THEATRE OF THE SPHERE: The Vibrant Being Workshop

Join Lakin Valdez for an in person Vibrant Being workshop exploring the practices of the Theatre of the Sphere.

The Vibrant Being Workshop is a motivational course and performance methodology designed to unlock the natural learning and communicative abilities of each student by exploring and developing the essential “vibration” of all living beings.

The ancient Maya of the Yucatan called this vibration “Wuinik’ lil” (Vibrant Being) and described it as the essence of all human consciousness in a dynamic universe.

Physical, emotional, and intellectual exercises designed to unlock both individual and group awareness will draw parallels to other world systems of meditation and movement.

This Workshop takes place once a week for 2 weeks

Upcoming Sessions:

  • Check back in for new dates in Los Angeles

  • Use the form below bring the Vibrant Being Workshop to your community

  • “The vibrant Being workshop was a really fantastic experience. It combined culture, mind, body, spirit to enrich the theater experience. This workshop shows you how connection to your ancestors equals connection to yourself, which equals more meaningful performance. Everyone needs to take the vibrant being workshop!”

    Guadalupe Cardona

  • "Every single theatre teacher needs to take this workshop, but especially directors and actors. It is a great physical exploration of our bodies, and ourselves, embodying ways to discover new acting tools and methods."

    Dr. Daphnie Sicre

  • "As a trauma informed therapist using various healing modalities, I believe this workshop is the decolonized mental health intervention we have been waiting for."

    Mercedes Floresislas

  • "Lakin’s physical, emotional and intellectual exercises allow us to connect with ourselves and with the group. There were some unexpected emotional moments that allowed me to see the gift of being vulnerable along with how to be a vessel of support by just listening. If there is a 2nd, 3rd, 4th iteration of this workshop, I will definitely be returning. "

    Carlos Mendoza

bring the workshop to my community

bring the workshop to my community

Lakin Valdez

Lakin Valdez is a writer, director and performing artist. Born and raised in the extended family of El Teatro Campesino, he served as the company’s Associate Artistic Director for five seasons. He’s currently an ETC resident artist and company member. Lakin has devised, written and directed over a dozen plays, culminating in work that reflects the rich history and vibrant culture of the Latinx/Chicanx community. For the past two decades, Lakin has trained extensively in Theatre of the Sphere, placing him in a small group of current ETC company members who can officially instruct the course. Recent workshops led by Mr. Valdez have been held at UC Irvine, Pomona College, Middlebury College, Stanford University and Associacion Xajuj Tuun in Guatemala.

You got Questions? We got Answers!

Don’t see answers to your questions? Email theatreofthesphere@gmail.com

What do I need to bring to class?

A #5 Soccer ball for exercises

Clothing you can comfortably move in

A journal for note taking

Are Discounts a thing?

Absolutely!

We offer a 25% off discount for students. For folks who have taken the workshop and would like to take the same level again, we offer 50% off.

When signing up, please note “student discount” or “returning participant” in the Notes field of the form.

How do I know if my sign up is confirmed?

You will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to pay your class fee. When the fee is received, you will receive a second confirmation.

If you have not received a confirmation email within 48 hours of signing up, please email theatreofthesphere@gmail.com.

Wanna know more before class?

Check out the new book, THEATRE OF THE SPHERE: The Vibrant Being by Luis Valdez

Theatre of the Sphere is Luis Valdez’s exploration of the principles that underlie his innovations as a playwright, teacher, and theatrical innovator. He discusses the unique aesthetic, more than five decades in the making, that defines the work of his group El Teatro Campesino—from shows staged on the backs of flatbed trucks by the participants in the Delano Grape Strike of the 1960s to international megahits like Zoot Suit.

Opening with a history of El Teatro Campesino, rich with Valdez’s insights and remembrances, the book’s first part provides context for the development of the Theatre of the Sphere acting method. The second part delivers the conceptual framework for Valdez’s acting theory and practice, situating it in Mayan mathematics and metaphysics. The third part of the book applies this methodology to describe the "viente pasos," the 20-element exercise sequence that comprises the core practice of El Teatro Campesino—strengthening the body, balance, precision, and flexibility but also leadership, collaboration, observation, vulnerability, trust, and expression of passion; of consciousness of time, place, self, community, language, and belief; of honour, faith, morality, and commitment. The book concludes with the full text of Valdez’s poem, "El Buen Actor/El Mal Actor," and a comprehensive bibliography for further study.

This is a vital and indispensable text for today’s actor, as well as scholars and students of contemporary theatre, American and Chicano performance, and the process of theatre-making, actor training, and community performance.