Physical Theatre Professional Training

Module Themes

Each module runs for about two months and combines a weekend workshop with two preparatory online sessions (see details below):

• Physical Theatre & Transdiscipline
• Working With Real Emotions
• The Poetry of Silence
• The Poetry of Movement
• Poetic Object-Theater
  
• Physical Sound
• Anthropology & Sacred Theatre
• Contemporary Method Acting
• Body Art, Installation & Performance
• Two Performance Projects

The sequence may vary. Detailed descriptions of each module are provided below.

The Physical Theatre Training is for those who wish to

• Build a solid and adaptable foundation for their artistic practice
• Shape their studies individually and flexibly
• Deepen skills in physical presence, emotional work, and creative tools
• Teach Physical Theatre using Samuel Núñez’s transdisciplinary method
• Expand professional expertise in dance or theatre education
• Integrate body- and emotion-focused work into therapeutic practice
• Systematically develop artistic skills as an amateur
• Connect more deeply with their body, emotions, and inherent creativity through a rewarding personal journey



Physical Theatre & Transdiscipline

Dive into the foundations of transdisciplinary Physical Theatre through movement, presence, and embodied awareness. Explore:

• Movement: impulses, qualities, intention, counterpoints, weight, and more
• Grotowski-inspired motor exercises
• Meyerhold’s biomechanics
• Acting as a creative state of being
• Body-based communication and expression
• The interplay of movement and sound
• Dramaturgy and narrative structure through physicality
• Improvisation, both with and without contact
• Training the senses for communication
• Understanding the human being in space and time
• Working with the “empty space” concept of Peter Brook
  
  

Working with Real Emotions (two modules)
Discover the art of working with authentic emotion — bridging physiology, memory, and creative expression. Explore:

• Physiology of emotions
• Basic and complex emotions
• Emotional memory according to Stanislavski
• Emotional states in Artaud and emotional induction
• New techniques: mirror technique, body telling, contrasts & opposites, emotional grounding
• Working with emotions in a flow state; dramaturgy of emotions
• “Justification” of emotion
• Microexpressions and minimalism in emotional expression
• Working in emotional neutrality
• State of silence vs. state of emptiness
• The state of emptiness as a transgression of all emotions
• The state of silence as a stable foundation for the performer

The Poetry of Movement
Explore the expressive and symbolic dimensions of movement — where body, space, and authentic expression meet. Discover:

• Movement: impulses, qualities, intention, weight, and more
• Butoh: counterpoints, permeability, and other principles
• Continuous movement & flow
• Semiotics (signs and symbols) in the art of movement
• Dramaturgy of movement
• Expressing movement in a state of silence
• Movement composition in space and time
• Translating text, ideas, and emotions into movement
• Interconnectivity and resonance of movement (techniques for intuitive individual and collective movement)
• Physical actions inspired by Grotowski
• Butoh: the poetry of light and darkness

The Poetry of Silence
Enter the subtle realms of stillness, energy, and presence — where silence becomes a creative state. Immerse yourself in:

• Energy work
• Movement and meditation; meditation in movement; flow state
• Exploring silence in movement
• Accessing silence at the heart of chaos
• Emotional and creative states
• Exploring real emotions in the “empty space”
• Communication and composition
• The observer and the artist
• Silence as a creative state of being
• State of silence vs. state of emptiness
• Bering real: Performing without pretending
  
  

Poetic Object Theatre

Explore the art of storytelling through objects, including:

• The history and various forms of object theatre
• Playing with objects through improvisation and choreography
• Working with masks and hybrid puppets
• Dramaturgy: conveying stories through objects
• Objects in space and time
• The object as being: to be or not to be?
• Emotional expression through objects
• Communicating ideas with puppets and objects
• The poetics of the object and its visual language
• The relationship between artist and object
• Engaging the imaginary: collective and personal visual worlds
• Creating magic with aesthetics and lighting
• Magical realism in object theatre
• Developing a poetic visual vocabulary

Physical Sound
Explore the power of non-verbal communication — where voice, body, and vibration create meaning beyond words. Work with:

• Non-verbal communication: theory and practice
• Sound, movement, and vibration in late Jerzy Grotowski’s Physical Theatre
• The voice as an instrument of the whole body
• Physiology and role of breathing and voice
• Resonance spaces and vocal timbres
• Communicating on deeper levels through vocal vibration
• Intention and emotion in voice and sound
• Breathing as a silent sound
• The whole body as a sound instrument
• Soundscapes and atmospheres as means of communication
• Theatre of the senses (introduction)
• Dramaturgy of sound, vibration, and movement: telling stories without words
  
  

Anthropology and Sacred Theatre
Explore the roots and ritual dimensions of theatre — connecting ancient practices, cultural traditions, and transformative performance. Journey through:

• Foundations of theatre anthropology
• The work of Eugenio Barba
• History of world theatre
• Noh theatre: history and practice
• Butoh: philosophy and practice
• Bunraku: Japanese object and mask theatre
• Theatre as ritual
• Shamanism
• “Teatro Pánico” and “Psychomagic” according to Alejandro Jodorowsky
• Elements of ritual in performing arts
• The poetic act
• Surrealism and the unconscious visual world
• Creation of a transformative artistic performance ritual

Contemporary Method Acting
Engage deeply with the craft of acting — integrating text, body, and psychology to bring roles authentically to life. Delve into:

• Systematic text analysis: working with text in four dimensions
• Field research: role and social studies
• Role construction
• Body-centered role characterization
• Biographical and psychological role work
• Creating the intellectual, emotional, and physical memory of the character
• Psychological and emotional development of the role
• Specifics of role work in transdisciplinary Physical Theatre
• Language and text in Physical Theatre
• Interpretation of text, articulation, diction, projection (foundations)
• Characterization and transformation of the voice
  
  

Body Art, Installation, Performance
Immerse yourself in the creation of visual and performative experiences — where concept, space, and poetic expression converge. Engage with:

• Concept development
• Aesthetics
• Poetics and semiotics (the study of signs and symbols)
• Construction of space
• Composition of image and action
• Poetic discourse
• Poetic act and poetic action
• Realistic and abstract narrative structures
• Dramaturgy styles
• Systems for communicating with audiences
• The language of metaphor
• Dramatic justification
• Body art
• Installation
• Going beyond form and concept
  
  

Performance Projects
Step into the full creative process — from conception to stage, experiencing the art of performance firsthand. Engage in:

• Practical experience and work as a performer
• Preparation, rehearsal, and presentation of performances
• Applying skills, techniques, and concepts learned throughout the course
• Collaborative creation and exploration of individual artistic voice
• Bringing ideas, emotions, and movement to life in front of an audience
  

Practical Information

The Physical Theatre Professional Training consists of 12 modules spread over two years, with each module lasting  two months. Most workshops currently take place in Cologne, with an additional group planned in Berlin.

Each module includes:

• Two preparatory online sessions, each about 1.5 hours.
• An intensive weekend workshop in Cologne/Berlin (1–2 workshops over the two years may take place with overnight stays in Catalonia or elsewhere in Germany).
• Optional one-on-one sessions with Samuel Núñez following the workshop (usually online), providing feedback and personal guidance on your artistic process. Additional sessions can be scheduled if needed, for example to discuss the practical assignments for the next workshop.

Entry / Exit

The training follows a cyclical format, with module topics repeating every two years.

• Entry is possible several times a year.
• Cancellation is also possible twice a year, ensuring places regularly become available.
• Registration for upcoming modules is often possible well in advance.

Upcoming Modules & Workshop Dates

• November & December 2025: Contemporary Method Acting
  Workshop in Cologne: 5–7 December 2025
  Entry possible, registration open
• January & February 2026: Installation, Body Art & Performance
  Workshop in Cologne: 6–8 February 2026
  Entry possible, registration open
• Further dates to be announced

Weekend Workshop Schedule (may vary slightly):

• Friday: 10:00 – 18:00
• Saturday: 10:00 – 18:00
• Sunday: 10:00 – 14:00
• Workshops with overnight stay: arrival Thursday afternoon / early evening
  
  

Workshop Location in Cologne:

Tor28 (near Central Station)

Machabäerstraße 28, 50668 Cologne

Performance Projects

This module has a more intensive schedule and culminates in a final performance. Preparation begins during the preceding module. A one-time additional fee applies (see costs).

Performance Project Schedule:

Thursday: 10:00 – 19:00

Friday: 10:00 – 19:00

Saturday: 14:00 – 23:00

Online Sessions

Each module includes two preparatory online sessions of approximately 1.5 hours each.
Dates are scheduled within each group.

Costs

Monthly Contribution: €200 – €250 (12 payments per year)
Sliding Scale:
We aim to make this course accessible to participants with lower incomes. Sustainability requires balance:

• Upper range: for those who can cover basic needs and have financial flexibility for additional expenses. Reflects the value of the course.
• Middle range: for those who can cover basic needs but with little extra. Participation may require sacrifice but is manageable.
• Lower range: for those for whom participation is a real challenge and creates a significant burden.
• If in doubt, please contact us — we are happy to support.
  
  

Additional Fees:

• Performance Projects: €90 – €120 (one-time, in addition to monthly contribution)
• Overnight workshop (Catalonia / Germany, 2–3 times during training): €60 – €120 per workshop depending on location
• Accommodation in shared rooms, self-catering: participants shop, cook, and eat together.
• Weekend accommodation in Cologne, if needed, is the responsibility of participants.
  

Certificates & Professional Recognition

• Training & Further Education Certificates: After each module, participants can receive a certificate. Upon completion of the full program, a comprehensive training certificate is awarded.
• Teacher Training: For those wishing to teach Physical Theatre using Samuel’s method, there are two additional online teaching sessions as well as further opportunities such as observation, coaching, and supervision. Please contact us for more information.
• Coaching & Artistic Project Support: All participants have the opportunity, during and after the training, to receive individual coaching and project guidance with Samuel at discounted rates. Further details are available upon request.

Registration & Cancellation

• Your first module is considered a trial module, after which you can decide whether to continue.
• After that, cancellation is possible at the end of each semester. Full details are in the registration form.
• If there are available places, it is also possible to register for a single module as a standalone continuing education opportunity (fees on request).

Further Information

• Samuel’s biography contains additional information on his method and approach.
• Questions about the training can also be discussed with him via email or phone.
• You can also read about the experiences of previous students in the testimonials.
  

Contact us for information and registration: info@samuelnunez.de