Classes & Coaching
There’s nothing like taking an In-Person Class or getting some One on One Coaching, when it comes to working on those performance skills. You get to work with fellow actors, have personalized instruction, ask questions, get side coaching….the benefits are limitless! Live on Vancouver Island? Let’s do this!
Have I Got a Course for You!
(You Know You Want to)
If you have ever been on stage and never quite known why you were there and what you were supposed to be doing between your lines, let me assure you that you are not alone. I hear this from community actors almost every day while teaching. The truth is that you were probably never taught what acting actually is, and how to do it like the pros do. I can show you the simple tools and focused techniques that will take your acting to the next level with clarity and confidence. If you would like to feel sure of yourself and have more truthful, engaging performances grounded in knowledge, practice, and a solid, tried and true approach, drop me a line. I’m here to help.
Acting for the Stage I
The Actor’s process
If you have ever been on stage and never quite known why you were there and what you were supposed to be doing between your lines, let me assure you that you are not alone. I hear this from actors almost every day while teaching, from beginning college acting students to veteran community theatre actors. If you feel confused and unsure of yourself on stage and want to learn the essentials of acting, this is the course for you. The key to confident, natural and engaging performance lies in knowing the techniques that the professionals know, and how to use them. In this course, you’ll discover:
What the actor's job actually is (it's probably not what you think)
The crucial technique that you must know to do your job
Exactly how to use this technique in all of your acting
Where to find and how to use information about your character
How to Improve your vocal skills
And so much more!
Acting for the Stage II
Scene Study
If you’re feeling like you don’t really ‘know’ the play, and you’re waiting for the director to fill in the blanks for you, scene study will set you free. Understanding how to break down a script and analyze a scene is an essential skill set for any actor. Whether or not your director does table work, every actor should understand the basics of script analysis and how to explore the inner workings of the play’s action and its characters. Scene study can be the key to unlock the mysteries of truly great performance. This course will show you how to uncover the secrets waiting for you in the text. You’ll learn how to:
read a play and mine it for treasure
break down a scene so you know what to play in every moment
explore your character and relationships in more depth
work in rehearsals more effectively
translate the director’s notes into something useful
use pro tips and tricks to produce polished, engaging performance
Creating Characters
That your audience will love
Lovable characters are not always heroes. Sometimes they are sidekicks, confidants, waiters, and messengers. Even villains can be lovable; audiences may hate what a character says and does, but love how playfully or cleverly the actor portrays him. The Alan Rickmans, Heath Ledgers and Lena Headleys of the fictional world are beloved examples, artfully created by dedicated actors. This course dives into what makes your character tick, and how you can use that to encourage your audience to fall in love with them (even against their better judgement). We’ll cover things such as:
the two basic methods of creating a character
the three essential elements that make up character
the crucial things that drive a character
how to use character archetypes
how to use your own experience to explore your character
what makes audiences fall in love with characters
and much, much more
Getting the Laugh
working with comedy
As important and rewarding as moving your audience to tears is, getting the laugh is what community theatre is all about! In this course, we’ll explore the inner workings of the human funny bone, and how to mine the story for hidden comic treasures. We’ll look at how to develop your comic instincts and examine many of the tricks of the trade. You’ll learn how to use timing, pauses, set-ups, double takes, character ticks, stage business and so much more. This is class is about as much fun as you can have on stage while learning and still not get arrested. We’ll also dive into:
what makes things funny
why comedy is actually serious
the different forms of comedy and how to use them
making costumes and props your best friend
attitude and risk-taking
and dozens of tips and tricks to leave Your audience breathless
Marley Jones
★★★★★
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Grace Brown
★★★★★
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Delia Plymton
★★★★★
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Matty Jean
★★★★★
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Sandra Jane
★★★★★
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Sammi Green
★★★★★
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1 : 1 coaching just for you
Truly Personalized Service
Creatives of all kinds—actors, directors and teachers included—can get stuck from time to time. But for the most part, all they need is a nugget of information or a suggestion or two to smash through the blockage. Coaching can help you diagnose the problem and get you up and flying again in no time. Need an outside eye for your audition piece? Let’s get on zoom. Having trouble with a scene you’re directing? I can help you look in the right places for the answer. Not sure how to design a lesson plan for your first year acting students? You’ve come to the right place.
My coaching services can be done in person, over the phone or via zoom. A typical phone or zoom call is 30- 45 minutes. Show coaching sessions for community or adhoc groups run 2-4f hours. I try to keep my rates affordable, as I realize that artists and community groups have tight budgets. Let's chat so we can figure out how best I can help.
FAQs
Still have questions? Schedule a call with me. It's free!
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Where do you offer in-person classes?
I live and work on Vancouver Island, on Canada's West Coast. If you're unsure if you're close enough, send me an email.
Which classes are running and when?
That depends on the needs of my students. If you're interested in a class, click the register button. As soon as enrolment is almost full, I'll confirm the date and time with you. My newest class, Getting the Laughs, will hopefully be scheduled for fall 2024.
How long are the Classes?
Most are 2 hours, once a week for 10-14 weeks, depending on the class.
are there any prerequisites?
It depends on your experience, but I generally like to have each student take Acting I and II before moving on. If you think you have the experience to take a more advanced class, reach out to me and let's chat.
How much do classes cost?
10-12 week in-person classes run from $250 - 300. I don't charge by the class; however, I invite students to decide after the first class if they would like to continue or not. After that first class, I offer a refund less a $50 fee. Prices are in CAD.
What do you charge for coaching?
There are many options for both individuals and groups. Typically, a 30 minute call is $50, a 60 minute call is $80, and a half day, group coaching is $300. Community groups and educational institutions should contact me for custom pricing for workshops and other events. Prices are in CAD.
Need more info?
Schedule a free 20 minute session with me!
Questions about my classes? Curious about One on One coaching? Interested using Moments for your group? Let’s chat! I can steer you towards the right class or resource. Drop me an email and we’ll set up a call. I’ll do my best to help!
“I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.”