Natasha Y. Acting, Public Speaking, Performance Poetry, Playwriting New York, NY

ACTING

Most of my acting students come to work on Audition Technique.  We focus on monologues and cold readings.  In terms of Acting Philosophy, I create a safe, nurturing, non-competitive environment for actors to work on their craft; this supportive atmosphere allows one to take risks and grow as an artist. Vulnerability is necessary and vital for good acting. Acting takes tremendous courage because the actor must be willing to expose the depths of human experience. Working through fear and inhibitions can be the most empowering part of being an actor. What excites me about acting is that acting is about the human experience so the potential for growth is infinite. It is the task of the actor to tell the play's story--to propel the forward action of the play. I believe in giving the actor the tools and skills they need to accomplish this task. I teach my students the importance of breath and to trust their bodies. I believe in unleashing impulses, getting out of one's head, specificity, staying open and present to the moment, and the ability to respond spontaneously to what your partner is giving you. Script analysis is imperative in the craft of acting; this informs the actor's entire process and can not be neglected. Relationships and given circumstances must be integrated into the work; I teach actors to examine the text and make informed choices. I teach warm-up exercises to bring the actor into a state of being where their instrument can experience maximum creativity, imagination, and relaxation. Character work is the layer I add after the actor's instrument is open and breathing freely. I believe in empowering actors and after exposing them to many methodologies, I encourage students to discover and create their own method of acting that works for that unique individual.

 

PUBLIC SPEAKING

 

I guide students through the fears that many students have when taking a public speaking class. I teach them to harness their nervousness and use it to their advantage. I teach relaxation and articulation exercises so that they can have their voice and body in the best possible condition. I challenge my students to find their passion and to push their own boundaries and limitations—whether it is a regional accent or a severely shy personality. I have a unique teaching approach because I combine acting techniques and exercises that elicit stronger public speaking skills than traditional Speech exercises.  My students make great strides in their speech giving skills and I take pride in that. I am nurturing and challenging and that contributes to the great success of my students.

 

PERFORMANCE POETRY

For the past two years I have taught for the National Endowment for the Arts Poetry Out Loud residency.  I love helping students bring poetry to life.   When I coach Performance Poetry, I teach students the importance of being "in the moment" and using the images within the poem to feed the performance.  I also have them work with an imaginary "other" so they have an urgent need to communicate the poet's words.