Doug Berky
Doug offers a variety of workshops, residencies and performances online for adults and youth. Please contact Susan for more details and to discuss your needs. For an example of some of the offerings that are available, please view this pdf. A short demo of virtual concert "Gems: The World's Wisdom Stories" or "No Show".
For nearly 3 decades, Doug Berky has brought classic solo physical theater performances to stages all over the world, transcending age, race and culture. Using the illusion of the mime, the antics of the clown, the transformation of his own handmade, original and exquisite masks, the suspense of a good story and the excitement of improv, Doug inspires both laughter and reflection.
His unique and whimsical mask creations have inspired young mask makers in schools, ballet companies, and theaters from Stockholm to Seattle. Currently Artist in Residence at Furman University, Doug regularly tours North America and is available for K- 8th and family performances, as well as student and adult workshops, keynotes, master classes and residencies in mask theatre, mask design and construction, mime and movement, and the role of humor in health and healing. Doug can also sign his performances in American Sign Language if requested. Doug also works with Drama Therapist Dale Savidge in the Greenville County Juvenile Detention Facility. Their weekly sessions with the incarcerated youth include many theatre games and improvisations utilizing Doug’s theatre masks as well as time in mask making with the residents of the facility.
A graduate of Dell'Arte School of Physical Theatre in CA, Berky has performed and taught as Artist-in-Residence at the Commedia School in Denmark, Roanoke College, Furman University, and the University of Wisconsin among others. He toured with The Two Penny Circus and The Montanaro Mime Theatre where he appeared in the award-winning NBC children's series, "See Saw," and in television specials for Swedish National TV. In the early 1990s, Doug created a video series, "Jesus Stories" and "Light in the Darkness," with Ecufilm and he has been a featured performer at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Cabaret Symposium and at the 50-year celebration of the CROP Walk for the National Council of Churches. Doug has given literally thousands of performances at performing arts centers, arts festivals, schools, libraries and museums.
Humor and Healing: Humor Happens - In this seminar, Doug explores humor and laughter; what it is, and how it brings healing to individuals, communities, and it’s restorative effect on our world. Doug experienced first hand the importance of humor growing up with a mother suffering from a chronic disease, Lupus. Doug will share stories, sketches, and other discoveries made along the way on how laughter has a bumpy ride easier to handle.
