Method Dance Society

Shakespeare City

Method Dance Society is a Not-for-Profit dance company based out of Prince George, BC on the unceded Indigenous Territory of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation. Method seeks to increase public knowledge, appreciation and interest in contemporary dance by exhibiting and developing regional programs and performances in Northern B.C. Our projects and programs provide tools and resources for regional dance artists to practice their craft.

Shakespeare City

Method Dance Society's Shakespeare City is an interactive performance that takes audience members through a jazz infused post-apocalyptic journey with Shakespeare's most memorable characters. Dancers move through various elements of Jazz and classical music, interacting with musicians and audience members. The set features a portable rotating stage and lighting elements that capture the captivating playfulness of the performance.

The show features work from five choreographers from Northern British Columbia, including Shelby Richardson, Melissa McCracken, Ashley Burmaster, Sara McGowan and Shayla Dyble. Featuring 6 contemporary dancers from MDS and live musical accompaniment from drummer Justin Gendreau.

Performance History

Mother: sound/ body (Spring 2021)
Presented by Method Dance Society
Digital Performance presented online
Supported by The BC Arts Council, Dance West, and the Vancouver Foundation

Bodies in Isolation (Fall 2021)
Presented by Method Dance Society
Theatre Northwest
Prince George, BC

Prince George Community Foundation Fundraiser (Spring 2022)
Presented by the Prince George Community Foundation
The Coast Hotel
Prince George, BC

Shakespeare City (Summer 2022)
Presented by Method Dance Society
Theatre Northwest
Prince George, BC

Project Details

Project created by: Method Dance Society: Shelby Richardson, Ashley Burmaster, Melissa McCracken, Shayla Dyble and Sara McGowan

Key Collaborators:

Jon Russell - Technical Director
Nicole Kamensek - Rehearsal Director
Justin Gendreau - Drummer
Angela Thwaites - Dancer
Laura Buchanan - Dancer
Sloane Zogas - Dancer
Lauren Fisher - Dancer

Audience: Children/ Family

Length in minutes: 70 mins (plus 15-minute intermission) - Full-length work

Space required: This work is available to in a number of theatre settings, from black-box or studio theatres to large theatres. This work is adaptable as well, theatre or outdoors or alternate venues.

Preparation required: 4 hours required for LED strip install

General technical requirements: Showcase: One cordless microphone for the drummer to mic drum kit, and a back monitor or in-ear monitor so he can hear the accompanying music. We also have a portable rotating platform that we use for the piece, which is set up-stage centre.

Full Performance: A full tech sheet for the performance is available here: https://www.methoddance.ca/booking

Availability: 2022/23 Spring, 2023/24 Season, and 2024/25 Season

Number of performers on tour, including choreographer: 8

Number of support staff on tour: 2

Community Engagement Activities

Method has several community outreach programs that we offer including community workshops, masterclasses, and youth-programs.

Our community workshop includes open sessions that provide participants with an introductory movement class focused on improvisation. These workshops are typically 1 hour in duration. $10 per participant

Masterclasses are taught by dancers/ or choreographers for community members familiar with contemporary dance. These workshops typically range from 1 - 1.5 hours $25 per participant

Youth-based programs include public school programming that provide performance-based demonstrations, movement activities, and creativity exploration. School-based programs are generally delivered via 3-one hour sessions on school days. $450 per 3 hour session

The Method Community workshop is our most collaborative workshop as participants are encouraged to participate in a number of ways including drawing/ painting, music accompaniment or other art forms. The Community workshops provide participants with an introductory movement class focused on improvisation. These workshops are typically 1 hour in duration. $10 per participant

Contact: Method Dance Society, admin@methoddance.ca

Website: methoddance

Facebook: Method Dance Society