PHILOSOPHY

I do not believe there is a single 'method' of acting that is appropriate for all actors in every moment. I do, however, believe
there are elements of acting that are present in all great peformances: a quiet mind, a relaxed but ready body, kinesthetic
awarness, a deep connection to the space and people who inhabit it, a free and impulsive spirit, complete faith in those impulses
and the ability to take action on them, an engagement in action that is tangible to the actor, the essence of being 'led' by an
outwardly-directed focus, and a strong sense of place, character, relationship, and intention. This may seem like a long list, but
all of these can ultimately feel instinctive and effortless. And while there is an infinite number of ways to achieve these qualities,
I do believe there is one constant - the environment in which this exploration is undertaken. An actor's best work arises in an
environment of safety and artistic freedom free of judgment, one in which we, together, nurture the process. The best "product"
comes from a process that applies no pressure to attain that product. When the human beings who are exploring their potential
as artists are respected and the growth taking place in each moment is the most important thing, it is a happy coincidence that
an outstanding product is realized.

My work has been inspired by many of the great teachers, and often a single rehearsal or coaching session draws on the work
of several of them, from Stanislavsky to Meisner to Hagen to Strasburg to Spolin to Johnstone, and always incorporates my own
personal touch that comes from years of experimentation. I am very grateful to my own mentors, Nola Chilton and Ted Kazanoff
in Acting, and Annie Loui (author of The Physical Actor) and Susan Dibble in Movement, whose amazing work continues to
inform my teaching.

There is no greater joy than helping an actor reach new levels of
performance, and the first step for a teacher is to understand the
importance of every moment spent with a student. A student must feel
at home, particularly a student of acting, as it is an extremely
challenging and personal craft and one that takes great personal
courage. I believe that every student has an infinite set of experiences
that feeds the work - in fact, it is that inherently unique background
that makes each performer special. I believe that an actor must have
faith in who they are, and that who they are is the very thing that
makes their performance engaging and undeniably rich. We do not
present a 'character' to an audience - we reveal parts of ourselves
through that character.