About
I bring over 25 years of acting experience as an actor, director, and teacher, coupled with a deep passion to see artists grow. I hold an M.F.A from The New School in New York, where I developed my art and my artistry.
Actors bear an awesome responsibility in the work that they do. There is nothing I love more than helping people realize their potential in meeting that responsibility.
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Mary J.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Whether you need assistance with audition prep or you just want to hone certain skills, I'm exceptionally useful for students that need help with any aspect of text analysis or performance. My areas of expertise are as follows:
Shakespeare: sonnets, speeches, and scene study
Contemporary monologues and scene study
Theatrical clown
Interdisciplinary Performance
Autobiography and performance
Stage Combat
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have 25 years of professional experience as an actor, director and teacher.
M.F.A. in directing from The New School
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Study: new play development, Shakespeare, adaptation, film, fight choreography & intimacy, theatrical clown, analysis through action
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Equity, diversity, & inclusion affinity group facilitator for all B.F.A. and M.F.A. students
B.A. in theater and dance from Oberlin College
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Study: theater education, Shakespeare, contemporary theater, modern dance, contact improvisation, interdisciplinary performance, student teacher
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$60/hour, with reduced rates for recurring lessons
How did you get started teaching?
I started as an undergraduate student when I received a performing arts fellowship that I decided to use for arts education. I've been teaching ever since, for the last 25 years.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students of all ages and levels of experience. With beginners, our work is usually focused on developing a process. With more advanced students, our work is granular moment-to-moment study and audition prep.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I love hearing back from students who have booked jobs after our work together.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Stick with a teacher who communicates in concrete terms. Acting is never abstract. It can exist in an abstract context, but the actor should always be clear about what they are doing. It's completely reasonable to vet an acting teacher on these terms; if they aren't speaking in actions, they aren't speaking the language of an actor.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What are your goals, and how hard are you willing to work?
The clearer you are with your goals before we begin, the more quickly and accurately we can achieve them. The harder you work, the closer you will get to reaching those goals.