About
My service is unique in that many years of experience as an artist and healer create a strong foundation for deep learning that not only nurtures the actor in you, but also supports the evolution of the soul.
My special gifts lie in my ability to create a safe space for the artist in you to emerge, honing in on your strengths and vulnerabilities and teaching you how to be a true "Acrobat of the Heart" as Grotowski calls us. There are many ways to approach acting and wherever you are, you can begin by entering your own heart.
Playfullness is a super power! Let's tune your instrument and harness that power together!
Let's set up a time and I will offer a FREE consultation where you can ask questions. When we hear each others' voices it will be clear if we are meant to work together.
There is no better feeling than to witness another human being tap into their own potential and acheive what they have set out to accomplish. This happens in bold steps and baby steps along the way. I enjoy it all!
The moments of discovery, surprise and joy that emerge through the process of Acting and Voice work are profoundly fulfilling to witness. Seeing my students light up doing what they love, living fully in the moment, breaking through blocks, and emerging free to play and express themselves is the best part!
Highlights
Photos and videos
Reviews
Rebeca R.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Each person is unique. Whether you are inspired to act, write, or simply have fun exploring a new skill set, we will hone in on your artistic goals and intentions and create a process that allows you to build confidence and access the power of your true voice.
We will work with presence, breath/body awareness, playfulness and improvisation. When appropriate we will include text, movement and character development.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My training is extensive including a BA in Theatre with a minor in Dance, an MFA in Acting with a specialization in Voice, and years of in depth training in Shakespeare, Clown and Solo Performance as well as experience as a Vocal and movement coach, choreographer and director.
I have been teaching and coaching Acting and Voice for over 20 years at the University level at various locations including; Cal Poly Pomona, Cal State Northridge and Portland State Universit. Another passion of mine has been teaching Yoga and meditation for over 12 years at various locations including National Institute of Health in MD, Thrive Yoga, MD, The Omega Institute in NY and Equilibrium Fitness in LaVerne, CA.
I have also taught specialized workshops such as Body, Sound and Clown in Atlanta, GA, Improvisation and Solo Performance writing and development, Beginning Yoga, Sound Healing and Advanced Voice and Text with a specialization in Shakespeare at the National Voice Intenstive in British Columbia, Canada.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Your first lesson $77
My standard fee is $100/hr
Lessons paid in advance will receive a discounted price.
I am open to a sliding scale for students and/or partial barter for those in need.
How did you get started teaching?
As a college student it was my natural inclination to support my fellow student actors however I could. My Voice teacher had me take over her classes in my final year and encouraged me to apply to the graduate program at her Alma Mater, York University in Toronto, Canada where she specialized as a Voice teacher. I was accepted began student teaching in 1997 and have been teaching ever since.
What types of students have you worked with?
Mainly I have worked with professionals, college students, as well as high school students. I also have experience working with novices and children in large ensembles. Wether you are taking the first step or rekindling your love of the artist in you, I am happy to be of service to your dream and highest vision of yourself!
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
My semi-autobiographical solo play, DIRTY GODDESS, is a passion project of mine that I am currently revising as an ensemble piece. Last month I gathered a group of women, former and current students and colleagues to do a reading of it. After performing this show in various forms in New York, Toronto and Hollywood I realized it was time to give other actors an opportunity to experience these characters for themselves.
As a writer/creator I was ecstatic to hear the voices of these beautiful artists lift my stories off the page and inspire me to take this very relevant play to the next stage of the process!
It was their response to the themes of the play that assured me that now is the time to move forward boldly and create a movement that supports other artists and women to cultivate their own voices and talents!
Art has the power to uplift and transform us in so many ways!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Listen to your instincts. Do you feel inspired when you read their bio or hear their voice? Trust your heart to guide you to the right person, know that Acting will challenge you in every possible way and in order to free yourself you need to be able to trust in the integrity of your teacher.
A master teacher never stops being a student. You are the captain of your ship, no one else!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What do you want to experience through acting?
What inspires you to take this leap? What scares you?
What do you need in order to feel safe?
What do you need in order to feel supported?
What do you need in order to feel free?