About
I specialize in teaching acting to students ages 14 and up. You can take class for a number of reasons: to become a better speaker, to build your confidence, to hone your acting skills, to craft your audition portfolio, to make a connection in the industry who can give you a great recommendation, to meet like-minded artists.
I have 20+ years of experience as an actor, a director, a writer and a teacher.
I work with you to accomplish your goals, to bring our the best in you, to help your world get bigger and more exciting!
I believe in transformation. I believe in the body and the voice as expressive tools. We work together to help you discover how to use your tools to evoke authentic emotion, to deepen your identity, to create nuanced characters.
My training is in Grotowski-based psychophysical acting, Viewpoints, Suzuki, Action Theatre, Contemplative Dance and Roy Hart Vocal Work. I also work with actors who want to explore Method Acting, a more internal to external form which used to be considered more "traditional" American acting.
If the references above don't mean anything to you, don't worry about it. I don't teach a singular technique. I teach people. I learn what you need and want from working with YOU.
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Karen L.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We can meet over zoom or in person and we'll have a conversation about what you are after. We'll talk about the kind of work that feels most fitting for your goals and then decide when, where and how often we should meet.
Our work will typically begin with acting explorations followed by personal writing and conversation. As you progress we will start working with text.
If desired, we can begin right away with monologue or scenework.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
BA in Theatre/Anthropology, Rhodes College
MFA in Theatre: Contemporary Performance, Naropa University
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I work with people on a sliding scale, generally between $15 - 60 per hour. If you want to gather a few friends or fellow actors together, I can offer group rates for workshops.
How did you get started teaching?
I have been teaching professionally at the undergraduate and graduate level, as well as in grades 7 - 12, since graduating with my MFA in Theatre. Before that, I taught workshops in schools across the country with Metro Theatre Company and in the St. Louis area with the Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis and COCA.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have taught students from ages 5 - 65 but I specialize in young adults in the beginning of their acting journey and adults (amateur or professional) looking for an acting reboot, a thrilling new approach, a transformation, a boost, a coach.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Trust your instincts. You want to work with someone who inspires you and who makes you feel motivated and alive.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Where do you want to grow as an actor?
What kind of acting are you interested in? TV, film, theatre, performance art...
In what expressive areas do you feel confident? (Voice, body language, emotion)
In what expressive areas do you feel vulnerable? (Voice, body language, emotion)