The Living Canvas is Back with a Fresh New Format

Those people who have attended Naked July performances over the past four years are most likely aware of the Living Canvas performance concept that has been at the heart of the Naked July Festival since its inception. The concept is simple and the experience is nothing short of amazing—nude performers bathed in a colorful kaleidoscope of projected patterns and textures create thought-provoking vignettes and playful stories as they move through the projections on stage.

An Innovative New Living Canvas Format

In past years, the Living Canvas performances have often been based on a central unifying story or theme, but the new 2013 concept promises new levels of collaboration and a completely new performance each night. On four Saturday nights at National Pastime Theater (June 29, July 6, 13, and 20) at 10:00 pm, each performance will be the culmination of a collaborative workshop session conducted during that day. Patrons will have the opportunity to attend and participate in the workshops on the performance day and have input into that night's performance.

Great Opportunities for Audience Involvement
Here’s how it will work this summer. As soon as patrons purchase tickets for any of the Living Canvas performances, they will also be able to sign up to attend the workshop session during the day. The workshop will run from 10:00 am-1:00 pm and then resume after a lunch break for a second session from 2:00 pm-5:00 pm. Patrons will be able to witness the collaborative planning process, watch the performers develop the movements required for each vignette, view the rehearsal, and even suggest ideas or concepts that may be incorporated in the final performance. Since audience participation has always been an important part of the Living Canvas experience, patrons who have an interest in performing will also have the opportunity to join the cast members on stage and discover the simple joy of creating art by becoming a human canvas.

It is easy to be a part of the Living Canvas experience and play in the lights along with the cast members. Just purchase a ticket to one of the four performances and then send a message with your ticket confirmation number to njsummerfestival@gmail.com to indicate your wish to participate in the workshop. There are only a limited number of openings for participants, however, so you should purchase your tickets soon if you want to be assured of a spot.

Superb Opportunity for Local Actors and Performers
Pete Guither and the Living Canvas artistic team are always seeking new performers of all types to join the cast each week, and it is a great opportunity for any local performers who wish to explore new experiences, develop collaborative skills, and take their performing skills to new and possibly untested personal levels in a fun and non-threatening environment. Many previous cast members have indicated that their work with the Living Canvas was the first time that they had performed nude on stage and that the positive spirit of camaraderie and support helped them to become far more confident and dynamic in subsequent performing roles. Actors, dancers, storytellers, and people with other special performing skills are all invited to be a part of the Living Canvas cast this summer and, while movement experience is a plus, it is not required. If interested, take a look at images from past performances on the Living Canvas web site (http://www.thelivingcanvas.com) or send Pete Guither a message (pete@thelivingcanvas.com) to raise questions or inquire about opportunities to participate.

Living Canvas 2013 promises to be very entertaining, and since there will be a new show each week, be sure to make plans to come back several times to experience this unique and amazing performance concept.