In this class, we’ll explore how creating a foundation of communication through the principles of a consent-based rehearsal space paves the way for more fruitful creative play and exploration. We’ll discuss concepts like community agreements, practices for establishing boundaries, and tools for ongoing communication. We’ll also get these ideas in our bodies and collaborate on moments of devised storytelling. Come ready to share, learn, and play; leave with some introductory tools for creating with a consent-centered lens!

Collaboration Playground will be led by Alessandra Bongiardina. Alessandra is an actor, intimacy director, and writer originally from Colorado, based in Minneapolis. As an actor and intimacy director her work has been seen at the Guthrie Theater, Minnesota Opera, Park Square Theater, Wayward Theater, Exposed Brick Theater, St Olaf University, and the University of Minnesota, amongst others. She brings a deep love of collaboration to everything she does, and her background as an actor has focused on both heightened texts and physical storytelling. She continues to work and train as a fight professional, often assisting or directing fights in addition to intimacy directing on productions. Alessandra believes in facilitating spaces where clear communication and boundaries allows artists to go deeper into the work and step outside their comfort zones. As an artist she feels lit up by the crunchy places where we so often grow, helping others cultivate their own embodied consent practices, and staging joyful queer intimacy. On her own time, you’ll often find her embroidering, hammocking, or fawning over whatever her current book/TV obsession is. She has trained extensively with IDC (Intimacy Directors and Coordinators) and holds a BFA in Acting from the University of Minnesota/ Guthrie Theater BFA Actor Training program. alessandrabongiardina.com. Past Sparkle Theatricals Productions: The League (2022).