Christy Simmons
About
I am passionate about acting, and about sharing my knowledge with my students! I have been a life-long professional actor, and have relied on my early training and technique to breathe life into every role I have had the opportuinty to inhabit.
I have worked in shows that last for years (The Goldenrod Showboat, The Royal Dumpe, The BoomBoom Room...), as well as shows that are part of the artistic season of various local companies (New Jewish Theatre, That Uppity Theatre Company, Historyonics...) And I have been nominated for the prestigeous Kevin Kline Award.
I am excited to help other actors develop the technique that they can take with them through their own careers. The possibilities are endless!
There is nothing quite like teaching! Especially teaching acting...It is an art form about which I am passionate, and so are my students. To take a talented student, and help them polish and train their artistic instincts and impulses is truly exciting. Watching a trained, confident artist emerge though the process is always inspiring.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
First, We'll have to get to know each other. I'll ask you to perform any monologues you may have prepared for auditions. If you don't have any, that's OK. I'll have you read something for me. I may have you do a little improv, as well. The object of this excercise will be for me to be able to assess where you are in your development. From there, I will formulate a lesson plan based upon your current stage of development, and your goals.
Typically, we will work on scene study, character development, motivation, sub-text, actions, improv, concentration, and the entire spectrum of skills that go into creating a compelling character. Honesty is key. And we will work on reaching the truth of the character, through drawing on the actor's own feeelings.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My early training was largely improv based. My first teachers had relocated to St. Louis from New York, where they had taught at the famed HB Studio (Uta Hagen, Herbert Burgoff). I also studied with Stella Adler at NYU. Both of these experiences were rooted in The Stanislovky Method of acting. In addition, I studied at St. Louis University, where the approach was more technical. I have found that this combination of approaches has been invaluable to me, and I strive to impart the best of all I have learned to my students.