Bonnie Jean Acting Coach

I like to give my student a scene to memorize and perform, then I start breaking down the scene with them and having them perform again. We then explore different techniques that could be used in this scene. As the student advances we continue with more difficult scenes. We pause lessons to prepare for auditions or scene work the student may have. I also help my students with connecting to good photographers to have appropriate headshots, websites, and business cards/resume etc Once the student becomes more advanced we will work together to produce a short film where I will direct and the student will play the lead. This is the perfect opportunity for an actor- whatever age to learn more about all areas of film or stage(whichever they prefer) and in the end, they've added to their resume. After taking my lessons I can be called to set to help an actor, called specifically to help an actor for an audition, for advice on life- whatever.

BFA in both theatre performance and technical theatre with a minor directing. I took classes covering Stanislavsky,  buddha Hagen , Alexander technique, voice, stage movement, acting for the camera, improv, and more. 

I prefer imagery work. Though I know the typical methods and standards, use of imagery, sound, movement- has become my alternative treat for those who like to stray from the books.

during college I found myself teaching the other students in my classes, and continuing on to direct plays with them in the lead roles. I found that after 4 years of cramming techniques- they were grateful to just go with a different, less complicated route. I moved to LA and worked my way up at a theatre that accepted all levels of training and found myself directing 6 plays with mostly fresh actors. Therefore, most rehearsals were spent just teaching actors to live in the moment and understand their characters in order to be true to them.

ive worked with actors as young as 8 and as old as I guess 100... I don't know, she was old though. Haha kidding! Sort of... I love working with kids, they seem to be the most eager to create some strange character, but high school to college age actors are usually the ones that are at their turning point as an actor and that is such a joy to witness.

i perform in an  immersive dinner theatre and sometimes I get to take an audience member, give them a role and introduce them to the audience as one of our actors. Recently I chose this young girl to be a super secret agent and scope out the perp I needed to search for possible clues to solving a very dangerous murder. She stepped up to introduce herself and completely mimicked my character as she called out her own father to be searched for clues. She then proceeded to claim he's just a natural born killer! When I walked in she was just a bouncy little princess. When I walked out she was hunched over with a squinty eye and dramatically wide steps, but more importantly she was completely confident in whatever she was going to be.

be open minded! This is a very personal journey for yourself and you need to trust that I only want you to succeed. Whatever homework I give or technique I ask you to try, it's not to burden or humiliate- but to push your limits so you can grow.

how much actual performing they'll be able to do, because practice is the best my way to grow. However, I also think a proactive actor will want to know- how much will I be in charge of? You, the actor, will be navigating your own future one or another, so I find it best to be in a setting where you get to make more decisions. What kind of material do I want to practice? What kind of characters do I want to create and master? What kind of career do I want? Communicate those things and see who is receptive.