The Hamilton Method

The Hamilton Method was developed by Dr. Jim Hamilton in the Manhattan Experimental Theater Workshop for High School Students (MXTW). Begun in 1989, MXTW is now a program of the Manhattan Arts Center in Manhattan, Kansas. What turned out to be the “first Workshop” was supposed to be a one-time event. But it seemed to fill a need and, so, it has continued for over 30 years now.

What is the Hamilton Method?

The Hamilton Method is a workshop creation process. Participants learn about experimental theatre techniques and use them to create their own new plays. Participants study examples of experimental scripts. They also train their bodies and voices for non-naturalistic performance through games and exercises. The process ends with performances of their new plays. Find out more on the steps in the Hamilton Method here.

What is experimental theatre?

We define experimental theatre as any play that uses techniques outside of traditional narrative realism. All theatre has to answer the questions: what will be said, how will it sound, and what will be happening while it is said? We study artists who do not assume that the answers to these questions must be recognizable as a realistic imitation of life.

Why does The Hamilton Method work so well?

Three reasons: The first is a philosophy of work which is vital to the method: respect. The process demands respect for all collaborators, all resources, and for the work itself. The second is: Participants help make every important decision. They have a true understanding and ownership of their work which fosters a deep commitment. And the third is: the process’s set progression of training and decision making. These decisions put constraints on the process that make creative, intelligent theatre a natural outcome.

Who should participate in a Hamilton Method Workshop?

The Hamilton Method is a self-contained process. It includes all the training and guidance participants need to be successful. People with any kind of background and with different sets of interests, experience, and skills can participate. All that is required to take part is to be up for it and able to commit the necessary time. The method is great for anyone eager to explore how we communicate with each other. It encourages participants to question assumptions and think about things from many perspectives. Find out more about the steps in the Hamilton Method here. Find out more about how we train and what we study here.

Why should you see a performance created using the Hamilton Method?

Experimental theatre has the ability to speak to audiences with as much power as traditional theatre. Hamilton Method performances allow audiences to experience this first hand. The method produces performances of impressive passion and commitment. This allows the audience to follow the performers to whatever strange places they go. And since the process produces several short works, audiences get to see many different kinds of theatre. It’s a theatre smorgasbord!

Why should you add a Hamilton Method workshop to your curriculum or season?

For younger students the Hamilton Method offers an experience that can be formative in many ways. See more about educational outcomes for younger students here. See more about what makes the Hamilton Method unique here. For older students the process gives time and space to try new things and think new ways. Audiences will get to see several different experimental techniques presented in short plays all anchored to a story they already know so they can easily understand the techniques being presented. Find out more about what is needed to run a workshop here.

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