About
Hello! My name is Maya Haughton and I am an actor and teaching artist with 25+ years of experience. My primary focus when teaching/coaching is to offer tools that aid in building confidence and strengthening stage presence. Here's a breakdown of what I have to offer:
Acting coaching - Happy to help you polish your material for an on-stage or self-tape audition. I can also work with you to build your skills in preparation for auditioning or performing in the future.
Improv - For those with some improv experience (at least one year), I can coach groups or teams wanting to sharpen their skills, create unique forms and work better with others. Additionally, I can show individuals how to master solo improv (i.e. improvised monologues and/or moments on stage where you are alone for a short period of time).
Storytelling and Poetry - I will gladly offer guidance on creating or revising a story/poem and polishing your delivery to get it ready for a performance.
Stand-up comedy coaching - If you have stand-up experience (at least one year) and you want to present your sets more confidently, I can help with that!
I am a current ensemble actor at The Second City and have worked there professionally in a variety of capacities over the last 16 years including the National Touring Company and their corporate branch, Second City Works. I have experience instructing improv at The Second City's Training Center and I've facilitated workshops for both adults and children in partnership with different companies throughout Chicago. I also teach and coach independently through my passion project, Haughton Funny Business.
I started improvising/acting when I was a teenager and have been grateful to be able to utilize the skills I've learned in a variety of ways both personally and professionally. I have a passion for acting and appreciate the importance of strong stage presence as a means to make a lasting impact on your audience. My primary focus is on improv and I believe there are components of it that can be applied to a variety of performance styles. I feel like improv is a wonderful tool to help build social skills, improve confidence, resolve conflicts, respect others boundaries and learn to set your own. I love the joy that improv has the potential to create and hope to pass it on to as many people as possible!
Facebook.com/haughtonfunnybusiness
Photos and videos
Reviews
Stephane R.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
It's important for me to build a connection with everyone I teach so I do my best to make sure they're comfortable and relaxed. By letting conversation flow naturally, I am able to learn information about their acting experience, strengths and goals. I encourage students to trust in their skills while also being open to learning new tools to make their skills stronger.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I studied and performed Theatre in both high school and college and began working professionally in 2005. I have performed with such companies as Improv Asylum in Boston, where I was in the ensemble for their national touring company; Second City Theatricals on the Norwegian Cruise Line Epic; Second City Works, iO's Musical Armando; Baby Wants Candy; a variety of professional ensembles at The Second City Chicago in addition to their National Touring Company. I have also taught at The Second City's Training Center and have facilitated workshops with improv groups at improv festivals including IF Cincy, the Chicago Improv Festival, Women's Funny Festival and the World Domination Improv Festival in Atlanta.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$25/hour, per person. Max group size is 8ppl.
How did you get started teaching?
I first started teaching in connection with some improv groups I had been performing with. We facilitated sessions for Improv Festivals and community outreach. I then moved on to teaching at The Second City's Training Center and eventually began teaching/coaching independently.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have facilitated improv workshops for youth, ages 8-18 and adult beginner improv students, stand-up comics, storytellers and actors prepping for auditions.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently taught an online workshop to aid in building stage presence and confidence. Seeing the actors light up when I gave them tools that allowed them to surrender to play and break out of their comfort zones reinforced my belief that I'm doing what I'm meant to be.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I think it's important to connect with a teacher that is willing to listen to you and craft their teaching to your specific needs. Their goal should be to uplift you and guide you within your abilites while also inspiring you to try new things when you're ready.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Questions to think through before students talk to teachers about their needs include:
What do I hope to gain from these lessons?
How much time will I need to hone the skills I am requesting assistance with?
Am I open to guidance and instruction, even if it's something I've never tried before?