About
I have coached actors and other performers for all sorts of needs, both in the US and China. From TV & commercial to accent development/reduction to emotional scene work, I can cover whatever challenges you face or problem that is holding you back. I do not espouse any one technique, but use a variety of methods, tailoring my coaching to your specific personality, energy, and needs. Currently living in Indonesia, so only online sessions available.
I've also started offering non-actors coaching in a technique I call "active meditiation", which teaches how to use meditiation to create a fertile ground for conscious growth without the self-delusion that accompanies many other such experiences.
I love to see souls blossom to new levels and in new directions, as I did and continue to strive to do. Performing and exploring my spirituality has led me a passion that never seems to become stale, and always leads me to new and interesting experiences and interactions in life. At the same time, my background in science and engineering have grounded my coaching in truths that can help keep students from falling victim to the long term effects of self-delusion.
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Madu I.
John H.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Find out what they need and where they are in getting there, then develop a tailored plan to get there. I can also do group work, but this by nature needs to be more generic, so I prefer 1-1 coaching.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have spent the last 20 years growing and developing as an actor and spiritual teacher, and have worked with some great coaches for voice, TV/film acting, emotional work, improv, scene study, etc. I have performed in dozens of professional productions on stage and appeared in many TV and film roles, as well as many commercials, industrials, and voiceover works. My podcast, "The Omnist Hour" has over 100 episodes that lay out my philosophy of life, which, as the Bard sort of says, is all a stage for players in their own reality shows.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I typically charge $50/hour, though I may offer special rates for those in need who seem likely to benefit most from my techniques. I may be open to discounts for longer sessions, which may be required for some kinds of work.
How did you get started teaching?
People started coming to me for acting lessons in Shanghai, where I had started the East West Theater. I coached a variety of people, from older expats who were finding their looks demanded for Chinese TV and commercials, to kids studying martial arts there who also wanted to develop basic acting skills, to experienced actors who wanted to hone their perfornamce for a particular audition monologue or role.
I also spent a lot of my time in the corporate world mentoring others, both peers, subordinates, and bosses. The latter could especially benefit from my technique, as it is very closely related to developing leadership skills without becoming a tyrant of your own soul.
What types of students have you worked with?
All ages, all experience levels, and even cross language with an interpreter.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
One of my regular students came to me for an audition for a major role in a new TV pilot, and the performance was good enough to get him onto the short list for a 2nd audition.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Combine both group class work with 1-1 coaching if possible. Many skills can be developed and improved in a group setting, but some of the hardest roadblocks can only be conquered 1-1. Be cautious of coaches who make the sessions about them and their methods versus you and your needs, or who create codependent relationships with their students.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What is your goal as a performer in life's stage, and how does this relate to your other goals in life? Do you really have the drive and persistence to make performing your life's work, or would it be better for you to have it as a hobby and a way to develop interpersonal skills you can use in other parts of your life? Everyone can benefit from acting training, but very few, even with the most talent, looks, drive and ambition ever make it to the star ranks that many aspire to and idolize.