About
I am an experienced stage and screen actress and licensed to teach Theatre Arts in Virginia from Kindergarten to 12th grade. I have worked in all areas of theatre and film production and include professionalism and how to survive in the industry. As a screenwriter and professional script reader I also guide my students through character analysis and how to get through a cold reading. I have trained at some of the nation's best schools. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Elon University, then completed the UCLA Professional Program in Screenwriting, recently finished an MFA in Film-Television at Regent University, and am completing a graduate certificate in Philosophy and Ethics from Harvard Extension School (and yes, philosophy has a LOT to do with plays - plays and storytelling are all about life!). I take an intuitive, intellectual approach to teaching so I can train your mind. EVERYTHING you do comes from your brain. Some of the best actors and directors are highly intelligent people. So I'm not only going to help you with your technique but I will help you to think like a creative. And that will also help your improv skills, too! I have met so many actors who seem fake on stage and in films because they're trained on how to look like they're acting rather than how to BE a character. If all you know is how to use your voice then that's only half of what an actor does. Think about the most compelling actors you've seen on stage, TV, or in movies. Do they convince you? Can you see despair or happiness in their eyes? That's good acting. Affectation isn't. (And it's very annoying and both directors and casting directors can't stand it.)
I have experience in working with students who do not speak English as their first language, and students with special needs, such as physical, neurological, or emotional exceptionalities. Erudite students love my approach because I can cater lessons to meet their advanced mental abilities, so if you have a gifted child or teen who needs a challenge then I will happily give them plenty. I work with students ages 3 to 19, of all backgrounds and of all abilities.
Brief summary of where I've taught:
Greensboro Children's Theatre (Greensboro, NC): Directing Intern (3 months)
Dallas Children's Theatre (Dallas, TX): Summer Education Intern
Florida Children's Theatre (formerly the Fort Lauderdale Children's Theatre): 2 years
Chesterbrook Academy: 4 years
Hurrah Players (Norfolk, VA): 3 years
Norfolk Public Schools: 1 year
Here are some of my links:
-www.amyeileenmahon.com
-https://www.facebook.com/amy.mahon.7127
-https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-e-mahon-26458b15/
-http://resume.castingnetworks.com/amyemahon
Reviews
Dave O.
WAlter T.
Frequently asked questions
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
B.A. Theatre - Elon University
Post-baccalaureate training in Voice, Movement, and Choreography - Broward College
Certificate, The Professional Program in Screenwriting - UCLA
M.F.A. Film-Television, Script & Screenwriting - Regent University
Certificate, Philosophy & Ethics - Harvard Extension School (in progress)
Sketch & Comedy Writing - Second City Online
Stage Combat & Stunts - various SAFD-sanctioned workshops (Virginia Beach Bash 2015, The Tourist Trap 2017)
I took dance lessons at Pine Crest School when I was younger, and continued to train in Ballet and other forms of dance while at Elon, and at the University Center for the Performing Arts in Davie, FL.
I take private lessons in piano and ukulele.
I trained in improvisational acting at DSI Comedy in North Carolina and Sick Puppies Comedy in Florida.
I have been a production intern at Jpixx (a video-led marketing company) and Studio Center in Virginia Beach. I am starting an internship at WHRO in Norfolk in February 2018. I have directed short films in addition to several plays. Because of my experience in production I can help students understand the business of being an actor, and I have many professional connections who can provide other services, such as headshots, taping/recording, etc.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Generally I charge $50/hour-long lesson. If I have to buy supplies, such as books or print out a lot of pages, then I ask to be compensated for those. However, I am happy to work with people on a case-by-case basis. I want to help people, not make a profit off of them. I don't like to barter but in some cases I have done it when a child really wants to improve their skills and it is beyond the parents' financial abilities to enroll them in a class. At the end of the day it is way more rewarding for me to spend the time working with someone who is passionate about their craft, and I love finding out my students have been cast in short films, television episodes, and commercials. I reserve the right to deny providing lessons to anyone for any reason.