How do professional actors, writers, directors, designers, dancers and musicians ignite the creative spark? TheDrillingCompaNY, a New York City-based group known for its theme-based theater projects, has developed a workshop that seeks to jump-start that process for participants.

Tom Demenkoff, a resident professional teaching associate in Cornell University's Department of Theatre, Film and Dance and an artistic associate with the company, will present the TheDrillingCompaNY Workout Saturday, Nov. 19, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts. It is free of charge and open to the campus community.

"Each participant need only bring their voice, body, imagination and heart," Demenkoff said. "At the beginning of the workshop a theme will be introduced, and through acting and writing exercises an ensemble will form and new work will emerge. My experience with the workout has been one of great joy, as I have found that everyone has stories to tell. You don't need to be an actor to find that story within you, see it in someone else and ultimately share it."

Adults and children over 12 who are interested in writing and theater are encouraged to attend the workshop. Because space is limited, preregistration is required. To sign up for the workshop, contact Michelle Cole at mlc44@cornell.edu or call 255-4206.

Demenkoff has taught at The Ringling School of Art and Design, SUNY New Paltz and Marist College's Prison Education Program, served as a master teaching artist with Florida Studio Theatre and currently teaches poetry, playwriting and acting in the Bronx at Periwinkle National Theatre. He debuted in the original companies of "Grease" and "Godspell" and has played roles on TV's "Law & Order," "100 Centre Street," "Ed," "Fantasy Island," "General Hospital" and the feature films "Anger Management," "Two Weeks' Notice" and the cult classic "Surf Nazis Must Die."

Demenkoff recently finished a successful run at the Schwartz Center as Mr. Mister in "The Cradle Will Rock," directed by David Feldshuh, and will next appear as Brabantio in the theater department's production of "Othello," Nov. 17-19 and Dec. 1-3.

The workshop is sponsored by the Department of Theatre, Film and Dance and the Office of Humanities and Social Sciences Communications in the Division of University Communications.