The Lunatico Methodology

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The Lunatico Methodology was developed by Tina Taylor, through decades of training, research, and practice. Tina Taylor established Theatre Lunatico in California 2004 specifically as a laboratory environment in which she could bring together multiple strands of her theatrical training, research, and history, resulting in; a) a philosophy of theatre rooted in intimate, connected actor/audience relationships, b) a bare-bones, blank-page approach to the creative process allowing for a collaborative, empowering working arena, c) an aesthetic born of integrated, egalitarian creative teams, d) a focus on bringing women from the periphery of the theatrical experience to centre stage, and e) a lens of experimental whimsicality and nostalgia which acknowledges the essential artistry accessible within all beings.

At the heart of it all, Tina developed a deep and radical commitment to artistic consent.

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The Lunatico approach places an emphasis on resilient, resourceful, empowered actors. Movement and vocal improvisation are inherent to script development, with authentic, transparent pathways to character development. 

It is place-based, adaptable to traditional and non-traditional performance arenas, but prefers small, intimate venues rooted deeply in the community experience.

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Tina’s role with Theatre Lunatico became one of artistic guidance from 2022 when she returned to the UK. In 2025 Tina resigned from the company and continues to promote her unique approach to theatre production.

TINA TAYLOR’S TRAINING – LAYING FOUNDATIONS

Tina trained at Bretton Hall College, England through an immersive and cross-disciplinary approach to the performing arts. She then spent years of intense training with Philip Knight’s Third Theatre, England, an ensemble physical theatre company. Over the decades she has had additional training with practitioners across the globe, including Augusto Boal (Brazil), Christina Castrillo (Argentina), Hugo Medina (Chile), and Nic Fine (South Africa), Jim Jarrett (San Francisco).

Before turning to theatre, Tina trained as a dancer, and continued to merge her dance experience with the theatrical approach. Tina’s productions are tightly choreographed and visually evocative.

Shoebox Shakespeare Series

This series of productions was established by Tina Taylor specifically to promote adaptations of classical scripts within the Lunatico methodology. Tina's pragmatic 'on its feet' approach combines textual integrity with bold physicality. The Lunatico methodology brings contemporary relevance and urgency to the work. It you would like to know more about bringing this approach to your production, be it Shakesepeare or any of the classical playwrights, please reach out and start a conversation. 

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If you would like to know more about the Lunatico Methodology, or are interested in arranging a training, please contact me to start a conversation.