Acting coaching can take on a number of shapes and forms, due to its reliance on the personality and physicality of the individual.  We utilize a collaboration of acting methods from Meisner to Stanislavski to give actors the best tools to choose from.  It is crucial for each student to learn their own strengths, weaknesses, fears, and tendencies in order to better understand the role and reality that is required of them.  We should reiterate that the studio is a safe space for all actors to explore their thoughts, and discover themselves.  This does mean actors will have to do unusual and seemingly uncomfortable activities to break-through their inner emotional barriers. It is important that we develop a sense of trust for this work to take place, so we ask that these sessions remain private (for kids, parents are not invited to attend).  These are always purposeful exercises that prepare you for your work.

 

Coaching can be geared towards monologues, scene work, improv, or songs through various exercises that engage the mind and challenge the actor to understand the material more deeply.  Often, students coach material which will later be used for auditions, or applied into production by another director, but work can also be done to gain a sense of security or experience with a certain character.  We expect that all actors will come prepared and memorized to make the best use of their time.  If you would like advice or assistance in this department, we are happy to help.

 

Frequently, a session will begin with a brief physical, vocal and emotional warm-up that encourages calmness and awareness, as well as a certain emotional engagement.  Then, we will utilize physical and emotional exercises as they apply to the material.  Many times we engage actors in conversation about their character, the given circumstances, and their objectives.  Often, we will block, or even re-block a scene as needed to provide clarity in the performance.  We may end up completely reimagining the monologue/scene!  Ultimately, the goal is to create realness and comfortability.

 

Because of the individual nature of acting coaching, it is extremely helpful for me to obtain the material ahead of time for the lesson. I hope to work with students several times before their performance as there can be much to do, and so that they have ample time to let the work we do in our lesson sink in.  Students are also invited to perform any materials they have prepared at The Tabor Studio Concerts.