Jennifer Downes
About
I work with young artists to build the tools to handle the range of roles, challenges, and demands of being a working artist.
I have my Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre with a minor in Physical Theatre (specialized in aerial silks). I am a Meisner trained actor and recent graduate of the William Esper Studio (NYC).
I have worked with large groups, as well as individual students on general technique and specific audition training.
I love acting, and it is a pure joy to share that love with young artists who are exploring their impact on this art, and this world! The drive inherent in my students is an absolute blessing to interact with and hone towards their greater goals.
I am a Meisner trained actor, and it is my goal to share the tenets of that training with my students: to act is to do truthfully under imaginary circumstances, and the goal of training is to arm yourself with the tools you need to tackle any role both actively and healthily!
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
When working with a new student, I believe it is most important to get a sense of their individual goals, as well as any prior training.
Typically, in a first session, I would take a few minutes to discuss immediate and long-term goals, and ask how they have felt their prior training had been successful, and how it had failed.
Then, I would generally begin with a reading exercise to get a sense of the student's cold-reading skills, diction, projection, and general connection to character. There are wonderful exercises for any experience level (both technical and emotional), we just have to find the right one for each student's journey!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre with a minor in Physical Theatre from Louisiana State University, and I graduated from the 2-year Acting program at the William Esper Studio.
How did you get started teaching?
I began teaching as a volunteer for programs in connection with Louisiana State University
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
My advice for any student seeking an acting teacher would be to make sure that your teacher is invested in you as a person. Any journey in the arts is an emotional one, and hopefully your career will be a long one! So, it's vital that you surround yourself with teachers that are interested in your particular journey!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What are your short-term and long-term goals? How have you grown from training you have received in the past? How have you been disappointed by your training in the past?