For the artists who want to be wild…
Somatic Stagecraft
A body-based theatre modality that supports liberated movement, choices, and expression on stage.
1:1 Sessions in West Hobart
60 minutes for $90
This craft is designed for those who want to connect with their audience, make bold choices, and kick their inner critic to the curb.
These personalised acting sessions draw upon many years in acting schools, both nationally and internationally.
These are the artistic and personal practices that have worked consistently to deliver good results, both in rehearsals and performance.
They bring freedom, courage, and depth to the work.
They are based in the Alexander Technique, but also extend beyond those principals.
Somatic Stagecraft is the true essence of Act Wild Theatre.
Not just for actors…
Somatic Stagecraft is ideal for
Musicians. Painters. Public-speakers. Puppeteers. Dancers. Writers. Comedians. Directors. Singers. Even shy people.
What does Somatic Stagecraft involve?
This work is made up of Three Pilars:
TRUST
This first stage is all about trust—within your body, the space around you, and your creative instincts. This is largely guided by the Alexander Technique, and a gentle hands on approach for physical coordination. To find out more about the Alexander Technique, click HERE.
CONNECTION
Once your breath and body are harmonised we get to delve into your chosen material—be it a script, a character, or performance piece. We may use some simple acting tools to remove any artistic blocks as well. Let's uncover your strengths and gently address areas for growth.
EXPANSION
This is the part I love the most. It’s the opportunity to imbue the work with your own 'creative signature’ - the part that makes you, you. Whether refining physicality, voice, or infusing a moment with more emotional depth, this is where we nuance your craft and really make it POP!
What inspired this work?
As a true theatre nerd, I live and breathe for those precious moments on stage. It becomes a zone of infinite choices and juicy self-expression. But it didn’t always feel like that.
I would get nervous. I would get self-critical. And then my body and breath would seize up. I’d fall short of what I knew I was capable of.
Luckily, I am stubborn and wanted better for myself. I developed some pretty great tools and exercises to keep me grounded, connected, and ALIVE (both in the rehearsal and performance aspects of my craft).
These tools, coupled with my Alexander Technique training, have allowed me to form a unique approach to the art of performance. And now, I get to share it with others.
What does a session look like?
These can be done in-person or online.
They are tailored to suit your needs and requirements, be it preparing for a performance, workshopping ideas, script analysis work, or laying down a self-tape.
We may need more than one session, or it could be a simple one-off booking.
What are some of the acting tools you use?
I largely lead with my gut on what an artist needs, this is an intuitive process for me. But that’s not to say there isn’t technique present. Here are some of the practices my work involves:
ANIMAL WORK
(The embodiment of a chosen animal). This tool is powerful and effective, particularly for character work. We will embody an animal of choice and take on its physical and energetic characteristics to infuse your performance work.
DANCE
If you want to work with me, we are going to needs to address the old story of ‘I don’t dance.’ Music and movement is THE KEY to my freedom on stage, and it’s the bread and butter of this work. It gets us out of our head, into the body, and into our emotional depth. But don’t worry, I promise it will be fun!
SHAKING & BREATH
This is a connected movement practice largely focused on clearing physical and mental blocks in the work. It is also extremely useful for physical coordination.
ARCHETYPAL WORK
The archetypes are a zesty way to distil an emotional and energetic quality of a character or ‘moment’ in a piece. It illuminates the true essence of our creative material and inspires liberated movement.
SCRIPT ANALYSIS
I have done years of training in script breakdowns and analysis. This tool doesn’t just extend for actors, it is also highly effective for musicians with their music, comedians with their stand-up material, or anyone using drawing from written word. We will look at objectives, obstacles, actions, the five points of story, inner monologue, personalisation, subtext, and psychological gesture.
What are the benefits?
Processes that inspire good physical coordination
A sense of ‘whole body’ and ‘all of you’ alive in your work
Unlocked creativity and impulses
A greater capacity to collaborate with others
Working with tools you can repeat at home that remove mental and emotional blocks around self-expression
Heightened sensory awareness and sensitivity
The ability to connect ‘words’ with the body (so your whole instrument is online and engaged)
A tactile and proven way of dealing with pre-show nerves
A self-respect for your own process and creative spirit
A safe space to workshop new material
Grounded tools to help you memorise text
Need a testimonal, or 3?
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Simply put, I feel like parts of myself have become integrated. It is beyond logic and reason.
Jessica, actress
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The whole experience has opened me up in my day to day life. I love how quirky Jem’s work is!
Leylani, visual artist
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I found my inner child and my mother-flippin werewolf!
Emily, actress
