Amanda Baker Acting Lessons
About
I am a part time youth theatre and educational theatre director in the suburbs of Chicago. I am currently working with young actors ranging from 8 years old to 18 years old, but am willing to work with young adults as well!
I have a strong passion for theatre and for teaching young artisits the importance of truth in their performance. I have spent the last 6 years with Fenton Community High School as an assistant director, specializing in character and scene development. I recently joined Roselle Repertoire Youth Theatre 1.5 years ago as their vocal director/coach.
While working with younger children may come as a challenge at times, I go in with the same mindset I would with a trained professional: be truthful. Whether it is singing a song, or delivering a monologue, actors should aim to find truth in what it is they are saying, feeling, believing etc. In doing this, I have found that the actor discovers natural intentions (i.e. the motivations) to the character they are aiming to portray.
On a different level, I aim to not only improve young actors' skills in performance, but as artists. I aim to introduce them to other perspectives in performance such as their scene partner(s), directors, designers and how their actions and choices as an actor affect the overall production and process. I have found that this also introduces them to sympathy, which is a valuable tool not only in theatre, but in any craft.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I prefer to get to know the student and the goals that they have for their lesson(s). Recently, I have found that conducting a sort of 'interview' between myself and the student is useful. Through a casual interview, I obtain information about the student such as their experience in acting, what they hope to get out of these lessons, and even casual facts such as hobbies. I find that the more I understand a student, the more tools I have to guide them through character discovery and development.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Bachelor of Arts - Theatre/Directing/Business from Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, IL.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$40/hr is my average price. I have negotiated in the past with other students.
How did you get started teaching?
I began my journey in theatre eduacation while volunteering at Fenton High School during my undergraduate years at Elmhurst College.
What types of students have you worked with?
I usually work with students between 8 and 18 in productions, but have worked with high school level students one on one.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Know what you want, be open minded to work on new things, but most importantly find a teacher who you feel you click well with. Working with someone who you don't get along with is unproductive for both the student and the teacher.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Ask questions that are personal but professional (i.e. why do you want to teach, or what has your journey in [choosen career] been like). Questions like these get an insight to the teacher's experience, but also their personal insight on what it is they do and the field they work in.