he could house Texas Tech students, and he also gave us access to the Crowley Theatre, a feed store remodeled into a theatre that would more than suit our needs.

Before I took the job of Director of Theatre & Dance at Texas Tech, I had never heard of Marfa, but after visiting several times, the possibility was thrilling. While devised theatre at the time had taken off in Europe, few American theatres were embracing it, and I felt that Marfa offered the perfect opportunity to explore the process-based practice, where students began with a “hunch,” and in less than two weeks, transformed that hunch into a production. This gives students the opportunity to contribute to all aspects of theatre, breaking them from their silos (design, acting, directing, criticism, etc) and encouraging them to collaborate as a true ensemble without a conventional script.  

The Marfa Intensive was born in 2016. For four years, deviser Rich Brown led the process, exploring Marfa as the first hunch, and then “borders,” “healing,” and “transformation.” After Covid interrupted the Intensive, it returned under the leadership of playwright Richard Maxwell, followed by a year in which we explored how to translate the challenges of aphasia to the stage in collaboration. But this summer, we invited our new Assistant Professor of Movement, Dr. Chris Staley, to lead the devising intensive based on Viewpoints and the work of Anne Bogart, along with Columbia professor Katherine Wilkinson and our own Head of Dance, Kyla Olson—and it was a terrific collaboration, especially because, for the first time, it privileged dance and movement.

I have a soft spot in my heart for the Intensive; it's my favorite of all our signature programs because it gives our students the opportunity to devise theatre surrounded by the art of Donald Judd, among many other artists in a destination away from Lubbock that encourages true creativity. Coordinated by Company Manager Cory Norman, since its inception, the Marfa Intensive was back this year with students from dance, theatre, Bilkent University in Turkey, and a Kennedy Center national award-winner. Tim generously provides the housing and venue, along with breakfast each day and a huge celebration out by the pool. We can't thank him enough.

As its founder and Executive Director, I could not be prouder of the work we accomplished this summer, and I'm sure, when you read this newsletter, you will share in the joy of the experience.

CHRIS STALEY, KATHERINE WILKINSON & KYLA OLSON, Co-Lead Devisers

When Katherine Wilkinson and I first met in 2009 at SITI Company's Skidmore Intensive, we could not have predicted just how much our lives and careers would be shifted by that summer. Fifteen years later, the impact of our first encounter has directly shaped the 2024 Marfa Intensive. Beyond the training shared and material created over the last two weeks, the greatest lesson Katherine and I could impart is that the bonds forged in the crucible of an intensive like this might just last a lifetime. 

The most precious commodities for dance and theatre artists are dedicated time, space, and collaborators. The Marfa Intensive teaches this reality and demands specific ethics from all involved. Away from the distractions of our respective home bases, we as an ensemble can experience something profound: the chance to eat, breathe, work, play, and rest – to live – as a unified community from sun up to sun down. 

Through their dedication, our ensemble created twelve distinct compositions; video-edited and live dance pieces using choreography set in the Fort Davis Mountains; the seeds of new dramaturgy and pre-production design; and a training vocabulary that will allow our spring production of The Ghost Project to hit the ground running. We look forward to onboarding new performers through the mainstage auditions starting off this fall semester!

Especially vital to the Intensive this year has been the deep integration of dance and theatre students all working towards a common goal: embodied storytelling. Something Professor Kyla Olson, Katherine, and I discussed at length over rehearsals and meals are our responsibilities to both maintain and dissolve the hyphen between Dance-Theatre, or the “and” in School of Theatre and Dance. These philosophical conversations are the lodestars of our devising process and premise upon the Viewpoints training of choreographer, Mary Overlie, and director, Anne Bogart. The questions of the 1960s Judson Dance Theater circle are still unanswered: How can artists find a non-hierarchical relationship within and between their respective differences? What are the boundaries between dance, theatre, music, and art? What do such labels afford us, and what might be discovered in crossing over these disciplinary borders? What past traditions, stories, and forms still haunt us today? How can we find equal footing in the liveness of performance? 

These are the questions that will move our compositions forward into the blackbox in spring 2025. Participants from this year are leaving with the tools to follow these lines of inquiry as far as possible. They have learned how to teach themselves ways of seeking discomfort and embracing uncertainty, and how to land on the other side with newfound purposefulness. None of this could happen were it not for their trust and risk-taking, and for that, Katherine, Kyla, and I are so grateful. Likewise, we would not have this worldclass opportunity without the support and leadership of our dedicated alum, Tim Crowley, alongside Dr. Mark Charney, Cory Norman, and Dean Martin Camacho. 

Under the stars, perhaps while spying for Marfa lights, what ultimately emerges in this Intensive is the experience of meaningful cultural exchange: between Tech students and their Turkish colleagues at Bilkent University, between Marfa and Lubbock, between self and nature, and between artists and the communities we serve. Conversations are already underway for preparing the renewal of these intercultural relationships next year with a thrilling gauntlet: The Rite of Spring.  

It is a privilege to co-lead this signature program, one whose offering makes Texas Tech unique around the country and the world. From here in Marfa too, it is possible.

JOHN CONNER, Lecturer

After taking a few days to both reflect on and unpack the experiences of the last two weeks, I wanted to share how moving I found the Marfa Intensive and how proud I was to participate. 

I tell my students that each of the theatre disciplines speak a different dialect of the same language and the importance of learning as many of those dialects as possible, and this program allowed me to brush up on a few I have not used in a very long time.

Additionally, the work I was allowed to do with the students has really strengthened my relationships and understanding with them and increased my excitement of working with and designing for the dance students this fall.

I always regretted the fact I was unable to participate as a student, but this could not possibly have been better timing for me, and I will take what I learned and share it with my classes.

STUDENT REFLECTIONS

CARINA STROBLE, BFA Dance

The Marfa Intensive allowed to me experience what it means to be an individual performer. I've grown up dancing on stage and this intensive gave me the chance to discover who I am as an individual performer. Being forced into a space with people of multiple backgrounds has given me the chance to feel safe and build trust with people with whom I would have never interacted with in that capacity otherwise. We all got the chance to work in and out of our comfort zone which allowed all of us to become more versatile individuals and performers. Going into my senior year of college, I'm more aware of how to be a leader, how to create this sense of realism, maintain flow in my work, and ultimately find ways to connect with others without the need for words. As a dancer, the physical connection that arises from moving with others is how I find the most valuable connections. That connection building was what I got to experience at Marfa, and I couldn't ask for a better 2 weeks.

BEN STANFORD, MFA Playwriting Alumni

Back I went again to Marfa, Texas. I attended the intensive in 2023, and the immense artistic growth I experienced in just two weeks astounded me. I am once again astounded. Katherine Wilkinson and Chris Staley crafted an incredible experience that expanded and soared with the work of students and faculty from different disciplines, schools, and countries all taken from their homes and placed in tight proximity to each other. That is what an intensive asks of artists, and that is what we gave. We gave, because that is what we as artists need: time, space, passion, technique, a story to tell, and each other. It isn't easy; the experience is an artistic marathon. It challenges you to show up, commit, redefine, look inward, crumble foundations, build new ones, look outward, and connect with others. You wake up some mornings still dreaming of sleep. Other mornings your mind fills itself with the anticipation of the work you are creating. And in the end, you release, yes, but you also carry. You carry mountains of energy and knowledge and newfound identities that are ready to bring themselves into every future artistic space you walk into. The generosity of all involved in creating the Marfa intensive will not be lost on me. I am so incredibly grateful to have been able to attend a second time. The 2024 Marfa Intensive experience lived up to its name, and I now have the privilege of living up to all that I have gained from it.

JARED HANSEN, MFA Design

The Marfa Intensive was an incredible playground for all storytellers. I worked with incredible people from all disciplines of theatre and performance, learning different perspectives and different ways of thinking about my work as a designer and technician. I would recommend this intensive to all artists and performers.

TAYLOR SNOGA, BFA Dance

Currently, I am a rising junior at Texas Tech University pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. While I was excited for the new experiences that the Marfa Intensive would provide, as a dance major I was unsure of what to expect for a theater focused intensive. At first, I was hesitant to fully immerse myself in the experience because it required me to step far outside of my comfort zone. Because of the positive environment created by the directors and other participants, I became more comfortable to be myself and loosen up. The Marfa Intensive provided me with opportunities for personal creative exploration, leading to my discovery of new ways to think as a performer and challenging me to integrate theatrical ideas into my dancer mindset. Being a part of the Marfa Intensive allowed me to collaborate with other artists on performance projects. I loved seeing the creative process of those in my groups, specifically non-dancers, who broadened my perspective and sparked inspiration in my own work. The notes given to us in feedback sessions from the instructors following performance showings assisted our creative process as we progressed throughout the intensive. As I return to Texas Tech and into my career as a choreographer, I will implement the style of feedback the directors demonstrated during the intensive. I can say with 100% certainty that I am glad that I was able to be a part of this experience.

RYLEIGH DEMONTALVO, BFA Dance

I am currently a BFA Dance major at Tech. Going to Marfa was a wonderful experience. Being able to be in a place where art was the central focus was freeing and encouraging. Chris and Katherine, who were amazing, provided us with ample information to continue our journey as artists. I loved how we were given open and honest feedback to spur and encourage hard work.  The atmosphere that was created was so inviting, trusting, and so positive that it allowed me to open up and explore new parts of my artistry. As a dancer, it can be hard to throw myself into places with experienced actors and then told to act myself, and yet I was supported and encouraged. I loved this experience and would recommend it enthusiastically.

KASS GIBERSON, BS Chemistry

First, I must praise the leaders of the Marfa Intensive, especially the collaboration between Dr. Staley and Katherine Wilkinson from Columbia University for a truly transformative experience. I have been surrounded by a cohort of friends who have supported me in an indelible landscape. My life has been so hectic recently so the ability to sort of remove myself from Lubbock, even just for 2 weeks, was a gift. I honestly wish everyone in theatre got to share this experience at least once. I have felt nothing short of loved during my time here. The connections I have made with artists both local and international, have given me new goals. I would also like to thank Bill and Ann Stokes for the scholarship I received, Mark Charney and Cory Norman for coordinating the event, and Chris Staley and Katharine Wilkinson for more than meeting the challenge of this Intensive.

CLAIRE DACY, BFA Dance

The 2024 Marfa Intensive is a learning experience for students striving to be actors, dancers, playwrights, designers, and directors, aiming to provide a safe environment to fully immerse themselves in their art and craft. Students from Texas Tech University spend two weeks in Marfa, Texas, learning, creating, collaborating, and making lifelong friends and future colleagues. Marfa allows students to avoid outside distractions and submerge themselves in the creation of devised work. They also visit sites in the surrounding area to inspire their work. Because students, both undergraduate and graduate, come from all areas of the School of Theatre and Dance, students learn to collaborate, communicate, and create with a larger range of artists than in their normal semester classes. Students this summer focused on learning “viewpoints,” which incorporates elements of performers, vocal performance on stage, and improvisation. They worked together to create three compositions inspired by different prompts and are comprised of groups combining all divisions of artists. This year's faculty, Chris Staley, Kyla Olson, and guest Katherine Wilkinson, worked with students, taught lessons, and provided feedback to each composition group.

ROBYN CONNER, MFA Performance & Pedagogy

The Marfa Intensive combines the perfect ingredients to create a life changing experience: Marfa - such a quaint town filled with great food, friendly people and of course the mysterious lights; the Crowley Theatre - a space filled with history and memories to meld with your own performances; the Hotel St George - comfortable rooms, delicious food and impeccable staff make this a home away from home; the Instructors - who created a program that is both challenging and fun; and the People - dancers, technicians, actors, directors, playwrights, costumer designers and international students. We together not only learned more about our own discipline but the importance of the others. The performances, created on the spot, were personal, meaningful, beautiful and collaborative. All these special ingredients created an opportunity of a lifetime.

RENGIM KÖSE, MFA Performance & Pedagogy

The Marfa Intensive is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for any young artist. Chris and Katherine are extremely resourceful and talented. I have felt more connected with my stories and been more productive than ever. This is a highly educative and active process. Marfa is an art hub full of opportunities and stories to tell, and Crowley Theatre has an aura that makes magic happen. I am extremely grateful to all the creators of this intensive: Katherine Wilkinson, Chris Staley, Tim Crowley, Mark Charney, Cory Norman and Kyla Olson. I have connected with brilliant artists who, even though we shared the same building, I hadn't had the chance to work with before. Chris and Katherine made us feel like we are part of a theatre legacy. I had the opportunity to pause, reflect on myself as an artist, and create art from that reflection. I hope this intensive continues to grow and inspire art for many years to come.

DREW FORD, KCACTF National Award Winner

JEHAN HORMAZDI, MA Interdisciplinary Studies

Over the past two weeks, I have had the privilege of experiencing several firsts: my first choreographed movement, singing on stage, acting with lines, performing a fight scene, and participating in an acting training program. It has been an exhilarating journey.

Though initially daunting, I successfully navigated this intensive experience with the expert guidance of Katherine and Chris, who ensured a safe and supportive environment. Their mentorship was invaluable in overcoming my long-standing hesitation to step onto the stage.

While my passion for facilitating remains strong, this training has profoundly impacted me. The techniques I have learned, particularly Viewpoints, have enhanced my ability to engage in meaningful conversations. Listening effectively has proven to be a vital skill, enriching interactions and fostering deeper connections.

This training has been incredibly rewarding, and I am eager to contribute to its future development. Moreover, I believe that similar training would be highly beneficial to students from all backgrounds, equipping them with essential listening skills that can significantly improve communication and collaboration.

ANNMARIE WALLING, BFA Dance

My experience in Marfa was full of abundant learning experiences and relationship building. It was a great opportunity to learn from theatre professionals, Katherine Wilkinson and Chris Staley. The expertise they offered opened my mind to many new ideas and processes when creating work. I gained the most from the personal feedback sessions on our work that was thought provoking, educational, hands-on, and backed by passion. Additionally, building relationships between peers was rewarding. At the Marfa Intensive, the environment of trust and exploration allowed all of us to experiment without fear and get to know ourselves as artists in real time during the workshops. Finally, intensives are wonderful because they are hubs of inspiration. I can honestly say that I'm leaving Marfa with more resources of inspiration. Getting unplugged and away from the world allows us to tap into our creative minds and deeply connect with the community and art in front of us.

IRENE ROBERTSON, MFA Performance & Pedagogy

If you ever can take the Marfa Intensive, DO IT! If you want to learn a few lessons from professors who are incredibly passionate about working on their craft while encouraging and lifting students up, do not hesitate to take it. Marfa, TX, is also a beautiful city that inspires students with stunning landscapes. This year's theme, "Ghosts," allowed students to use different mediums to tell multiple stories. Inspiration came quickly when I traveled to various places within Marfa, such as Fort Davis. The chance to work with students who are on different paths is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Watching your peers wear different hats within the theatre is incredible as we all come out of our shells. I look forward to seeing the different hunches in the upcoming years and hope to experience again the magic that within the walls of the Crowley Theatre.

LEE ALVARADO, MFA Design

The Marfa Intensive is a rigorous and exciting two weeks of creating art in all forms that we are very lucky to have at Tech. I arrived not knowing what to expect and returned with long lasting friendships and connections that have made me stronger as a theatre practitioner. All the fantastic opportunities allotted to us in Marfa by Dr. Charney and Tim Crowley are the cherry on top of a beautiful theatrical experience. I highly recommend this intensive to anyone who wants to sharpen their skills and fall in love with theatre again.

CHELSEA LAWRENCE, BA Theatre

I am so grateful for getting a real collaboration experience! This two-week commitment made for devising material to be used during TTU's spring season has helped to prepare me for the professional world, post-graduation. Dr. Staley listened to his students every step of the way, and it was a wonderful opportunity for all specializations of theatre and dance.