Salt Lake Mime Troupe 1974
Originally from the United States, Katie Duck has lived in Italy, England and is now based Netherlands. Her work often blurs the line between composition and spontaneity, challenging traditional notions of performance by incorporating elements of sound, voice, movement, and visual design into her practice.
Duck is known for her dedication to teaching and mentoring young artists, leading workshops and residencies around the world. As a teacher, she has developed a distinctive teaching style that integrates multi disciplines into a holistic approach. She encourages performers to embrace their individual artistry while exploring the dynamics of collaboration. Her workshops focus on developing a heightened awareness of time, space, and presence in a sound driven performance platform. She has been involved in educational programs worldwide, influencing generations of artists.
A key figure in experimental performance, Katie Duck’s contributions have significantly influenced contemporary processes towards real time performances. She has collaborated with musicians, dancers, and visual artists throughout her career, with performances that are often described as dynamic, raw, and deeply engaging.
History
Professional performer and maker since the early 1970s. Born in Southern, California (1951), began performing in plays and musicals by the age of 10. After pursuing an acting career, attended the University of Utah, modern dance department to develop physical work. With colleagues, founded the Salt Lake City Mime Troupe. Toured in the United States and eventually Europe. (1973-76).
In 1976, left the United States to live in Amsterdam, Netherlands, touring throughout Europe as a maker and performer in solo productions, in duet with Carlos Traffic and with improvisation musicians Ernst Reijseger (cello), Tristan Honsinger (cello), Sean Bergen (sax), Michael Moore (sax) among others. Changed her name to Katie Duck while touring her first solo in Europe “The Duck Play” in 1976. Has used the name Katie Duck as an artistic identity ever since
Florence, Italy
In 1979, moved to Italy where she studied and performed for different directors and performance artists. Formed the company GROUPO in 1980, creating one-hour productions based on storylines and soundtracks. Toured throughout Europe and the United Kingdom with the productions Rutles, The Orange Man, Brown eye Green eye, Wild Card, and Mind the gap. For the GROUPO productions, she created sound scores that played on reel-to-reel tapes alongside the performances. The performances were designed to work alongside the soundtracks with a hidden cue system.
Alongside the tours with GROUPO, participated in improvisation collaborations with dance artists Julyen Hamilton, Steve Paxton, Kirstie Simpson (among others), music artists Tristan Honsinger, Derek Bailey, Han Bennik (among others). Began to conduct research, combining acting, dance and music backgrounds, towards a Multidisciplinary practice, and question the position improvisation plays in the process of creating compositions and in how the performances are played. GROUPO / Reunion 2024 Florence Italy GROUPO
Devon, UK
In 1986, accepted a senior lecturer position at Dartington College of Arts in Devon, UK. Taught for the theatre and cultural studies department, leading the choreography unit. After touring for12 years, she continue her research using the facilities, archive and international music department that was available within the college grounds.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
In 1992, accepted a post at the University of Amsterdam, Netherlands, dance department SNDO. Taught movement research, improvisation, composition, advised student performances and dissertations. With this contract, she was able to return to touring, in Europe, South America, North America, and Asia. Made solos, and group collaborations with musicians whom she had worked with since the 70’s, and new colleagues in the field of electronic music, dance and text. Placed her multidisciplinary research she conducted at Dartington College of Arts into a practice.
in 1995, formed MAGPIE combining performance artists, dancers, musicians and text artists. Did monthly local performances with the company, and extended the work touring international festivals. She exposed the work to a broad range of cultures and contexts. The collective held tight rehearsal processes that were performed loose (improvised). MAGPIE
In 2009, MAGPIE folded, and she retired from her University of Amsterdam contract. Began to create independent, multidisciplinary solos and duets, combining movement, text, soundtracks, live acoustic music, object, film and light. Toured in Asia, the USA, South America, North America, England, Scandinavia, Europe. and New Zealand with workshops and performance projects. (Independent multidisciplinary compositions).
Collaborated with (USA) dance artists, and internet communication expert Justin Morrison. He/she introduced her to internet communications and the oncoming digital age. This collaboration with intensified her work with electronic music scores, soundtrack editing, film editing, and live-stream performances.
Through out her career she has been invited to join diverse artists projects in and/or improvisation set ups. Indulging in collaborations for over 40 years, she have become more picky. She selects these situations according to the artists involved and the context the format offers.
Ongoing programs Amsterdam
The Improvisation Summer Course Amsterdam 2009 – 2025 is run by a Amsterdam collective of multidisciplinary artists. It is an invitation for artists to gather and participate in a Course Program towards real-time, multidisciplinary compositions. The work that evolves out of the Course Program is placed in front of a live public every Friday and Saturday evening. They accept participants from all backgrounds, ages, nationalities, orientations, and experiences who have a curiosity for multidisciplinary collaboration in the context of real-time performance. Summer Course Amsterdam
In 1999, she initiated the Xmas Multidisciplinary Workshop. For artists who wish choose to spend their holiday period with a moment of work as the New Year changes over each year. Xmas Workshop
During the pandemic, from 2020 to 2022, she taught Body Body Body classes and Multidisciplinary workshops in her Attic studio. She initiated a series of performances that gathered artists to view and create experimental art projects in a domestic setting. The classes, workshops and casual performances continue to take place in the Attic Studio. Body Body Body Classes / Multidisciplinary Workshops
“I have learned how to work at home and yet continue traveling through the time warps, past and present, as a witness and participant. Life is messy. Creativity is messy. My life and my work are blissfully messy”. Katie Duck
Interviews by Robert Vesty – With artists who incorporate Improvisation in their work
Attic Studio Amsterdam