Acting

**Overview** This two day workshop is open to filmmakers, writers, and creative souls alike - Join us as we discover the amazing word of Fiction! **Workshop Description** *"Whatever You Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not"* [https://workshops.filmarche.de/event/260502_charactersanddialog](https://workshops.filmarche.de/event/260502_charactersanddialog "https://workshops.filmarche.de/event/260502_charactersanddialog") This two-day workshop will explore two essential elements of great fiction: character and dialogue. Together, we’ll first consider (and challenge) some ideas of more traditional storytelling; this is so we can then look at other, more unexpected ways to craft a vivid and undeniable narrative. We’ll discuss a range of techniques for creating characters who’re worthy of audience investment—characters who continually grow more known yet also more mysterious: * What exactly makes a character “interesting” to audiences? * What distinguishes a character arc that’s confusing from one that’s compelling? * What’re common pitfalls or out-of-date formulas for creating characters? * How can you elevate character development from basic level existence to magnetic presence? We’ll also focus on dialogue—one of the most evocative as well as most difficult-to-wield tools in a writer’s toolbox. So we want to demystify why it challenges so many writers. In class we’ll read examples of contemporary fiction writers—like George Saunders, Joy Williams, and Richard Price—who’ve cracked the dialogue code in uniquely spellbinding ways. And we’ll apply some of their techniques to our own creative work. Besides serving as a method for character development, dialogue can also act as a powerful force by which to create conflict, escalate tension, and galvanize a plot’s pacing. Together, we’ll break down some of dialogue’s seemingly more elusive principles, including: * What distinct challenges does dialogue present to writers? * What qualities do we tend to find in or use to describe the better kinds of dialogue? * How do we organically and clearly distinguish different characters’ voices from each other? * What’re some techniques to avoid writing dialogue that sounds one-dimensional or perfunctory? By the end of this workshop, you’ll come away with a greater grasp of how to craft exciting characters, write engaging dialogue, and overcome several unique challenges in storytelling. **Workshop Location and Dates** This event takes place over the course of two days (Saturday May 2nd from 10:00 - 18:00, Sunday May 3rd from 10:00 - 18:00) at the filmArche campus in Berlin Neukölln. **About the Instructor** Alexander Lumans is a fiction writer based in Berlin. He’s been awarded fellowships to The Arctic Circle Residency in 2015 and 2025, a 2018 U.S. National Endowment for the Arts Grant in Fiction, and the Philip Roth Residency at Bucknell University. His writing has appeared in The Paris Review, Electric Literature’s Recommended Reading, Guernica, PolarLit, Off Assignment, American Short Fiction, and others. And he’s won fiction contest prizes from The Sycamore Review, The Yalobusha Review, and Gulf Coast. He received his MFA from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He currently teaches for the Berlin Writers’ Workshop. And he’s currently at work on a novel set in the contemporary High Arctic of Svalbard, Norway. ### **\*To Register for the Event/Purchase a Ticket** PLEASE READ! Tickets cost between 80 - 120 euros. In order to register and pay for the event, you must visit this website and register there: [https://workshops.filmarche.de/event/260502_charactersanddialog](https://workshops.filmarche.de/event/260502_charactersanddialog "https://workshops.filmarche.de/event/260502_charactersanddialog") Please click the link above to register and send your proof of payment to the email provided. We look forward to seeing you there!

### **It is never too late to discover Your voice.** ‍ This workshop series is created for those who are just beginning their journey as performers, as well as for those who are looking for fresh inspiration and a deeper connection to their artistic expression. The programme consists of **five interactive workshops** designed to explore the many dimensions of voice and stage presence. Each session combines **playful exercises, vocal training, creative exploration, and stage time**. After introducing the theme of the day, we immediately bring it into practice by performing in front of one another in a supportive and encouraging environment. ##### **PROGRAMME:** **04 April** — *Basics of Singing* Primal Sounds & Vocal Registers **11 April** — *Vocal Fundamentals* Colors, Effects & Techniques **18 April** — *Inspiration & Inner Voice* Creative Flow & Spiritual Guidance **25 April** — *Stage Movement & Stage Presence* **02 May** — *Overcoming Stage Fright* ##### **TICKETS:** **Per Workshop:** regular: 25€ for DNA. Members: 20€ **Full package (discounted):** **‍**regular: 125 > 115€ for DNA. Members: 100 > 89€

**Come join Berlin’s freshest, short-form comic improv group at this beautiful space near Warschauer Brücke.** *[The Naked Flamingos](https://www.instagram.com/naked_flamingos/), an international flock of Berlin-based improvisors, will perform a series of games & comic scenes in response to suggestions made by YOU, the audience. Think ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’* **Plus Special Guests**! **Expect music, mayhem and silliness.** ***Don’t expect nakedness or flamingos.*** Doors open at **7.30pm** Show starts at **8pm** Tix: https://www.improvworksberlin.com/shows

Come along, grab a coffee, shut up, and write! We will do at least two sessions of each 45 minutes of writing and two breaks. We will start the first writing session at 11:15. **For space reasons, we are limited to a certain number of attendees, so please update your RSVP if you can't come**. We often have a large waiting list, and not updating your RSVP or not showing up if you do RSVP yes means that others miss out. We also ask that if you do change your RSVP, do it with reasonable notice. Thanks! We typically take over all of the cafe, but try to share tables if you can to allow space for other customers. If you are new, come and say hello, as we know that suddenly going quiet for 45 minutes and staring at that blank page can be intimidating when it's your first time. We have a lot of long-term regulars who will be happy to help you feel welcome. In between sessions, we have a Telegram chat: https://t.me/joinchat/ERW3pxD5kfELGeWs9SUhjw For more information, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com/).

### About this Event Weekends in Berlin are for slowing down. Whether you’ve lived here for years, just moved to the city, or are just passing through, come join us for a caffeine-fueled afternoon! The goal is simple: **Good coffee and even better conversations.** No forced networking, no strict agendas—just a relaxed group of people enjoying a break from the city hustle. ### Why join us? * **Meet Locals & Expats:** Expand your social circle in a low-pressure environment. * **Discover Berlin’s Cafe Scene:** We’ll explore one of the city's many cozy hidden gems. * **Perfect Weekend Kickoff:** It’s the best way to transition from your Saturday errands into the evening. We meet at W66. A cafe at Leipziger Straße! Looking forward to seeing you all there and sharing a slice of cake! 🍰☕

Welcome to **I WRITE**, a gentle space for anyone who wants to write—quietly, freely, and without judgement. We are a Berlin community of writers who gather together weekly to write, talk and recharge after a long week. Some of us journal, some write novels, some do academic writing, many people come without a project in mind and see where the inspiration flow takes them. This is a space to simply show up and write, a safe place to be yourself and to release all your layers onto the paper. There’s no set topic, no feedback circle, and no pressure. Just warm people, a calm atmosphere, and time dedicated to yourself. 🗓️ **Agenda:** * 14:30 - 15:00 **→** 30 min arriving, optional socialising (arrive early, meet other writers) * 15:00 - 16:00 **→** 1 hour of silent writing (headphones welcome, focus encouraged) * 16:00–16:30 **→** 30 mins break + optional chat or solo time (stay and chat or go celebrate the rest of your Saturday) * 16:30–17:30 → 1 more hour of silent writing (for those staying) * 17:30–18:00 → 30 mins of chat, and leaving 🎒 **Bring:** * Something to write with (laptop, notebook, phone, typewriter… anything goes) * Something to drink (there is no cafeteria, unfortunately) * Your current project or a blank page * Yourself, exactly as you are **👉 Responsibility:** * Our location is limited; thus, I am kindly asking you to RSVP only if you are willing to attend. **📍Location:** * We meet at **Heinrich Schulz Library in Charlottenburg**. In the library, go look for the Gruppenraum; I will be waiting for you there. Any trouble finding the room, I will come to meet you outside. * 🚇 U7 **Richard-Wagner-Platz** * 🚌 M45 Bus **U Richard-Wagner-Platz** **About me:** Hi, my name is Anastasia. I started this writing club back in May 2025. Since then, it has been hosted weekly at the Heinrich Schulz Library (who is kind enough to allow us to use this room for free). Over this time, I’ve been privileged to meet some of the most creative and kind minds in Berlin. And I would be happy if you joined us. Whether you're an experienced writer or just at the beginning of your journey, you're welcome. If you know how to hold a pen or how to type, there will always be a space for you. Let's write together!

**Berlin’s Only Comedy Show That Fixes Your Problems (Kind Of)!** Stand-up comedy meets hilarious, unqualified life advice! Comedians tackle your anonymously submitted problems live on stage—roasting, dissecting, and turning them into comedy gold. **Where?** The hidden Mitte gem —**Art.City.People** in **Heckmann-Höfe!** **When?** Doors: **8:00 PM** \| Show: **8:30 PM** Come for the stand-up, stay for the therapy—just bring your problems (or a friend with worse ones). Every show is a fresh mix of **four experienced comedians and new audience problems**—so you never know what to expect! Hosted by **Lena Stolby** — she’s Russian, so she *really* knows about problems! **&** We are a free entry pay-what-you-want show, and **have been running solely thanks to the support of the audience**, so to help us keep making this world a drama free place we **suggest a contribution of €12-15!** **Seats are limited, so book now!** The room gets very busy, so, to make sure you get a seat please book a seat via Eventbrite here (it’s free): https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/comedy-therapy-events-1626059

***Welcome to the Actors Gym!*** * A fun, supportive training ground where actors play, experiment, and build their craft. * *Through engaging games and exercises, you’ll develop core acting skills and bring them to life by performing a short script at the end of every session.* * This drop-in class welcomes both new and intermediate actors eager to learn, stretch, and have fun. ‍ **DURATION:** 60 – 90 mins (depending on numbers) **ABOUT YOUR COACH:** Geoff is a dedicated professional teacher and actor. He is also active as a writer, director and producer of small-scale projects here in Berlin. He has performed on many stages – as actor, host, and improvisor – and in many short films, across the UK and Germany. He loves to meet and work with new actors, and has a real passion for discovering new talent. His acting profile may be found [HERE](https://www.filmmakers.eu/en/actors/geoff-mills). ‍ **SPOTS:** Everyone is welcome. Beginner-friendly. €15 General Admission (*pay at venue*) Free to members of [DNA Arts](https://www.dna-artclub.com/) \- a vibrant community of artists and performers\. **DNA** members have access to over 5 dance classes and 5 creative workshops each week, covering everything from singing, writing, and marketing to theatre, including also 5+ shows weekly, all completely free for our members.

It's short-form improv by the sweetest people on earth, including... YOU! Hosted by members of ImprovWorks, it's Berlin's only short-form improv jam! We'll pick some improv games in a range of difficulties, and if you want to play, just sign up. We aim to create an atmosphere where both first-timers can feel comfortable and supported getting on stage, and more experienced performers can get some fun practice. Doors: 19:30, Jam: 20:00 Tickets are free, but limited in number, get yours in advance to avoid disappointment: [https://www.improvworksberlin.com/shows](https://www.improvworksberlin.com/shows)

**🎬 Screenwriters' Meetup Invitation 🎬** This meetup is for anyone passionate about storytelling—whether you’re a screenwriter, filmmaker, producer, or someone with a great idea looking for the right collaborators. Whether you’re just starting out or deep into your screenplay, this is the perfect space to create, collaborate, and refine your work. This Sunday (May 3) at 15:00, we’re back at Workish for our next Screenwriting Focus Group—and this time it’s all about getting creative. We’re doing a creative writing session. In the first part, we’ll just jump in and improvise—write a scene, a short text, sketch a story idea… whatever feels right to you. Then we’ll share what we’ve created, read it out loud, and talk about it together. It’s all about trying things out, getting inspired, and seeing where the ideas take us. Would be great to see you there.

Curious what we do? Check our [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/filmmakersandmovienerds/) ♥️ Would you like to meet some like-minded filmmakers? Start a project? Or do you need help with a movie you are currently working on? Are you new in the city and you'd like to meet people tinkering with movies? **Then you should join us!** We meet every Sunday. It’s important to us that we get to know each other in person. To create a community of connected people, work, learn and grow together. For film making you need a crew of reliable people with a positive can-do-attitude. This is the place to find them. Together, we will talk about these topics: * What you are currently working on * What you need help with * What would you like to help with * What you you would like to learn This is event is great for: * filmmakers * movie nerds * writers * camera operators * editors * actors * sound recorders * composers * gaffers * producers We are limiting the amount of people, so we can have a structured introduction and discussion. After that we get together loosely with some drinks and chats. And then we mostly go for dinner with a couple of us. **Important information**: *To sustain and grow this amazing community, we started a member contribution that is due every month. The money we collect is used solely for the purpose of the community. Of course you can come once or twice without contributing to check us out!*

This time we will be discussing Being John Malkovich! Film info: [https://www.imdb.com/de/title/tt0120601/](https://www.imdb.com/de/title/tt0120601/) you will find us inside the bar usually on the left side. if you dont find us ask at the bar where the filmgroup is sitting. Don't forget to watch the film before joining the meetup :)

***Join us for an afternoon of stagecraft on Sundays at DNA. Arts.*** There are *two* workshops - the *Improv Meetup (2.30-4pm)*, and the *Actors Gym (4.40-6pm)*. **Join us for one, the other, or both!** *15 euros per workshop, or free to DNA members. Visit the community [here!](https://www.dna-artclub.com/)* ***1) IMPROV WORKSHOP: SUNDAYS: 2.30 - 4pm*** ‍ **AIM:** * *Meet cool people* * *Perform on stage* * *Enjoy improv games* * *Learn to tell short, interesting stories* * *Build confidence on stage* **INDIVIDUAL CLASS INCLUDES:** ice break with warm-up games & exercises to start thinking "scenic" show games **YOUR COACH:** *Roby Dematt has played improv for years. Performs regularly at ImprovWorks and BerlinoItaliaImprov. He´s part of several troups and took part in improv festival and workshops all around Europe.* ***2) ACTING WORSHOP: SUNDAYS: 4.30 - 6pm*** **Welcome to the *Actors Gym*!** \- a fun\, supportive training ground where actors play\, experiment\, and build their craft\. *Through engaging games and exercises, you’ll develop core acting skills and bring them to life by performing a short script at the end of every session.* This drop-in class welcomes both new and intermediate actors eager to learn, stretch, and have fun. ‍ **ABOUT YOUR COACH:** *Geoff is a dedicated, professional teacher and actor. He is also active as a writer, director and producer of small-scale projects here in Berlin. He loves to meet and work with new actors, and has a real passion for discovering new talent.*

**Step right up for a fortune-telling experience that's barely accurate, but definitely unforgettable.** Magdalena, the "fortune teller", combines a crystal ball, questionable predictions and a healthy dose of dark humour in a show that's as absurd as it is entertaining. Described by the 'Scotsman' (top newspaper in the UK) as 'unexpected, clever, ridiculous but great stuff, crystal ball and all', this interactive comedy has left audiences worldwide laughing and wondering what just happened. Some say it's life-changing, others call it pure nonsense-but no one escapes without a few laughs, some spirit summoning and answers you probably didn't want. **Sold out run in Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025** Reserve your seat for just €2, and at the end of the show, you decide what it was worth (suggested contribution: €10-15). Reservations are held until 10 minutes before the show starts. This is a paid show—you just get to choose how much to pay. **Make sure to reserve your ticket [HERE](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/01-accurate-english-comedy-night-tickets-1980718239574?aff=meetup)** Door open- 20:00 Show starts- 20:30

Whether you've never done improv before, or you've done it for so long you knew Del Close on a personal level, or anywhere in between, come join us! Swing by *Gresso's* for the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup** for some fun and games! The idea behind improv is to create entire scenes from scratch based on a suggestion from the audience. This can be done in game form, like *Whose Line Is It Anyway*, *ComedySportz*, or *Wild 'n Out*; it could also be done to tell stories, like *Middleditch and Schwartz*. Our meetup, which is central Ohio's longest running (and free!) weekly comedy event, brings the games (and occasionally different forms) for you to play in a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment. Not only is it a lot of fun, but you get to work on thinking faster on your feet, plus it's an excellent way to meet new people and make friendships that'll last a lifetime! Ask yourself if you want to join the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup**, and say "Yes, And" that you'll have fun!

Whether you've never done improv before, or you've done it for so long you knew Del Close on a personal level, or anywhere in between, come join us! Swing by *Gresso's* for the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup** for some fun and games! The idea behind improv is to create entire scenes from scratch based on a suggestion from the audience. This can be done in game form, like *Whose Line Is It Anyway*, *ComedySportz*, or *Wild 'n Out*; it could also be done to tell stories, like *Middleditch and Schwartz*. Our meetup, which is central Ohio's longest running (and free!) weekly comedy event, brings the games (and occasionally different forms) for you to play in a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment. Not only is it a lot of fun, but you get to work on thinking faster on your feet, plus it's an excellent way to meet new people and make friendships that'll last a lifetime! **AND TODAY IS OUR THIRTEENTH ANNIVERSARY!!!** So be ready for a celebration of everything that's made Improv Meetup wonderful: you, the amazing performers! Ask yourself if you want to join the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup**, and say "Yes, And" that you'll have fun!

When judging morality, should we prioritize **intentions/duty** or **outcomes/results**? It introduces two influential philosophers as representatives of these approaches. * **Immanuel Kant (deontology):** An action is moral when it is done from **duty** and follows rational, universal principles (the **categorical imperative**). Certain acts—like lying—are wrong regardless of the consequences; you can’t do a wrong thing for a right reason. * **John Stuart Mill (utilitarian consequentialism):** The morality of an action is determined by its **effects**, specifically how much **happiness/well-being** it produces. Mill argues that some pleasures are “higher” than others, and that good intentions don’t redeem harmful outcomes. ## Discussion Questions 1. **The lying dilemma:** A murderer comes to your door and asks if your friend is hiding inside. Kant would say you must not lie. 2. **Can good intentions rescue a bad outcome?** 3. **The organ harvest problem:** A surgeon has five patients dying of organ failure and one healthy patient in for a checkup. Killing the one to harvest organs would save five lives, and the math works out for the utilitarian. Why does this feel so deeply wrong? Is that feeling a point in Kant's favor, or just a bias we should overcome? 4. **Do rules need exceptions?** Kant insists moral rules must be universal, with no exceptions. But most of us can imagine extreme scenarios where any rule seems like it should bend. Does the need for exceptions fatally undermine deontology, or is the strength of the system precisely that it refuses to bend? 5. **Who gets to calculate the consequences?** Utilitarianism asks us to maximize good outcomes, but we're notoriously bad at predicting consequences. If we can't reliably know the results of our actions, is it practical to base our entire moral system on outcomes? Does this uncertainty push us back toward rules and principles? 6. **Everyday morality:** Think about a real moral decision you've made recently, even a small one. Did you reason more like a Kantian (what's the right thing to do in principle?) or more like a utilitarian (what will produce the best result?)? Do most people naturally lean one way? 7. **Justice vs. the greater good:** A town can prevent a deadly plague by sacrificing one innocent person. The greater good is clearly served. But is it just? Can an action be morally right and deeply unjust at the same time? 8. **The big synthesis question:** Are these two systems actually opposed, or do they often arrive at the same answers by different paths? Is it possible that we need both: rules to guide us in the moment and consequences to evaluate systems and policies over time?

Join us as we get together to see your choice of two VERY different movies – one sweet and wholesome – the other a terrifying folklore horror! Option 1 is the fun whodunnit-action-comedy-mystery led by Hugh Jackman, THE SHEEP DETECTIVES! Option 2 is the top-reviewed supernatural-horror-thriller starring Adam Scott, HOKUM! Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: THE SHEEP DETECTIVES: Every night a shepherd reads aloud a murder mystery, pretending his sheep can understand. When he is found dead, the sheep realize at once that it was a murder and think they know everything about how to go about solving it. The film is directed by Kyle Balda and take a look at this ensemble cast: Hugh Jackman, Nicholas Braun, Molly Gordon, Hong Chau and Emma Thompson and the voices of Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Chris O'Dowd, Regina Hall, Patrick Stewart, Bella Ramsey, Brett Goldstein and Rhys Darby. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyZI5oM6hWk HOKUM: In this film, a horror writer visits an Irish inn to scatter his parents' ashes, unaware the property is said to be haunted by a witch. It is written/directed by Damian McCarthy stars Adam Scott, Peter Coonan, David Wilmot, Florence Ordesh and Austin Amelio. Hokum premiered to rave reviews at this year’s SXSW Festival and is being release by Neon. It is earning a stellar 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which calls it, “A classic haunted house story enriched with atmospheric folklore and perfectly-timed shocks!” TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVCIK_MPyhc PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing of both films and will meet inside the theater lobby about 20 minutes before showtime. If the showtimes work out, we’ll try to get both groups together for a bite before the shows! Complete details and showtime will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “create a better world” by helping serve those in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. For this event, our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for BRUNCH from 10:30am to 12:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 10:20am and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1 (in the back of the building), indicated in the attached map. On-site parking in the adjacent lot and street parking is available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please try to update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. Our Partner Agency for this event is Lutheran Social Services! A huge THANK YOU to all of YOU for volunteering at this (and any of our previous) CMG Gives Back events! Should be another good/fun/meaningful time together, Dan

**Optional movie afterwards**

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!