Actor, director and teacher Karen Vickery will lead a masterclass in the art of the audition in the ACT Hub program this month. Photo: Supplied.
Have you always wanted to tread the boards? Reckon you have what it takes to be the acting world’s Next Big Thing? Or do you just like the idea of becoming more confident when it comes to public speaking?
Canberra folk are invited to learn from the best when the ACT Hub Learning Program stages a week of workshops and masterclasses, designed for experienced actors, others keen to get their start in the industry and those who would just like to improve their “presence”.
Canberra actor, director and teacher, Karen Vickery, who is also coordinating the classes, said it was the first time such a program had been staged in the national capital.
“We are very excited that Tony Knight, one of Australia’s most celebrated acting teachers, will be taking some of the masterclasses,” she said.
“Tony was head of acting at NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Art) for more than 20 years, he is an extraordinarily gifted man. He will be known to Canberrans for Lakespeare’s celebrated As You Like It.
“As well as the masterclasses, he will direct Chaika Theatre’s next production of The Children by Lucy Kirkwood.”
The theatre program will run from 15 to 20 July with a series of masterclass sessions.
Mr Knight will stage the first two masterclasses – Demystifying Shakespeare and Playing Chekhov – which are designed for “those looking to get out of their comfort zones, forge a deeper connection to their craft, and discover new levels of artistry”.
Ms Vickery, artistic director of Chaika Theatre, will look at what is seen as one of the hardest parts of the acting process – the audition.
She says it’s all about “bringing your best self into the room”.
“Preparedness is all,” she said. “We’ll examine script analysis, finding the moment and vocal and physical presence.”
People interested in playing a role behind the scenes will also be catered for in the program, with artistic director of the Free-Rain Theatre Company, Anne Somes leading classes on how to become a producer.
Everyman Theatre’s Jarrad West and Alexander Unikowski will lead a class about musical theatre, looking at why some songs affect actors and audiences in such different ways.
Voice and performance coach Sarah Chalmers, also from NIDA, will conduct a workshop about Vocal Alchemy, teaching students how to embrace the power of voice. This course is designed to not only help professionals polish their craft but also help conquer performance anxiety and improve confidence.
Ylaria Rogers from HeartStrings Theatre Co will look at how directors can get the best from their cast – and enhance their leadership skills.
More information about the workshop is available online.
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